"Decide early on if you want to pursue a career in academics (e.g. post-graduate) or in the industry. If you want to be in industry, develop as many contacts as possible with companies and consider doing unpaid volunteer work. Experience is such a valuable asset."
Vicki Zhong graduated from the School in 2019 with 1st Class Honours in Bachelor of Materials Science and Engineering (majoring in Ceramics Engineering) / Masters of Biomedical Engineering.
Holstein Wong graduated from the School in 2013 with 1st Class Honours in BEng Materials Science and Engineering. She was awarded the University Medal in Ceramic Engineering, one of the most distinguished awards to be bestowed on an undergraduate student.
"Irrespective of the twists and turns a career can take, the foundational skills and the core competencies which astute professionals call upon in their day to day work are often dawned from their experience as an undergraduate student. I'm fortunate enough to have gathered mine from UNSW's School of Materials Science."
Our Alumni Gustad Irani (BE in Process Metallurgy, 2016), gives us an insight into his new profession as a Rolling Mill Metallurgist at Liberty OneSteel.
A graduate of the UNSW School of Materials Science and Engineering and later completing a Master of Commerce, Greg Bodkin is now a Senior Vice President at Cochlear Limited.
"Look for opportunities which are available and also search for opportunities through your professional network. It’s a great way to introduce with different level of professionals. Also be prepared to work anywhere - the first step is to put your foot on the job and have fun!"
"It had great values and in fact, I owe my achievement to materials science and engineering school that enabled me to learn and develop amazing skills that I am applying to change the way our technology works in Australia"
"Something that I think is mirrored by a lot of people studying Materials is the satisfaction of understanding how things around us are made, what they are made of, and the consideration that went into their creation and application."
Our Alumni Steven Kennedy (Ceramic Engineering, 2004), gives us an insight into his new profession as a Global Head of Regulatory Affairs, Cochlear Ltd
"UNSW was an easy choice because of its world-class reputation in Materials Science and Engineering and the opportunity to learn from academics and researchers who are top of their fields."