After completing a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Newcastle in 2016, a conversation with a senior lecturer got Nicholas thinking about the potential for postgraduate study to propel his career to new and exciting heights.

“They mentioned a new Master of Professional Engineering (MPE) program. It was a mixture of the course structure and the length of the program that really piqued my interest.

“To think that I could spend just one more year studying and walk away with a postgraduate degree, and with deeper knowledge of my own field – as well as being able to draw on skills from other areas of study of my choice – I was sold,” he said.

Nicholas believes the program had delivered on its promise – diversifying his skills and allowing him to develop advanced knowledge in project management, complex problem solving, innovation and communications.

“The core courses focused on both research and design work which are two areas that I have a passion for.

“The courses I undertook built upon the foundation established in my undergraduate degree and I was therefore able to delve into broader engineering fields outside of my specialisation in Mechanical Engineering.

“This allowed me to gain insight into various approaches to problem solving within engineering. I have had the chance to utilise these skills in different projects by approaching problems from different angles and perspectives," Nicholas said.

As a graduate, Nicholas now works as a Design Engineer for Bioaction, a manufacturing company that designs and builds odour control systems for wastewater networks.

“In my role, I am responsible for the design of our systems along with the design and fabrication of our in-house manufactured components,” he said.

Nicholas believes his decision to undertake further study was useful in finding a job.

“By undertaking postgraduate study, it can make you more attractive to employers as it highlights your commitment to continued learning and passion for the field.

“The postgraduate study that I undertook provided opportunities to collaborate with a range of people from my field and from other areas of study.

“This has helped me to develop robust communication and collaboration skills, enabling me to work successfully with internal and external teams in the workplace,” Nicholas said.

Nicholas advises that prospective postgraduate students take the opportunity to further their education in any area in which they are passionate.

“Take the risk and seek opportunities that you may not have initially been drawn to, as you never know where it might lead,” he said.

Study a Master of Professional Engineering

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Nicholas Woodley

Master of Professional Engineering graduate, Nicholas Woodley, reflects on his postgraduate studies and how they have benefited him in the workforce.

The postgraduate study that I undertook provided opportunities to collaborate with a range of people from my field and from other areas of study.