ME PROGRAM AMBASSADOR
SARAH GRAY
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Name: Sarah Gray
Age: 23
School: Newcastle High School
University: University of Newcastle
RDA HUNTER’S ME PROGRAM – HOW WERE YOU INVOLVED?
I became involved with the ME Program during Year 12 Engineering Studies at Newcastle High School in 2010. The ME Program gave me the exposure to industry, initially as a result of a visit to Varley at Tomago, Newcastle. Varley is a company that specialises in innovative design and manufacturing of specialised vehicles, aerospace, ship repairs, rail services and more. The visit really did help bridge the gap between school and the real world.
In 2011 I spoke at a ME Program presentation to the Honourable Jason Clare, Minister for Defence Materiel, about my journey in the Program. It was great to share my experiences of transitioning from school to university.
The ME Program championed several Industry Scholars to speak of their experiences at various high schools, to discuss the importance of mathematics and science as pathways into their relevant careers. It was a great initiative to encourage students to talk about their career aspirations and assist them with any concerns they had about future studies.
WHAT SUBJECTS DID YOU STUDY FOR THE HSC?
Engineering Studies, Physics, Mathematics, Mathematics Extension 1, Modern History and English (Advanced)
WHAT UNIVERSITY COURSE DID YOU UNDERTAKE?
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil), completed November 2015.
Receiving the Work Integrated Learning Student of the Year 2014 for Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, from Vice Chancellor Caroline McMillen
WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
I was awarded an Industry Scholarship which included paid work experience at Hunter Water Corporation for the duration of my studies. I believe this scholarship put me in good stead to be selected for the full time position of Network Engineer with Hunter Water Corporation, commencing in February this year. I will use my technical and problem solving skills to maintain and improve the integration of systems.
I would like to become part of Engineers Without Borders, which is a community organisation that creates social value through engineering. I will use my strong communication and team skills to improve community health, well-being and to develop opportunities.
Field work with Hunter Water
HOW DID THE ME PROGRAM IMPACT YOUR HSC SUBJECT SELECTION?
I had already selected my HSC subjects before I became involved with the ME Program. I based my choice of subjects on those which could offer a variety of opportunities once I had completed the HSC, necessarily including maths and science and Engineering Studies. Joining the ME Program confirmed the benefits of my selection, as I gained first-hand experience of real world industry, something I had never experienced before.
HAS YOUR CAREER CHOICE BEEN IMPACTED BY THE ME PROGRAM?
The ME Program gave me the exposure to industry as a result of my visit to Varley at Tomago and really did help bridge the gap between school and the real world.
I really enjoyed my time at Varley, with my class mates and me in awe of all the innovative projects and processes we were lucky enough to be shown. I was particularly interested in the mobile breast scanning facility and the fire truck which they were manufacturing.
The hands on experience at Varley definitely influenced my career path. I thought about ways I could work in Industry as a career. I considered an apprenticeship or studying at TAFE, but ultimately I chose the path of Engineering and in 2015 I completed my Bachelor of Civil Engineering at The University of Newcastle.
I believe the ME Program gave me the exposure to industry and the confidence to convince the UNISS Industry Scholarship interview panel to award me this valuable scholarship for the duration of my studies.
The ME Program Liaison Office talked with me on a regular basis throughout Year 12, assisting me with my resume and generally giving me a lot of confidence in guiding me through the steps from school to university.
GENERAL COMMENTS
It’s always a difficult thing to know what is best for your future, particularly when you’re at school, worrying about assignments and exams for the upcoming HSC. For me the more engaging school environment and the visit to Varley was a truly influential experience which, along with the ongoing help and support from the ME Program, crystallised my decision to go down the path of engineering.