Engineer for the Real World

Design and engineering are a big part of almost everything. Using both sides of your brain, you’re imaginative and logical, and ready to blend your creativity with technical expertise. Check out the various pathways you can take, the funding options available, and where to connect with like-minded professionals, groups and organisations.

Pathways

• Pursue an undergraduate degree in engineering (e.g. civil, mechanical or electrical) or design (e.g. industrial, graphic or product design). Many institutions also offer admission pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Check out Course Seeker or Good Universities Guide to find a course that appeals to you.

• Get hands-on skills in engineering and design by doing a vocational course at TAFE or a VET provider like the Engineering Institute of Technology. Search VET courses on Study Australia to get an idea of what’s out there.

• Sign up for a short course in a specific area like computer-aided design (CAD), user experience (UX) design, or 3D modelling. Open Universities Australia is a great place to start.

• Check out current job opportunities on boards like SEEK or Ethical Jobs. For roles specific to First Nations job hunters, you can search for “Aboriginal Identified jobs” or filter for Indigenous jobs. Koori Mail, Our Mob and Indigenous Employment Australia are job boards created by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that are worth a look, too.

Funding

There are a range of scholarships for First Nations young people looking to study design and engineering, such as the Bullivants Indigenous Scholarship, the Stronger Smarter Institute Teachers of STEM Initiative and the TagEnergy Future Leaders Program. The CSIRO’s Indigenous STEM Education Project has also created scholarships at various universities around Australia to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM students, so it’s worth checking if your university has one in place. 

For more info about financial support, visit institution websites. Many universities and TAFEs offer funding for First Nations students. If you’re considering uni, check out the NIAA’s list of Indigenous Higher Education Units, where you learn more about student support. It’s also worth exploring ABSTUDY, AIEF’s scholarship program and engineering-specific scholarships via Aurora Foundation's Indigenous Pathways Portal. 

Networking

• Reach out to engineering or design firms directly to see if any internships or vacation work opportunities are available.

• Networks like Engineers Australia and Design Institute of Australia connect you to other students and professionals in your area. There are groups just for mob out there, too, like the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy Program, NISTEMPN, the Indigenous Engineers Group and the International Indigenous Design Network.

• One fantastic opportunity worth spotlighting is the National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA), which offers a number of First Nations students in STEM the chance to intern at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the United States. 

• CareerTrackers supports First Nations students from Year 12 and throughout university to connect with employers and participate in paid, multi-year internships.

• Yalari’s Pathways Program helps to prepare students for life after school and to navigate the transition to higher education, vocational training and employment.

• AIEF offers career support for First Nations students from Year 11 onwards, assisting with goal setting and applications for higher education, training or employment opportunities.

• Connect with a mentor through AIEF or AIME. If you want advice specific to your field, the EA mentoring program and AGDA Mentorship Programs are worth a look.

• Indigenous student support centres at your education provider (like an Indigenous Higher Education Unit at uni) aren’t just good for finding resources; they’re a great place to find connection and community, too.

What else would you be good at?

Hit up the quiz again to see where else your skills, interests or passions could take you. Or, jump ahead to learn more about the other quiz outcomes and how to get started on those instead.

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• Inspired by the many wonders of the world? Being a So Sciency Scientist could be for you.

• Want to inspire and educate young ones? Get Schooled and make it happen.

• All about expressing yourself? Unlock your Creative Mode, share new ideas and celebrate your culture. 

• Keen to stay close to mob and to uplift your community? Discover how to be Socially Savvy and advocate for others.

• Got a mad new idea? Start your journey as a Deadly Entrepreneur.

• Love delivering exceptional service for community? Get thriving as a Main Street Hero.