I work for HRL Technology. Our company provides premium consulting and testing services to the coal, energy and engineering industries. HRL is developing ways to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases produced by brown coal power stations.

What does your job involve?

I perform a variety of tasks. They include:

• Designing electronic systems and software.
• Managing large engineering projects.
• Consulting with and assisting clients.
• Managing resources, including human resources.
• Visiting and working at company sites around the world.
• Selling engineering services.
• Carrying out technical documentation.

I enjoy exciting opportunities to work with new technologies. I previously worked for Solar Systems, a company that is building a large-scale solar power plant near Mildura in north-west Victoria. This project will generate clean electricity to meet the needs of 45 000 homes, with zero greenhouse gas emissions. 

My consulting work gives me a large number of experiences in the water and energy fields. I enjoy seeing the fruits of my labour - going from mere concepts to actual implementation and operation. There is always something new and interesting to learn.

The biggest problem has been saying “No” to new and exciting projects because of existing work pressures.

The salary range for Senior Engineer/Scientist Consultants is $80 000 - $110 000 per year.

In my senior years at secondary school, I studied Maths A, Maths B, English Literature, Physics, Chemistry and Art.  Next I studied the Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering Course at the University of Western Australia for two years. After that I worked my way into the Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering/ Bachelor of Computer Science Double Degree at the University of Melbourne. I graduated after studying part-time for nine years. 

The studies you are doing now form part of your foundation for your future studies and, in the long run, for your career and your life.