Having grown up in Ecuador, Andrea chose the Bachelor of Engineering program at the Australian National University (ANU) as it offered the Renewable Energy major that she was keen on pursuing.

Andrea’s love for physics began when she was in high school. Wanting to work in a field which offered more of a practical application, she chose engineering.

“I wanted to pursue a degree that would allow me to help others, but was not law or medicine. Engineering, specifically humanitarian engineering, can have a positive change in someone’s reality,” said Andrea.

“Engineering is a challenging and fulfilling journey. ANU has a supportive environment filled with excellent academics and top leading researchers that share their thought-provoking innovations with students.”

Living on campus for her first year made the move to Canberra easy for Andrea. She believes that living in a community with pastoral and academic facilities was transcendental for a smooth transition.

“I’ve been able to be involved in a range of extracurricular activities and this has enabled me to meet people from so many backgrounds. ANU strengths come from diversity, and having global friends and professors is something I couldn’t even imagine before coming here”, says Andrea.

Andrea’s involvement in various student organisations has helped her gain skills in public speaking and leadership. It's also given her an opportunity to explore the lesser-known political side of herself.

“The most unexpected skill I gained has been the ability to navigate political discourse as this is an area outside my comfort zone and I did not really think I would fit. Nevertheless, I grew an interest in politics seeing it as a platform to provide opportunities to others.”

After graduating, Andrea plans to set up a social enterprise in Ecuador and work on providing electricity and safe drinking water to remote communities in her home country.

“I am confident that my systems engineering degree from ANU will prepare me for it. I have gained knowledge and experience in and out of class to ensure I understand how to work on negotiations, team working, leadership, and I’m equipped with hard and soft skills to pursue a successful professional journey.”

Andrea’s advice to prospective students, “Do not think it twice. If ANU has the program you want to study, you should absolutely come. The quality of academics, world-leading research, laboratories, classes, community at university plus Canberra with its infrastructure, culture and green environment makes ANU the best place to become a professional.”

Learn more about Engineering at ANU