Samuel Gordon and Thomas Phillips: Why choose Engineering?

Why did you choose to study Engineering?

Samuel: I chose to study engineering because I liked planes as a kid. I liked things that move, big things, fast things, and I loved to build Lego, so to me it was the logical decision to make.

Thomas: I also had an interest in how things worked and moved and stuff as a little kid, and I absolutely loved Lego. So, I think engineering is just – you're building with a bigger Lego set, I guess.
 

Why did you choose to study at the University of Auckland?

Samuel: I chose to study at the University of Auckland for two things. The worldwide reputation of the University of Auckland was highly appealing to me, if I choose to go overseas. Secondly, it was because it's close to home. I have a great relationship with my parents, and I love going back and seeing them, seeing my school friends and playing sport.

Thomas: I chose to study engineering at the University of Auckland because it was close to home. I'm really close to my family and the relationships with them are really special, so being close to home was something that was really important to me. Also, the University of Auckland has a fantastic reputation as an engineering school and so that was also really appealing to me.

What was your perception of Engineering prior to studying vs.  now as a student in the field?

Samuel: Prior to studying engineering, I thought it was about building cool things and working on projects that could change the world. Now, having studied it, my mentality has changed slightly. You still change the world, but in different ways. There's no one solution to a single problem.

Thomas: Before I came into engineering, I thought it was all about creating, designing, building and just being involved in the whole design process, but I've realised that engineering is so much bigger – and so you have just mainly a small part in the larger process, but the pathways that that can lead you down is a lot greater, broader.
 

What would you say to high school students who might be considering studying Engineering?

Samuel: Engineering is difficult and it's highly demanding, but the results are truly rewarding. I still remember the projects I've done in my first year and the friends and people that I've met along the way. Having got a result that was more than what we could've hoped for. So, to students, I'd say dive right in.

Thomas: The people you meet along the way and the projects you get to be involved in, it's all worth it. So, I just say go do it.