For anyone looking to pursue a career in the power and energy industry, my biggest advice is to be proactive and open to opportunities. The industry is broad, covering everything from generation and transmission to mining the raw materials that make it all possible. The more you explore, the more you'll refine your interests and find where you fit.
Networking is key attend industry events, talk to professionals, and don't be afraid to ask questions. My first internship at TasNetworks came through an industry scholarship, and that experience opened the door to everything that followed. Whether it's picking up relevant electives, applying for internships, or reaching out to companies, showing genuine interest will help you stand out.
Finally, be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Whether it's working in remote locations, tackling complex engineering challenges, or adapting to new technologies, the power and energy sector is constantly evolving. The people who thrive in it are the ones who embrace change and keep learning.
Who am I
I'm a mechanical engineering student from Tasmania with a strong curiosity for how things work and a passion for hands-on problem-solving. I've always enjoyed designing, building, and improving things whether it's 3D printing custom bike components or understanding the mechanics behind large-scale systems.
Throughout university, I've actively sought out opportunities to gain real-world experience. Thanks to the API Scholarship, I secured an internship with TasNetworks, where I worked in the Substations Assets team and got exposure to power distribution and asset management. From there, I became interested in the large-scale mechanical systems that keep operations running and took on an underground mining internship with BHP. These experiences have shaped my passion for engineering in complex, high-demand environments.
Outside of my studies, I have a background in competitive triathlon, which has taught me the importance of discipline, teamwork, and pushing through challenges. When I'm not at uni or on my bike, I spend a lot of time designing and 3D printing components, always looking for ways to refine and improve my ideas. I enjoy working on challenging projects, and I'm excited to build a career where I can apply my engineering skills in a meaningful way.
Why I chose a career in power
I’ve always had a natural curiosity about how things work—but my direct interest in the energy industry came from following the growing political discussions around sustainable energy and the future of power generation in Australia. The challenge of balancing energy security, sustainability, and large-scale infrastructure investment fascinated me, and as I moved into university, I had this career path in mind.
Thanks to the API Scholarship, I secured an internship at TasNetworks, where I worked in the Substations Assets team, gaining firsthand experience in the operation and management of Tasmania’s electrical network. I worked on transformer condition assessments and business cases for asset replacement, which gave me an appreciation for the complexity of power distribution and infrastructure investment.
However, I wanted to go deeper—beyond the transmission network and into the source of the raw materials that fuel Australia and the world. That curiosity led me to the mining and resources industry, where I’ve developed a strong interest in the mechanical projects that keep large-scale operations running efficiently. During my next internship with BHP’s underground mining team, I saw how critical power systems are in remote, high-demand environments—whether it’s powering heavy machinery, ventilation systems, or processing plants.
Now, having completed an internship with TasNetworks & BHP, I can see how each step along the way—from the API Scholarship to TasNetworks to mining—has shaped my path. The scholarship gave me a foot in the door, the internship gave me industry experience, and now, I’m pursuing a career where my interests align and power, mechanical engineering, and resources all intersect.
Where it all started
What excites me most about entering the industry is the scale, complexity, and impact of the work. From my internships at TasNetworks and BHP, I’ve seen firsthand how engineering plays a crucial role in keeping essential industries running—whether it’s maintaining the reliability of Tasmania’s power grid or ensuring underground mining operations have the energy and infrastructure they need to operate efficiently.
I’m particularly drawn to the problem-solving aspect of the industry. Whether it’s optimising mechanical systems in a mine, improving power distribution networks, or working on large-scale projects, every challenge has real-world consequences. The ability to work on cutting-edge technology, be part of major infrastructure projects, and contribute to Australia’s energy and resource sectors is something I find incredibly motivating.
Beyond the technical side, the dynamic nature of the industry excites me. The transition towards more sustainable energy solutions, advancements in automation and electrification in mining, and the constant push for innovation mean there’s always something new to learn. I enjoy working in fast-paced environments where adaptability and creativity are valued, and I’m looking forward to contributing to an industry that’s shaping the future of energy and resources.
My work experience.
What's next?
SureFlight Aviation [Aircraft maintenance assistant]
Delta Hydraulics [Production Line machine operator]
TasNetworks [Mechanical Engineer intern]
Currently Employed at:
BHP (Prominent Hill, Adelaide SA) [Underground Mining & Mechanical engineer]
BHP (Prominent Hill, Adelaide SA) [Underground Mining & Mechanical engineer intern]