University of New South Wales - Exploring STEM Careers

There are so many opportunities to obtain through multiple University programs to gain an understanding of our future beyond the classroom walls. It is quite fascinating with how many things you can be encapsulated in when you attend these type of events as what they show and inform students about is something you will usually not get at a normal school day. So, on 8 July 2019, I partook in a program at the University of New South Wales. This program was designed for young Year 10 girls to explore the variety of STEM careers and help to influence their decision in what we want to become in the near future. 

Without a doubt, the day was filled with inevitable excitement for what was going to come. Aspiring scientists and engineers waited patiently in the lobby for the events that were all intricately planned out. Despite the fact we’ve received the program information including what we were going to do, we were still put into a spot of astonishment because everything turned out better than what we actually expected. Kicking the day off, a presentation was held for us and afterwards, we were split into our own groups where we introduced ourselves and spoke out what we want to possibly be in the future. Within minutes, our organiser instructed us to go into the bus where we departed from the University and went straight to Cochlear. Going into Cochlear’s building was quite an experience. We were able to explore Biomedical Innovation of what Cochlear has invented and actually see each detail behind the creation of a hearing aid which they produce. It makes you realise that there are actually so many people who work hand in hand to create a product that helps hundreds of people in the world to be able to hear sounds. It was captivating to witness what they were able to do and how it has a profound impact on society. The next location we headed to was Holsworthy Barracks. To be specific, this was the place for the Department of Defence and is currently situated in 49,000 acres of land. In here, we met dozens of people who worked in the army and informed us about how their own engineering and scientific skills they were able to develop during their time in University was able to be applied in a motivational and exhilarating environment. We were also able to have a personal close up look of actual helicopters which they use for training and emergency purposes. The day concluded with afternoon tea and a closing presentation where we said our goodbyes to our fellow team leader and the wonderful people we had met along the day. 

This is of course one of many University STEM events that I have attended so I urge you all to take up every opportunity similar to this as it provides you a headstart for the future.

Maria Tuyor, Year 10