Van Nguyen joined the Power of Engineering team as a volunteer for the Engineering In-A-Box project in March 2020. We asked Van why he decided to volunteer his time.

Could you tell us about yourself?

I'm currently working in the dams engineering industry, having recently graduated from university with degrees in civil engineering and commerce. I make the most of my spare time playing soccer and being outdoors. My role in the Power of Engineering involves general "behind the scenes" activities to keep things moving with the rollout of the Engineering In-A-Box educational resource.

 Why did you volunteer with Power of Engineering?

 I have always been interested in getting involved with an organisation like Power of Engineering to channel my spare time into something meaningful and important. I joined after a friend mentioned that they needed help with organising efforts for the Engineering In-A-Box project. My role in Power of Engineering involves general "behind the scenes" activities to keep things moving with the rollout of the Engineering In-A-Box educational resource.

What would you like to achieve and learn as part of the team?

I hope that by being a part of the Engineering In-A-Box project and working with the wider Power of Engineering team I can apply some of the knowledge I have gained through working in the engineering industry in a unique and interesting manner.

Why do you think it is important to encourage and rural and remote students to consider engineering careers?

I believe that raising student expectations and awareness of career options in engineering is beneficial for individual students, communities and engineering education. Students deserve to be encouraged to pursue (and prepare for) a “high-demand” career where they can have a beneficial impact on their local community or anywhere in the world. Increased student interest and achievement in engineering should improve and diversify engineering-based education as students learn and retain more information when they understand that what they are learning is applicable to them personally (in a local context).