Hey guys, in this blog I will be going over some of the activities and programs you can participate in so keep your eyes peeled for them next year!
Case Competitions
Although case competitions are not as popular among engineering students, they are an excellent way to further develop your critical thinking skills and apply the knowledge you’ve gained in lectures to real business problems. These competitions often require some understanding of financial markets, current business trends, and various other commerce-related topics. However, they are certainly manageable even if you have no prior knowledge in these areas. Many clubs and societies offer introductory nights that provide valuable insights into how to approach a case. If you’re interested in participating in case competitions, you shouldn’t miss out on these opportunities. At the University of Auckland (UoA), case competitions are usually hosted by UACC, our case club. Occasionally, they are also organized by engineering clubs, which often add an engineering touch to the competition.
Warman Competition
In my previous post, I discussed MECHENG235, where one of the projects focused on the Warman robot. However, the course only covers the design aspect; we didn’t have time to actually build the robot. If you’re interested, you can go beyond the course requirements and construct the robot to enter the annual Warman competition. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the finals were held at a university in Australia, but they are now conducted online.
One critical design and material criterion you’ll need to consider is keeping the cost of the robot under $150 NZD, and there’s a good reason for this. The Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Department will generously reimburse up to $150 NZD for project costs. So, if your design aligns with the Project Design Specification (PDS), you can essentially build the robot for free.
International Exchange
One of the biggest benefits of studying at an internationally recognized institution like UoA (University of Auckland) is the access it provides to overseas opportunities. While student exchanges were more popular before the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation is now stabilizing, and most countries have returned to full operation, making overseas exchanges very much a possibility again. At UoA, the exchange programs are facilitated by 360 International, which simplifies the exchange process considerably.
When you participate in an exchange, you’ll pay domestic fees to UoA. This means that the majority of the costs associated with the exchange will come from accommodation and flights. To find out more, you can follow the relevant page on UoA’s website.
One thing to note: as an engineering student, you’ll generally be limited to one semester overseas, unless you’re enrolled in a conjoint program, in which case the rules may differ.
We’ve only scratched the surface of available opportunities in the discussion above, and there are many more to explore. For example:
- Formula SAE is perfect for those interested in cars and racing.
- Hackathons cater to those who are passionate about coding and programming.
- Numerous other clubs are waiting for you to explore and join.
The take-home message of this post is clear: abundant opportunities are available, and it’s up to you to seize them!
Carpe Diem