Graduate profile: Elizabeth Cowling

Elizabeth Cowling has just graduated with aBachelor of Engineering (Honours) with a major in electronics and communication systems.

We asked Elizabeth a few questions about her time at ANU and her plans for the future.

What has been a highlight from your time at ANU?

The opportunity to undertake an Engineers Without Borders (EWB) design summit during my studies was amazing. I remember feeling at the beginning that I would be well out of my comfort zone as I thought my major didn’t really ‘fit’. However, the human-centred design and systems engineering practice really resonated. It was such a great experience to use what we were learning on the course in our capstone projects.

What’s your favourite memory of ANU?

Over my four years I am so grateful for the friendships and mentors who have come into my life. My time in ANU Fifty50 helped build a lot of these connections and I am very grateful for the work they do.

Travelling to India for the EWB design summit and to Iceland with The Green Program were two of my favourite study memories that I’m sure will stay with me for a very long time.

Why do you think the world needs engineers?

Engineers are problem solvers, and with the big issues the world is facing we need more problem solvers if we hope to achieve innovative solutions.

Engineering isn’t just about bridges, and engineers don’t all wear hard hats. Systems engineering is about solving complex problems, so if you’re a creative and innovative thinker, do engineering, you will love it!

What’s next?

After graduation I will continue working as a Systems Engineer, and my goal is to keep learning and finding new experiences that can help me grow. Who knows, I might come back for a masters!

It wasn’t until I started working in the industry that I fully understood the importance of systems engineering and I can thank my studies at ANU for that.