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By participating in programs like the and �鶹��madou Employability courses, both Elke Giordano and Justin Liu are uncovering new opportunities, expanding their networks and developing a tangible sense of how their careers can help make the world a better place.

Engineering a future to be proud of

In her third year of a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree at �鶹��madou, Elke Giordano was drawn to her degree because of the real effect it can have on society.

“From the roads we drive on, to the building we work in and the water that we drink - all of this is possible because of infrastructure built by civil engineers. A career in this field gives me the opportunity to make a positive impact on society and build sustainable infrastructure that benefits future generations,” she says.

A finalist for the EY Innovation Top100 Future Leaders Award, Elke thought applying would be a great learning experience to help with internship applications. She didn’t expect to end up on the shortlist.

While Elke knows the recognition will help her stand out to graduate employers, she also hopes it will allow her to be part of a culture shift in the industry.

“It’s so important to have diversity in the engineering industry – it allows you to get unique perspectives on different problems and make sure that you provide the best solution for the entire community. We only have to look at Old Parliament House as an example of what happens when few females are in decision-making positions – it was built without toilets for women.”

That’s why Elke was excited to join �鶹��madou’s Tyree Global Leadership Program (GLP) for high-achieving female engineering students. The 15-month scholarship program gives her the opportunity to build valuable leadership skills, expand her industry networks and gain global work experience. It also helps women build valuable connections in a male-dominated industry.

Elke’s first overseas study opportunity comes through the Tyree GLP in the form of �鶹��madou Employability’s Global Practice of Work course, where she will visit either The Engineering & Design Institute (TEDI) London or travel to Japan.

“Getting the chance to apply my problem-solving, teamwork and creative thinking skills to a real-world challenge through the program will significantly improve my understanding of the world of work.”

How data can make a difference

A finalist for the Quantium Data Science Top100 Future Leader Award, Justin Liu discovered his passion for data storytelling in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) while still in high school.

“I found myself diving into metrics like expected goals, expected assists, and clean sheet probabilities,  analysing obscure data to gain an edge over millions of other players worldwide. That’s when it clicked: data tells a story,” he says

“These numbers weren’t just stats; they reflected real-life performances, trends, and decision-making on the pitch. I realised that working with data excited me, and I wanted to explore that further.

And Justin is already kicking goals in his career as a data scientist. A �鶹��madou Co-op Intern studying a Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions, Justin has gained industry experience through internships at Accenture, Uber and UiPath, and is set to begin his next placement at CommBank.

He says those experiences, plus opportunities like the �鶹��madou Employability programs and the Top100 Future Leader Awards process, have helped to shape his future ambitions.

Completing eight curricular courses and co-curricular programs so far, Justin has been an active participant in �鶹��madou’s Employability programs throughout his degree journey. Justin feels Creating Your Career and Leadership Foundations gave him a chance to step back and reflect on where he is now – and where he wants to take his career in the future.

“The Employability initiatives have given me the chance to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone. I learned how to adapt, work with different people, lead in various situations, and communicate more effectively,” he says.

“I’ve realised that I’m passionate about people and the impact I can make, whether that’s leading a team or collaborating with others. I’m open to exploring different opportunities, but I know I want to work in a field where I can make a meaningful impact, especially through technology, data, and AI.”

Creating a better future for all

Both Elke and Justin are keen to make a difference in the world and recognise the potential in their careers as a catalyst for impact and change. This aligns with �鶹��madou’s wider mission of progress for all and our commitment to preparing students for success in the real world of work.

Elke is setting her sights high (literally), with hopes to help tackle problems like housing availability and affordability in our capital cities.

“After graduating, I would like to tackle the housing shortage by working as a construction or a structural engineer on building towers. I’m also interested in sustainable design and the use of renewable energy in new projects to make sure the infrastructure benefits the environment and the future community,” she says.

Elke and Justin are part of an inspiring cohort of young professionals who are taking the steps to create a future they can be proud of. They’re putting themselves out there, leaning into their unique strengths and getting recognition for their ambition.

"Being recognised as a Top100 Future Leader is not just about my achievements, but a testament to the incredible people in my life who have supported me in my journey. This award represents my passion for making a difference in people’s lives and the world around me. My goal is to leave a mark that helps others, moves things forward, and makes the world just a little bit better than it was before,” Justin says.

, and three category award winners, our remarkable students have helped us hold onto the title of Australia’s most employable university for the sixth year running. We can’t wait to see what they do next.

Want to become a more employable graduate?

Check out �鶹��madou Employability’s courses and programs for a chance to turn your degree into a career you love.

This article was brought to you by �鶹��madou Employability.��