Sparking career growth through the Master of Professional Engineering

Hi, my name is Foliga and I’m from Samoa. I wanted to progress in my career, so further education made sense to me. The Master of Professional Engineering (Civil and Management) consists of advanced units that are aligned with the expectations of a well-rounded engineering professional. Unit electives also allowed me to tailor my degree to explore and develop my understanding of a broad range of topics, ranging from the planning and management of solar farms to the design and construction of bridges. The course structure also provides ample opportunities for theoretical learning and practical application. This has enabled me to better understand the topics I learnt and has motivated me to become a better problem-solver.

Studying at QUT

I thoroughly enjoyed working on group assignments that involved students from different engineering backgrounds. It helped me understand the perspectives of others and recognise the considerations needed to create better solutions for the future. 'Real world' is an appreciation of the ever-changing context in which we live. QUT courses encourage students to consider the implications and consequences of their actions. By mimicking real-world scenarios, I have gained skills to develop unique solutions for the many challenges we may face.

QUT has a strong reputation within the industry. I have had several mentors and colleagues, both overseas and locally, who are graduates of QUT. This is a testament to the knowledge and experiences gained throughout their time here.

Practical learning

As an international student, I was initially worried about the prospect of finding work to fulfil my work-integrated learning requirements. However, I was fortunate that my previous employers, Kramer Ausenco, have an office based in Brisbane which allowed me to carry out part-time work whilst studying. As a result, I was able to continue working on projects in my home country of Samoa, as well as new and exciting projects within Australia and the South Pacific region. This experience has given me exposure to different built environments whilst also receiving the mentorship and guidance that complemented my studies.

It was reassuring to see that lecturers and tutors are actively engaged with industry. It always helps when they can present or explain case studies based on their individual experiences, bringing a wealth of experience and adding a unique dimension during discussions. Similarly, my own experiences from industry have been received positively by the QUT teaching staff.

Support whilst studying

QUT's range of support services are always available and the staff are very approachable. I have benefited from academic support in terms of report writing and adjusting to university life again. As a scholarship student, I had to complete an introductory academic program which consisted of various workshops, including the use of the library for research, report writing and adapting to life in Australia. At the end of the program, I had settled into life at QUT quite comfortably and made lifelong friends in the process.

Scholarship recipient

I am extremely grateful to be a recipient of an Australia Awards Scholarship, sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The scholarship covers full tuition and living expenses for the duration of my degree, allowing me to better focus on my time at QUT so that I am equipped with the skills and leadership qualities to develop my home country of Samoa.

Student life

I have joined a couple of clubs so far. This includes the QUT Pasifika Association (QUTPA) and the Civil Engineering Students Society (CESS). For me, it is important to connect with like-minded individuals. The Pasifika community has allowed me to meet people who share a similar background with me. And the CESS offers great events for networking with the industry.

Living in Brisbane

I chose to come to Brisbane to study because I had met lots of lovely people who had graduated from QUT. Each of them shared their experiences of living in the city and I just knew that it would be a great fit for me. I like that the city is family-friendly with vibrant parks and communal spaces for gatherings. There is always something to do within walking distance!

My advice

I would highly recommend QUT to anyone considering it. The courses on offer give you the skills to become a future industry leader. It has allowed me to reflect on my own career and improve not just my technical skills, but also my social and personal qualities too.

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