Living the dream job

While Kieara had initially enrolled at UOW to study a Bachelor of Medical Biotechnology, COVID-19 lockdowns had her rethinking her career path and reconnecting with her childhood passion.  

“I definitely liked the courses that I was doing for medical biotech, but then just thinking about myself and the career I wanted to be in, I thought sitting in the lab wasn’t for me,” she says.  

A passionate artist, Kieara left her STEM degree to enroll in creative arts, fusing modern teaching with traditional teaching from her Ngunnawal Elders.  

Her final artwork, Beneath the Stars, blended First Nations and western weaving techniques to explore how space links to Country.  

“It was a way to change the perspective of Country as not only something that we walk on or swim through, but it’s above us in our sky as well, to create a more rounded understanding of what Country is,” she explains.  

Kieara displayed Between the Stars at her final year exhibition, attended by a curator from Hazelhurst Gallery in southern Sydney. The piece was selected for Hazelhurst’s 2024 Vital Signs Exhibit, where Kieara also interned as a curator.  

Today, Kieara is an assistant curator of First Nations art (local and global) at the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW) and says the skills she learnt at UOW have assisted her in this dream role.  

“My degree helped build the foundation for everything I do. I do a lot of research in my curatorial role, and that's something that I've also had to do at UOW my degree - learning where to find resources or materials and go through that process,” she says.  

“UOW gives you a good chance to network within your own field and outside of it as well. You might get paired up with people studying music or something you wouldn't typically work with, which is something that I keep in mind when I work and talk to people around the gallery as well.” 

^{Kieara Quintal interned and had her artwork exhibited at Hazelhurst Gallery in Sydney. Picture: Supplied}

Engineering a better future 

For Tapuwa 'Taps' Shambira, a future in engineering was all but set before she landed at UOW.  

“I’ve always been passionate about innovation, design, and problem‐solving, and engineering felt like the perfect field to bring those interests to life,” she says.  

“At one point, I considered pursuing nursing because of my love for helping people, but I realised I could still find ways to connect with and positively impact others within an engineering role. For me, it’s about combining technical skills with human‐centered solutions.” 

Now a graduate mechanical engineer at Yancoal, based in the NSW Hunter Region, Taps is not only bringing her technical expertise, but her personal passion for equity in engineering to her career. 

“Beyond the technical aspects, I was determined to secure a seat at the table where change happens. Engineering has traditionally been a male‐dominated field, and this has often meant that women’s voices and perspectives have been underrepresented in shaping the designs and advancements that impact all of us,” says Taps. 

“I wanted to be part of the movement to change that—proving that women not only belong in these spaces but also have unique and invaluable contributions to make.” 

Taps credits her practical experience at UOW, including a study tour to India with Project Everest, with preparing her for a dynamic role.  

“We worked on establishing social enterprises, meeting incredible locals, and immersing ourselves in the culture. That trip broadened my perspective and reinforced the importance of making a meaningful impact,” she says.  

“I also joined several clubs and societies, including the Mechanical Engineering Society, Women in STEM, and AusIMM, which provided amazing opportunities to network, learn, and collaborate with likeminded peers. 

“As an engineer, I frequently encounter scenarios I’ve never faced before, but the skills I developed at UOW—asking the right questions, processing information effectively, and offering alternative perspectives—allow me to bring value to any situation.” 

^{Taps graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering in 2023. Picture: Supplied}

Cracking the graduate code 

Like many students leaving high school, Sean Overton said he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after graduating.  

“I wanted a degree that aligned with my interests in maths and science but also offered a fairly structured and clear career path,” he says.  

Enrolling in a Bachelor of Computer Science, Sean credits his teachers and peers with helping him thrive in the degree, graduating with distinction and receiving a University Prize for best performance in a subject.  

“They made the experience fun and interesting and prepared me for working in dynamic teams post-graduation. The supportive academic environment and memorable teachers played a pivotal role in my education and preparation for the workforce. Practical assignments as well as years of experience offered in mentorship from the teachers resulted in an effective and enjoyable education,” he says.  

Today, Sean is working in what many would consider their dream office: TikTok. As a front-end software engineer, Sean leans on the practical and soft skills he learnt at UOW to design and elevate the user experience.  

“The subjects at UOW allowed me to learn and hone the practical skills required in my daily work now. These included assignments and homework where I was designing and building software to solve problems,” he says.  

“The emphasis on collaboration and real-world application of knowledge prepared me for dynamic challenges of a tech-focused workplace like TikTok.” 

^{Sean received a university prize for the highest mark in a subject. Picture: Supplied}

These young graduates all have similar advice for students looking at universities: don’t be worried if you don’t have it all figured out right now.  

“If you’re studying in a field you’re not sure about, it can be a bit harder to succeed. Find what you’re passionate about, trust the process,” says Kieara.  

“Leaving school and being certain of what career path you want to take is a luxury many of us do not have,” adds Sean.  

“Stay curious, patient and adaptable.” 

_{*QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey 2023}