Students earn engineering bursary
NOT too long ago, Reuben Smith made a life-changing decision.
Originally enrolled in a medical degree, the Gladstone student chose Electrial Engineering instead. He says he hasn't looked back since.
"Overall it was really just my interest in maths and science which lured me to Electrical Engineering. I attended the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra last year and it really opened up my eyes to the wonderful opportunities available in not just electrical, but engineering in general," Reuben said.
"I've have always enjoyed learning about the principles of electricity and how electrical power is fundamental to modern day society."
Reuben is one of three CQUniversity students who have earned an Australian Power Institute (API) bursary in 2012, based on their academic results.
As a bursary recipient, he will receive $8000 in financial support over the next four years of study and will have a chance to develop practical, real-world skills through paid vocational employment with API member companies. This could amount to more than $20,000 over three summer vacations.
"At this stage, my career aspirations are simply to graduate as a professional engineer and gain some valuable experience working in the various industries and companies throughout Queensland. Eventually, I would love to travel overseas to work and make the most of my qualification as a professional engineer," Reuben says.
While he is progressing well in Engineering, Reuben still has a connection to the medical fraternity through his part-time work for a local chemist. He's also a keen tennis player and musician.
