Olivia’s path to Mechatronic Engineering at UTS.
When Olivia Alvarez first discovered UTS at her high school careers fair, she was curious but not yet certain about uni. It wasn’t until she attended UTS Open Day that she felt a real connection.
Like many students, Olivia wasn’t entirely sure about what she wanted to study. She initially considered Food Science and even Interior Design. But UTS’s Flexible Engineering learning options gave her the freedom to explore the engineering pathway, which was her first-degree option.
Eventually, after exploring different engineering disciplines, she found her passion in a field that combines robotics, automation, mechanical systems and advanced technology. Now, Olivia Alvarez is in her third year of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechatronic) at UTS.
“I studied Flexible Engineering until my second year. It allowed me to trial Intro to Civil Eng, which I felt wasn’t the right fit, before switching to Mechatronics Eng at the end of my second year.”
Looking ahead
Olivia has built robots, designed complex mechanical systems, and led STEM workshops. She’s learning not just how to build machines, but how to build a future with impact.
Mechatronics engineers work across industries automation, advanced manufacturing, defence, healthcare technology and autonomous systems. Through her studies, Olivia is developing technical and professional skills that can be applied across these growing sectors.
“I’m learning that the UTS Engineering degree doesn’t just teach you what’s in the industry, it teaches you how to work in teams, and how to problem-solve. Which you learn at a deeper level through the societies and clubs on campus.”
Her advice to future students
“Go to Open Days. Go to events. Talk to students. That’s how I figured it out. The more you see and hear, the more you’ll understand whether engineering, or any degree, is right for you.”
"You can explore flexible pathways and discover the engineering discipline that suits you, too."
Your future in engineering: Career guide
Explore career pathways in biomedical, civil and environmental, electrical and electronic and mechanical and mechatronic engineering, and graduate with technical expertise, leadership skills and problem-solving capabilities.
Webpage
Thinking about Civil Engineering?
Thinking about studying Civil Engineering in Australia? Discover what Civil Engineers do, the career opportunities available and how studying Civil Engineering...
Webpage
How rankings matter (and don’t) when choosing Engineering and IT
How important are university rankings when choosing where to study Engineering or IT? Explore what rankings can tell you, what they leave out and what to look...
Webpage
Day in the life of an Electrical Engineering student at UTS
Considering studying Electrical Engineering at UTS? Get a glimpse into a typical day, from hands-on laboratory classes and engineering projects to study...
Webpage
From Country to Cosmos
Where a passion for engineering began long before starting university.
Webpage
Thinking about Civil Engineering?
Thinking about studying Civil Engineering in Australia? Discover what Civil Engineers do, the career opportunities available and how studying Civil Engineering...
Webpage
How rankings matter (and don’t) when choosing Engineering and IT
How important are university rankings when choosing where to study Engineering or IT? Explore what rankings can tell you, what they leave out and what to look...
Webpage
Day in the life of an Electrical Engineering student at UTS
Considering studying Electrical Engineering at UTS? Get a glimpse into a typical day, from hands-on laboratory classes and engineering projects to study...
Webpage
From Country to Cosmos
Where a passion for engineering began long before starting university.