Building the future, one project at a time

After completing both his Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) in 2021 and Master of Professional Engineering (Civil) in 2023 at the University of Newcastle, Guanminghe Zhao has taken the next big step in his professional journey – working as a Graduate Civil Engineer at Maitland City Council.

“The Master of Professional Engineering (Civil) program allowed me to rotate and work with different teams related to engineering, such as Design, Traffic, Subdivision, and Project,” Guanminghe explains. “It’s been a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a broad range of civil engineering functions.”

Originally drawn to civil engineering by a passion for designing infrastructure that stands the test of time, Guanminghe finds joy in watching projects come to life. “There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a design come to life—from blueprints to a finished project,” he says.

Born in China, Guanminghe moved to Australia and completed high school in Newcastle. He chose the University of Newcastle for higher education not only for its strong engineering reputation but for its community. “Newcastle is a safer city compared to larger metropolitan areas, and the community here is incredibly friendly,” he shares. “It was a familiar and supportive environment with many of my friends also studying there.”

His time at the university was filled with valuable learning experiences—both academic and personal. “A key part of my degree was the compulsory work placement,” he says. “It helped me apply and refine my knowledge in real-world settings, and build important industry connections.” This hands-on experience proved to be a turning point in building the confidence and practical skills he uses every day.

One of the most important lessons Guanminghe took from his early professional experiences was, “You shouldn’t expect to know everything when you first step out of university. Stay confident and never hesitate to ask questions—even the simple ones.”

A scholarship received during his master’s studies also helped ease financial pressures. “It made a big difference, reducing the stress so I could focus on my learning and projects,” he notes.

He fondly remembers student life at University, particularly the vibrant campus events. “The music festival, student festival, O’Week, and Employment Expo, were some of my favourites,” he says. “They made university life exciting and helped me network and explore different career paths.”In his downtime, Guanminghe enjoyed the natural beauty of Newcastle. “I loved playing basketball with friends on campus and visiting beaches to take photos and collect shells,” he shares.

For international students considering studying at the University of Newcastle, Guanminghe offers strong encouragement, “It’s a welcoming and supportive environment. The balance of academic and hands-on learning is excellent. Don’t hesitate—get involved, build your network, and use every opportunity to grow.” He also encourages current and future students to take full advantage of the resources available. “The Career Hub really helped me set up my LinkedIn profile and resume. I’d recommend every student explore these services,” he mentions.

Guanminghe Zhao

Guanminghe Zhao is a testament to how passion, education, and a supportive network can build a successful foundation for a rewarding career in engineering.

A key part of my degree was the compulsory work placement, it helped me apply and refine my knowledge in real-world settings, and build important industry connections.