Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment
School of Electrical and Information Engineering
School of Electrical and Information Engineering
Personal details
My name is
Matthew Olsen; I studied a double degree in Electrical and Mechatronic
Engineering and Marketing. I will be graduating in mid-2005.
During my studies I have gained the RW Parsons Memorial Prize for the best results in the Mechatronics courses, the ETSA Utilities Award for the most distinguished performance in the electrical power engineering courses, and a Special Commendation in the Vice Chancellors Awards for Community Service through work done in the Robotics Peer Mentoring (RPM) Program which the University of South Australia started in 2002.
I am currently a member of Engineers Australia and APESMA.
Career
I work for ASC (formerly Australian Submarine Corporation) on the graduate program offered by the company. It involves four rotations throughout the company over two years. This gives me the opportunity to experience many different aspects of engineering, from the designing of complex systems to project management to installation and maintenance, all of which will benefit me in the future.
From a very early age I was interested in electronics, building the FunWay into Electronics kits offered by Dick Smith Electronics. Though the kits worked, I would modify them, noting what effect each change had on the output of the kit. The natural progression from there was engineering.
Engineering offers everyone who works in the field an opportunity to make a difference, whether they be designing a simple system like a temperature controller or a more complex one like an electrical power distribution network. Through the use of the latest technology and a creative mind, engineering offers everyone the opportunity to create a masterpiece.
To be an engineer you need to be confident, have a good sense of humour, and have excellent communication skills. Communication is a very important part of engineering in being able to understand a problem, and then propose a solution. Often this procedure is repeated a few times due to communication errors. Therefore being able to understand problems and recommend a solution is a highly sought after ability. Through studies at UniSA I was able to gain presentation skills through participation in the Robotics Peer Mentoring Program and the Students In Free Enterprise competition.
If you are thinking about studying engineering, I would definitely recommend you do. There is a strong emphasis on maths, physics, and circuit analysis, however if this doesnt put you off engineering is for you.
From my short experience in engineering the time has been nothing but rewarding. For my final year project I designed, developed and built a control system which is now being installed on the Collins Class Submarines, there is probably no greater reward than creating a control system and then having it used in its intended application.
My plans for the future involve getting my Charted Professional Engineering (CPEng) status from Engineers Australia which is highly regarded by defence companies, and also obtaining a Masters of Engineering.
Experience. The Difference.
As part of study in engineering it is required that students participate in 12 weeks of work experience. I did my work experience at ASC, and whilst there got offered a final year project and eventually a job.
The UniSA staff were excellent, they were always willing to point you in the right direction with assignments, and very helpful during tutorials.
I have had experience with the company I am now employed with before graduation, and therefore I felt well prepared and confident to enter the workforce.
UniSA
The University of South Australia offered a double degree scheme which I thought would benefit me the most. Whilst engineering does offer a good career, I see myself moving into a management role in the near future. Marketing involves the study of both management principles and marketing principles, which I believe will come handy in the near future.
UniSA offers excellent facilities for practicals and lectures. Almost all of the lecture theatres are equipped with a projector and most tutors use them in tutorials. The practicals are relevant to current technology, including the use of micro-controllers which are the latest trend in the electronics industry.
Matthew
Olsen
University of South Australia
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Mechatronic Engineering) and
Bachelor of Management (Marketing)
