Mechanical and mechatronics engineering student Aalia on studying engineering at UTS and working in Australia’s renewable energy industry.
Aalia Nasser didn’t choose an engineering degree at UTS because she had it all figured out. She chose it because she believed it kept possibilities open.
While exploring open days across universities in Sydney, one thing stood out. UTS felt different; more dynamic and closely connected to the future of industry.
“It felt innovative and forward-looking,” she says.
That instinct was confirmed when she met the Women in Engineering and IT (WiEIT) community. The support and outreach opportunities presented to her made the decision clear.
Now studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Aalia describes her UTS experience in one word: action-packed.
Hands-on engineering learning, from day one
At UTS, learning doesn’t stop at lectures. Studio-based subjects replace traditional exams with projects that mirror real engineering work.
Aalia has built and tested robots, worked in collaborative teams and presented real outcomes, developing technical skills while learning how to communicate ideas clearly.
“You’re not just learning theory, you’re applying it constantly.”
That practical approach helped her understand what engineering looks like beyond the classroom, and where it can lead.
Building confidence through the UTS community
From her first weeks on campus, Aalia said yes to getting involved. She signed up to volunteer, initially at events before stepping out into outreach programs and leadership roles.
“Volunteering was the best decision I made,” she says.
“It opened doors to everything else.”
Through the WiEIT outreach programs, Aalia worked with school students, teaching coding, robotics and problem-solving.
Along the way, she built confidence and found her voice in a field where women are still underrepresented.
“In some classes, there are only a few women,” she says.
“But that pushes me to back myself. You have to believe you belong.”
Turning study into real-world impact
That mindset has shaped how she approaches engineering, not just as a degree, but to create impact.
The UTS industry-connected learning model led Aalia directly to her current role as an undergraduate engineer on a major renewable energy infrastructure project. She’s working on transmission systems that connect Snowy 2.0 to homes across Australia, contributing to something with real scale and impact.
“I’m learning that Engineers are making decisions that affect people and the environment,” she says.
“If you care about sustainability or humanitarian issues, this is where you can actually create change.”
“I’m learning that Engineers are making decisions that affect people and the environment. If you care about sustainability or humanitarian issues, this is where you can actually create change.”
Aalia Nasser
An Engineering degree at UTS that opens doors
For Aalia, engineering isn’t limiting, it’s enabling. Whether it’s infrastructure, sustainability or startups, the degree creates pathways rather than narrowing them.
But the biggest shift hasn’t just been technical. It’s personal.
Balancing study, a long commute, volunteering and industry work has forced her to develop discipline, adaptability and clarity about what matters.
“You learn quickly how to manage your time, and when to say no.”
Looking back, Aalia wishes she’d known one thing earlier: how much freedom university gives you, and how important it is to use it well.
Her advice to future students, especially women in STEM, is:
“You don’t need to have all the answers. Just take the first step, opportunities build from there.”
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Discover how students build real tech projects, collaborate and present ideas at the UTS Tech Festival – a showcase of innovation in engineering and IT.
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