Engineering Futures: Paige and Lydia's Day at QUT Open Day

On Saturday, 27 July, Lydia and I had the privilege of travelling to Brisbane to attend the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Open Day, which ran from 9.00am to 3.00pm. As two students with a shared passion for engineering and innovation, we were eager to immerse ourselves in what the university had to offer and it didn’t disappoint.

Before the day, we had carefully mapped out a schedule filled with various seminars and talks we hoped to attend. However, like most adventures, plans are made to be broken. Once we arrived on campus, we found ourselves swept up in the energy of the day, exploring different tents, stalls, and buildings across the university, allowing curiosity to guide us.

Our explorations took us through key areas of QUT’s engineering and architecture precincts. Each block showcased a different specialisation ranging from civil and mechanical engineering to motor sports and architectural design. We got involved in hands-on activities and spoke with current students and staff, which gave us an insightful glimpse into university life and study opportunities.

One of the highlights of the day was attending the seminar 'Your Future Career in Engineering.' This session featured a panel of QUT ambassadors, industry sponsors, and current students who shared their experiences and advice about studying engineering at QUT. It was incredibly valuable to hear firsthand about their journeys and the diverse career paths available in the field. We also got to see live demonstrations of cutting-edge robotics projects, including a moon rover and Spot, a four-legged robot that moved like a dog, leaving us both fascinated and inspired.

For Lydia and me, this experience confirmed our passion for engineering. Lydia is considering studying a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and Motor Sports, with aspirations to complete her master’s in robotics and artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, I’m pursuing a dual degree in Architectural Design and Civil Engineering, blending creativity with structural precision.

The QUT Open Day wasn’t just informative, it was a genuinely enjoyable and motivating experience. It gave us clarity, direction, and a renewed excitement about the future. For any student considering their options, we couldn’t recommend attending an Open Day more highly. Sometimes, stepping onto a campus is all it takes to find your path.

Paige

Year 11