Getting hands-on practical experience in the world of civil engineering is just one of the benefits for Griffith Uni student Rebecca Petersen, after receiving a Gold Coast City Council Engineering Scholarship.
The Bachelor of Engineering student who is about to enter her second year of study, was awarded the $25,000 scholarship at the end of last year following a strong academic record and a high grade point average.
Now Rebecca is using her summer holiday to gain valuable work experience in the Technical Services division of GCCC at Varsity Lakes.
“I have only just started but already I can see I am going to get great exposure to a whole range of engineering areas which are of great interest to me,” she said.
“I am also learning a lot about the engineering requirements within the local Gold
Coast community.”
The scholarship is designed to pay for the remaining three years of Rebecca’s tuition fees on the Bachelor of Engineering degree program and offers her the chance to work one day a week at the GCCC once she goes back to Griffith next month.
Personal strengths, leadership potential and being a visible role-model in the community were also part of the criteria for receiving the scholarship.
“I am a surf life saving volunteer at Palm Beach where I live and I think that
helped in securing the award,” Rebecca said.
“I’m stoked to receive a scholarship like this. It will really assist me financially and it also motivates me to further my studies in engineering.”
Deputy Head of the School of Engineering Associate Professor Charles Lemckert said the professional exposure these prestigious scholarships offer is an experience that all recipients value.
“This is an outstanding opportunity to develop high quality engineering skills, including professionalism, communication and technical knowledge.
“Rebecca has shown great academic ability and, equally important, her willingness to contribute to the larger community. She is enthusiastic and we expect her to be a great engineering ambassador.”
