QUT – a journey full of learning, friendships, and unforgettable moments!

I’m Anuj from India. I’m coming from a technical background of mechanical engineers so studying engineering was a given for me. I also wanted to learn more about management and learn from industry projects so the Master of Engineering Management was the best choice for me. With this course I will have a wide range of career options such as Engineering manager, Consultant, Logistics analyst, Operations and Project Manager. I started my Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in India but decided to pursue my masters in Australia to gain international experience. My choice was Brisbane as it is a multicultural city with a nice atmosphere and a great place to study for students. QUT caught my eye as it provides students with real-world  industry experience and career support.

Real world insights

I like that we have expert lecturers and numerous events and tutorials that all brings a good combination of theory and practical learning. Getting to meet industry experts at various events has definitely been a highlight for me and very useful for my future career.

Real-world experience offers a distinct viewpoint on how the knowledge you learn is practically applied. One example from my master's program is when I was learning about management tools. The value of these tools became clearer during an event organized by 180Degrees Consulting QUT in collaboration with Deloitte. At this event, we engaged with Deloitte employees and the Director, who showed us how these tools are used through real-life examples. This experience underscored the significance of networking and its practical relevance in our lives. Consequently, it altered my perspective on the acquired knowledge and underscored the vital role of real-world experience.

Another memorable opportunity was participating in a group project in my engineering course, where we were tasked with designing and developing a sustainable management solution. This project allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to a practical problem, work collaboratively with my peers, and learn skills such as project management, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

I have had the privilege of collaborating with several excellent professors who are supervising my projects. Their guidance and mentorship are invaluable in helping me to develop my technical skills, and their feedback has been instrumental in improving the quality of my work. Additionally, these professors have always been approachable and willing to go beyond to provide support and advice to their students. This has created a supportive learning environment, which has encouraged me to ask questions and seek help whenever necessary.

Working whilst studying

I started working part-time in a convenience store when I came to Brisbane to gain some additional income. At first, I thought it wasn’t really my thing and not so fun, but I soon realised that I improved my time management skills and interacted with customers as well as getting an insight into Australian work culture. It has been a valuable learning experience for me and something that has had a positive impact on developing my transferrable skills.

Campus life

I enjoy the campus life and facilities such as the library, food court, cafes, indoor sports centre, gym, pool and sports fields. There is something for everyone to make your studies easy and fun. As the campus is located in the city centre, so you have plenty of options to enjoy all the great things Brisbane has to offer. I love the Gardens Point campus and my favourite place is the V-Block building where the library is. I spend most of my time in library which has the best study atmosphere along with all the facilities needed while studying, and yes that includes an amazing coffee shop as well, The Merlo Coffee.

Meeting friends

The best way to meet friends is to join one of the many social clubs on campus, QUT has a wide variety to suit your taste. You could also volunteer which I did for QUT Connect. I helped out at Welcome week, as a faculty facilitator for Kickstart which had a lot of cool events. It was so much fun and a great way to meet new friends from all over the world. Connecting with new students around university but also off-campus helped a lot to make the transition to live in a new city easier.

Additionally, it's important to balance academic work with extracurricular activities and self-care, whether that's through sports, hobbies, or simply taking breaks to relax and recharge. Overall, QUT offers a vibrant and supportive community for students to thrive in, and I would encourage anyone considering studying here to take the leap and make the most of their university experience.

Top ten advice to new students

I have had numerous highlights throughout my academic journey. My time at QUT has been enriching, from learning from experienced lecturers to engaging in research projects that have really helped me to develop critical skills. Additionally, being a part of the multicultural community at QUT has been another highlight of my experience.

If you are a new student at QUT or thinking about coming here to study, I have a few advice.

1. Follow Your Passion: Choose a program you love, as QUT offers diverse fields.
2. Hands-On Learning: Get ready for real-world projects and industry experience.
3. Network Smart: Attend events to meet professionals and make valuable connections.
4. Embrace Diversity: Enjoy the international community and broaden your horizons.
5. Use Support Services: QUT offers support for both academics and personal needs.
6. Enjoy Brisbane: Explore the city's culture and outdoor activities.
7. Plan Accommodation: Start early to secure the best housing option.
8. Time Management: Balance studies and life effectively.
9. Ask Away: Reach out to students and staff for guidance.
10. Stay Open: Embrace new experiences for personal growth.