What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Engineering Degree: Insights from Industry Professionals

The Australian Power Institute (API) recently hosted the first Inside Industry session of 2025, bringing together industry professionals to share insights on what they wish they had known before starting their engineering degrees. The session featured three panelists with diverse backgrounds and career paths, offering invaluable advice to students navigating their own engineering journeys. 

Meet the Panelists 

• Jim Riley – A second-year Renewable and Electrical Power Engineering student at QUT, transitioning from a decade-long career as an electrician. 

• Jack Burgemeister – A graduate engineer at SA Power Networks, who discovered his passion for power engineering after a chance encounter with API. 

• Sushma Pallapothu – A Connections Engineer at Windlab, who pursued a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering after growing up in Botswana. 

Why Engineering? The Motivation Behind Their Choices 

Each panelist had a unique journey into engineering, driven by different motivations: 

• Jim had always been fascinated by problem-solving, starting with his love for Lego and later working as an electrician. His curiosity about why systems were designed the way they were led him to study engineering. 

• Jack was encouraged by a teacher who matched his interests in STEM and teamwork with engineering. A dramatic experience—witnessing a transformer explosion—piqued his interest in electrical engineering. 

• Sushma followed her passion for math and physics, despite initial uncertainty. She found her calling in electrical engineering through exposure to real-world applications in university courses and industry programs. 

Watch the recording now:

Download the transcript here:

Inside Industry 2025 Session 1 Transcript.txt

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Navigating University Life and Challenges 

Balancing Study, Social Life, and Career Planning 

• Jack admitted that his first year was filled with distractions, but as he progressed, he learned to prioritize career goals. By third and fourth year, he focused on professional development and time management. 

• Sushma emphasized the importance of joining clubs and societies, particularly for students transitioning to a new country. She found that organizations like RoboGals and electrical engineering clubs helped her build a network and adapt to university life. 

• Jim highlighted the importance of planning and discipline. He maintained a structured schedule, using Google Calendar and setting weekly goals to keep up with assignments while managing his time effectively. 

The Power of Networking and Industry Exposure 

Each panelist underscored the importance of industry engagement: 

• Jim actively attended networking events, which helped him refine his career interests within the broad power sector. 

• Jack leveraged API programs and conferences to explore different aspects of the power industry, ultimately finding his niche in network operations. 

• Sushma credited API’s Powerful Women’s Leadership Program with expanding her understanding of renewable energy and helping her transition into power engineering. 

Choosing the Right Career Path: Finding Your Fit 

The panelists agreed that most students don’t have a clear idea of their ideal job when they start university. However, they shared strategies for identifying career interests: 

• Jim took advantage of internships and events to “color in the murky picture” of his career path, refining his interests through real-world experience. 

• Jack discovered his passion for power engineering through a summer placement at SA Power Networks. By rotating through different departments, he gained clarity on the aspects of engineering he enjoyed the most. 

• Sushma emphasized the role of networking and being open to new opportunities. Her journey from consulting at Aurecon to working at Windlab was shaped by making connections at industry events. 

Top Advice for Engineering Students 

1. Take advantage of networking opportunities – Attend industry events, connect with professionals, and engage with programs like API’s Inside Industry. 

2. Manage your time effectively – Use planning tools, set priorities, and stay disciplined to balance academic and personal commitments. 

3. Be open to different paths – Your interests may evolve, and that’s okay. Follow your curiosity and adapt as you gain more experience. 

4. Seek mentorship and guidance – Whether through industry programs, university clubs, or LinkedIn connections, learning from others’ experiences can shape your career. 

5. Have confidence in yourself – Engineering can be challenging, but perseverance and self-belief will help you succeed. 

What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Engineering Degree: Insights from Industry Professionals Final Thoughts 

The panelists’ journeys highlight that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to engineering careers. The key is to stay engaged, explore different opportunities, and make the most of the resources available. As API continues to support students through networking and industry programs, these insights serve as a valuable roadmap for aspiring engineers. 

If you’re an engineering student looking to build your career, consider joining API’s PowerUP community and stay tuned for upcoming Inside Industry sessions!