{"id":32158,"date":"2026-09-09T13:45:39","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T05:45:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=advice&p=32158"},"modified":"2026-09-09T13:47:01","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T05:47:01","slug":"in-your-curtin-universe-youll-turn-your-studies-into-a-career-with-confidence","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/advice\/in-your-curtin-universe-youll-turn-your-studies-into-a-career-with-confidence\/","title":{"rendered":"In your Curtin Universe, you’ll turn your studies into a career with confidence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For Radinsa, practical learning, industry experience and leadership opportunities have given her <\/strong><\/strong>the skills, confidence and connections for a career that she\u2019s passionate about.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest questions for high-school students considering university study is how a degree translates into real work. At Curtin, hands-on learning, industry placements and global opportunities help students see how the skills they develop at uni lead to meaningful careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electrical and Electronic Engineering<\/a> student Radinsa Dharmadasa explained how Curtin’s programs also helped to build her confidence and choose the industry she wants to work in \u2013 exactly what she was hoping for when considering which university was right for her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cCurtin is praised for its engineering and hands-on learning. And there are also a bunch of opportunities to gain industry experience as well as leadership skills and global perspectives,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Photograph
Radinsa at the 2026 Curtin University Scholarships Celebration, where she was awarded a prestigious engineering scholarship for women.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Choosing Engineering to make a difference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Radinsa chose Engineering because she was determined to have a career that would have real impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI wanted to use my problem-solving skills to make a tangible difference. Electrical and Electronic Engineering stood out because it\u2019s so heavily involved in the world around us, and the world that we\u2019re working towards,\u201d she explained. \u201cThere’s a lot happening in renewable energy areas, and it would be great to be a part of that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She said the practical components of her course have been a highlight, because they’ve help her connect the knowledge she gains in lectures with real engineering systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn our laboratory classes, I can apply the concepts from lectures to real-world engineering systems. I\u2019ve been able to test various electrical equipment, build circuits and program \u2013 making the theory come to life really solidifies my passion for engineering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Radinsa explained that because she learns best when she can apply theory in a practical setting, “access to Curtin\u2019s lab facilities was
a major factor\u201d when it came to choosing where to study engineering.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Industry experiences that create careers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Building on her laboratory classes, Radinsa\u2019s industry experiences have been invaluable \u2013 not only for showing how engineering knowledge is applied in professional settings, but also for growing her confidence and developing camaraderie with colleagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve done two internships with BHP. The first was a three-month internship in Port Hedland, working as an electrical engineer for the technical team. Any changes that need to happen on site must go through the team for approval. So that involves engineering assessments, doing all the calculations, making sure everything’s up to standard and code.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her second internship was a year later, in the same team but this time at a mine site near Newman. And she\u2019s stayed on with the team, working two to three days a week from the Perth office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those experiences have given Radinsa useful insights into both the technical expectations of engineering work and the confidence that comes from being part of a professional team. And the ongoing exposure to engineering practice that she\u2019s gaining highlights how internships can be more than short-term opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThose periods definitely had a lot of self-growth for me. I gained a lot of confidence about going into the industry. I think I\u2019m a fairly shy person, but when you go to a mine site, especially a FIFO site, everyone there is just so friendly and keen to chat,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd just seeing how my degree will correlate to my future. So, what can I take with my learning and where can I go? It was nice to fully experience the opportunities I\u2019ll have after I graduate. Yeah, I\u2019d say those are my two main takeaways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building confidence through leadership<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Radinsa decided early on in her studies that she\u2019d make the most of her opportunities at Curtin. In her second year, through Curtin\u2019s Global Scholars Program<\/a>, she joined a study tour to Sarawak in Malaysia and took on the role of student leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe worked in high schools in Miri, delivering STEM workshops such as floating platforms \u2013 where students have to create a house that can float on water, to simulate houses affected by rising water levels or floods,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBeing a student leader also helped me to build my leadership skills and gave me a greater understanding of cross-cultural collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Radinsa (top row in this photo) said that delivering STEM workshops in Miri helped her to build leadership skills.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Preparing engineers for the future<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Radinsa\u2019s prospects for her dream career continue to grow through student opportunities. Recently, she was awarded the Hatch Women in Engineering Scholarship<\/a>, which has opened yet another door to industry connections. And her success in gaining a scholarship has reinforced her confidence for a career of her choosing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe scholarship includes an internship placement at Hatch<\/a>, a consulting engineering company for the energy and mining industries,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI definitely want to go into the power system side of things, in the energy or infrastructure sectors,\u201d she said. \u201cI think there\u2019ll be super interesting opportunities in resources \u2013 like creating electric vehicles for mine sites. I\u2019m really looking forward to making a meaningful contribution.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the 2026 Curtin University Scholarships Celebration held in July, Radinsa had this to say<\/a> about her scholarship:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs someone who is passionate about engineering, leadership and STEM outreach, it was encouraging to be surrounded by so many people who are committed to investing in the next generation of engineers and innovators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne of the key messages from the evening was that scholarships represent far more than financial assistance \u2013 they create opportunities to learn, connect, and grow both personally and professionally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contributing to industry before graduation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For high-school students wondering how an engineering degree leads to a career, Radinsa\u2019s journey shows how university can become a pathway into industry long before graduation. Through practical learning as well as internship, scholarship, volunteering and leadership opportunities, she\u2019s been able to strengthen her expertise, confidence and industry connections \u2013 and form a clear picture of the difference she intends to make as an engineer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And she offers these tips to anyone who’s about to start their university journey:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy advice is to take advantage of every opportunity that Curtin offers. Join clubs, volunteer, apply for internships, participate in leadership programs and consider studying overseas if you can,\u201d she said. \u201cI joined the Youth Outreach committee at the Curtin branch of Engineers Without Borders<\/a>, became a leader at Curtin Volunteers!<\/a> and so much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“These opportunities lead to more opportunities and the most valuable experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re inspired by Radinsa\u2019s experience, you can learn more about how Curtin\u2019s education takes you beyond the classroom<\/a>. And if you’re interested in a career that helps industries become more sustainable, explore Curtin’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Radinsa\u2019s experiences and current work at BHP demonstrate how Curtin students can contribute to industry while still studying.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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