Rhiannah Carver
Bachelor of Environments Alumni: Physical Systems

I chose the Bachelor of Environments because I couldn’t decide on a course straight after High School. I enjoyed a diverse range of subjects and decided the new Environments course would let me explore several fields of interest.

I decided to major in Physical Systems because it was the perfect balance of engineering theory and natural systems. It allowed me to explore my interest in the physical environment whilst remaining grounded in practical knowledge. I saw myself working somewhere in the field of sustainability but wanted to make a real and impacting contribution which I felt could be achieved through an engineering degree.

My favourite subjects were electives such as Hydrogeology and Leaves to Landscapes. Unsurprisingly, they were both subjects with a lot of time spent out in the field putting our theory into practice. Another similarity was the level and enthusiasm of the teaching staff; captivating lecturers and attentive tutors make studying just that little bit more bearable.

To me, studying at the University of Melbourne meant being surrounded by passionate and driven individuals. The diversity of the student body is what makes Melbourne such an interesting and rewarding place to study. Learning and working with students from every walk of life has helped expand my points of view.

My advice to new students is to enjoy your time at University. It is easy to get bogged down by the workload and the stress of your impending career, but take time to enjoy the campus, your classmates and the only time in your life when you’ll get four months holiday a year!!

I am looking forward to continuing my international developmentwork that I started whilst here at Melbourne. One of the myriad of opportunities Melbourne offers is for students to pursue their own projects and for me that has meant trips to Papua New Guinea and Kenya and I hope to continue this work and the relationships with these communities well into the future.

The BEnvs helped prepare me for my Masters program. The core subjects have given me a sound theoretical base as well as the tools to handle any problems that arise whilst studying. Above, all it’s helped me define my own approach to my studies and career.

Five words that sum me up are bubbly, accepting, loyal, emotional and determined

My personal motto is “Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of someone else.” Judy Garland

RHIANNAH IS NOW DOING GRADUATE STUDY

I chose to do graduate study in Environmental Engineering because I wanted to gain an engineering qualification that would allow me to contribute to society. I’ve chosen to specialise in Renewable Energy and am excited to work in an new and innovative industry.

It’s different studying at graduate level because everyone you’re studying with has a higher level of competence and fervour for your discipline. Class sizes are smaller so you become much more familiar with students in your degree and unlike the bachelor program everyone is highly motivated to achieve and learn.

In my Masters I am looking forward to hopefully studying abroad to expand my international engineering knowledge. I believe Global Citizenship is important and to become familiar with your industry not only at a domestic level, but internationally as well.

What inspires you at Uni? Other students. I’m constantly being amazed by the extra curricula’s, research projects and volunteer work students are involved with whilst juggling a degree. Melbourne really does have a unique bunch of students who are doing extraordinary things in the community.