Sarah
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours majoring in Mechatronics Engineering
Hometown: Wellington
What do you like most about studying Engineering at UC?
I was a bit nervous going into a male-dominated field, but everyone's incredibly friendly here. I became comfortable very quickly, and now I don't see it as an issue at all. There's so much support and everyone's way less intimidating than you may think. The lecturers are also super supportive and I’m always comfortable approaching them for help.
I love the community that I have around me. The friendships and camaraderie really enhance my learning experience because we all help each other get through the hard times.
Is there a memorable project from your studies so far?
One of my favorite projects was building a robot that autonomously follows a line. It was a group project where we did everything from 3D printing the mechanical parts to designing the circuit board to doing all the coding. We made something very functional, and it was really fulfilling to see it all come together.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
My internship at Transpower opened my eyes to the power industry in New Zealand, so I'm considering a job working on the transmission network here. But Mechatronics lets me explore many different things and work in many different industries, so I am open to going wherever my career takes me.
How do Engineering internships work?
Engineering honours degrees have an 800-hour work experience requirement, typically split between two summers. Interning at Transpower, I got to see how energy is distributed around the country. It was great to apply the theoretical learnings from my lectures to something tangible.
Internships not only strengthen your technical skills, but also your social and professional skills, like what to wear to the office or how to construct a proper email. All those soft skills are also critical to becoming a good engineer.
What do you like most about student life at UC?
My favorite thing is being able to get involved in so many different clubs. They’re all very inclusive and I've met many good friends through clubs that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.
I’m the secretary for TronSoc. It aims to provide a good experience for students studying Mechatronics, and it’s super fun to be a part of. We organise many things – from workshops to industry nights and social events, and even a mentorship programme.
What other engineering extracurriculars are you involved in?
I mentor with ENGME!, a student-led mentoring programme for first year Engineering students. We run weekly mentoring sessions doing a variety of group activities. During my first year, my ENGME! mentor really helped me, so I like being able to pass on that support to others. It’s really rewarding to see my mentees come out of their shell and express their personalities.
Did you live in the halls your first year?
Yes, I lived in Arcady Hall. It was very close-knit and welcoming. I met a really good bunch of friends there, and it was so much fun. To this day, we still meet up weekly to go swimming together! Halls are a great middle-ground between living at home and flatting.
What do you like about living in Christchurch?
Christchurch is more affordable than other New Zealand cities, and super accessible. Since it’s so flat, I love getting around on my skateboard, especially around campus. There are lots of cool events and gigs happening in the city as well, so it’s a fun place to be.
And the proximity to the outdoors is great. Having that access to nature is so important to me. The beach is just a short drive from campus, and you can get to several ski fields in less than two hours. Last year I got introduced to snowboarding and immediately became addicted.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love cooking. We do shared meals in my flat, so I go full out MasterChef-mode and try to come up with different dishes, although I must admit they don’t always turn out as I envisioned. I also love to crochet and play my acoustic guitar. It’s such a good way to relax after a long, busy week.
How have you seen yourself grow since you started at UC?
I've grown in so many ways, but I think the biggest thing is my confidence. I'm so much more comfortable talking to a wide range of people and standing up for what I believe in, which is something I am really proud of.
Any words of advice for other students considering Engineering at UC?
Go for it. There is a place in Engineering for everybody, and don’t listen to that negative part of you that might be saying “it’s too hard” or “I don’t belong here”. Engineering at UC is so supportive and inclusive, you’re bound to learn heaps and have a great time.
