Griffith University engineering graduate William Usher has been awarded a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship for postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.

William (pictured above), who graduated with First Class Honours in a Bachelor of Engineering with Advanced Studies last year, says that without this scholarship he would not have been able to afford to study abroad.

In October he will commence a one-year Master of Philosophy in Engineering for Sustainable Development, focusing on economic strategy and change management.

He anticipates gaining not only the academic advantages of studying at one of the world’s top ranked universities, but also looks forward to the opportunity to network in an international environment and experience the college system that is unique to Cambridge and Oxford.

William advises that to maximise your opportunities to study abroad, it’s important to start researching and planning early and not to be discouraged by the academic prestige of previous recipients.

When applying for scholarships, he says that it’s a good idea to ask a range of different people to read through your application.

“I found it particularly useful getting advice from people who deal with reviewing applications regularly, for example someone in HR or recruitment,” he said.

Since receiving the prestigious scholarship, William has given presentations about the benefits of the program to his sponsor Rotary Club and will continue to speak about his experiences at Rotary clubs around Cambridgeshire.

“Even before I have left for Cambridge I have been introduced into Rotary, an amazing organisation,” he said.

Next week William will speak about his scholarship at the Prestigious External Scholarships Information Evenings.

Griffith University students or alumni can find out more by attending one of these information evenings next week, at Gold Coast campus on Tuesday and Nathan campus on Wednesday at 6pm.

http://www3.griffith.edu.au/03/events/view.php?eventID=22479