First Blog

Hey, my name is Daniel Gardner and I am currently in my second year of mechanical engineering at CQU in Mackay. With this being my first post I thought I'd share a little bit about myself and my experiences during my first year at uni.

I have grown up in Mackay and graduated from school in 2009. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to see a number of friends go to university (in particular CQU) and study engineering before me. Through talking to them about their experiences I was able to make my decision to also study engineering and eventually specialise in the mechanical discipline. I later enrolled in a Bachelor of Engineering/Co-op Diploma of Professional Practice which involves two 6 month blocks of work placement (Vac Work) at a Professional Engineering company.

During my first year at CQU I was privileged to become a Queensland Resources Council Scholarship holder. As a part of this scholarship I have become a QRC Student Ambassador which allows me to attend various engineering functions and events during the year and create a network in the Resources Sector while learning about the endless opportunities it offers.

To any high school students thinking about a career in engineering, I would highly recommend it. My first year was full of great opportunities and although it was quite different to school life, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at CQU. Through completing the engineering projects I was able to meet a number of industry representatives and discuss the various disciplines as well as some of the massive projects they had been involved with. (I was quite amazed to meet a man who had designed the bridge I drive over to get to uni every morning).

If there was one tip that I could offer any first year student or highschool student looking at studying engineering, it would be to get involved and have fun doing it. The opportunities in the engineering profession are endless not to mention extremely rewarding.

Well, that’s all from me for now.
Until next time,

Daniel