Current student profile: Michael

Michael is studying Chemical Engineering and is sponsored by Eraring Energy.

Working and Studying

At first the program of working and studying may appear a little daunting, in that you're working full time over your summer holidays; however, if you look deeper this is not the case. Working full time is very different from studying full time; in fact, working full time at the end of the year is great way to channel your studying stress into productive applications. It is a great experience to observe and apply the theory you have learnt through the year at the University of Newcastle in real world applications. Furthermore, to go back to university after working with engineers helps you to understand the concepts you are studying more holistically (theoretically and practically), because you have seen the concepts being applied in a real life application.

The program is structured so that you are either working or studying, not doing both simultaneously. UNISS is set up so that you receive payments on a fortnightly basis throughout the year, instead of paying you when you work in the summer holidays. This is extremely beneficial to me, as this fortnightly amount is enough to support me without an outside job. So unlike most of my other colleagues I can concentrate 100% on my studies during the year and when I do work, I am gaining invaluable knowledge for my future career.

Role at Eraring Energy

I am working as an undergraduate chemical engineer in the Chemical section of the Assets group. This group is part of the Production business unit which manages the generation assets of Eraring Energy. My work at Eraring Energy has been far beyond what I expected and I really appreciate the confidence the company has had in me to date.

Plans for the Future

It is impossible for me to predict where my life will take me over the next couple of years. I did not know about UNISS until I was about to choose my preferences in year 12 - and look where I am now! It's unbelievable. My five-year goal is to have infinite career opportunities open to me by the time I graduate and UNISS is a great launching pad to start my campaign. However, to reach my goal I am just taking it one step at a time; enjoying the journey as I grow and learn the skills of a chemical engineer with Eraring Energy.