Learning industry skills and becoming career ready with ManuFutures

Sanika came to Australia to discover her calling. She found what she was looking to study but also a line of work that she is truly passionate about.

Sanika completed her Master of Engineering (Professional), specialising in mechanical engineering design and additive manufacturing in October 2022 and is currently working as a Product Engineer at ManuFutures advanced manufacturing innovation hub at Deakin University’s Future Economy Precinct in Waurn Ponds. As a student, she got the opportunity to build upon her previous learning as an engineer to achieve industry-ready expertise. This has enabled her to work with start-ups on product engineering solutions.

‘I always wanted to focus on engineering-oriented product design rather than artistic product designing courses that most universities were offering. Deakin was the only university offering this specialisation.’ – Sanika

Deakin University’s Master of Engineering (Professional) offered the exact specialisation that Sanika was seeking to help her build her career in the field of her choice and deliver on-ground results. In the future, Sanika plans to step into the industry as an entrepreneur and put her learning and experience to the ultimate market test.

It is an exciting time for students and workforce engaged in the engineering field. Sanika believes that the real-world experience she has gained during various projects at Deakin and as a Project Engineer at ManuFutures has set her up for success in the evolving field of engineering.

‘The best thing about Deakin University is that they have designed the curriculum in an industry-oriented manner. Their labs are geared towards having an industry experience for the students. The facilities are top-notch.’ – Sanika

True professionalism and industry-ready learning are vital today, more than ever. Engineering combines scientific learning and practical experience. A vital component of ensuring this association is successful, is to ensure the course curriculum, practical work and methodology is designed with considerations to the future of the industry. Engineering students can take advantage of Deakin University’s state-of-the-art facilities. Sanika found the facilities ‘top notch’, as they helped her develop her skills and prepare for working in the industry.

Sanika advocates that learning often goes beyond the bounds of a classroom and the real adventure lies in experiencing the practical and hands-on side of the learning experience. She believes that Deakin University offers ample opportunities to take up internships and work on projects with faculty. Having this opportunity has helped her orient her theoretical knowledge and apply it to real industry situations.

Interning while learning at Deakin University acquainted Sanika with the practical nuances of knowledge to emerge as a work-ready professional. Sanika got an opportunity to intern with Conflux Technology and be a part of their nine-month research collaboration with Deakin University for advanced outcomes in Australia’s additive manufacturing capabilities. She worked with additive manufacturing and gained an intensive learning experience when she was tasked with quality assurance in checking the equipment and manufactured products.

Sanika was able to get first-hand experience working on heat treatments for additively manufactured products. This live project let Sanika gather valuable knowledge and experience she can utilise in her future career.

ManuFutures is Australia’s unique advanced manufacturing hub which helps businesses accelerate their success with the help of its facilities, programs and services. It is taking Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability to a new level and helping create manufacturing jobs for the future. It is also a significant part of Deakin University’s growth and success and with a contribution from the Victorian Government, ManuFutures is set to expand its capabilities further.

Sanika and many others like her have found placements at ManuFutures for starting their engineering careers. Working at ManuFutures as a Product Engineer, Sanika actively engages with start-ups to offer services for product design, optimization, manufacturing line set-up and digital twin simulation services. In just four months at ManuFutures, she has already worked with fifteen start-ups, which is a testament to the exponential growth opportunities at ManuFutures.

‘I could always go the basketball court and no matter who was playing I could always join in. It was never an issue to be included and have a chance to play a good game for an hour.’ – Sanika

For Sanika, who is a passionate basketball player, finding mates to indulge in a good game for an hour was never a problem. She would always go over to the court and hop right in. She has bonded over games and made good friends and memories. Sanika is fond of the time she spent on Deakin Residences in the role of an Orientation Ambassador. It was a fun experience and grew her network exponentially. She helped new students find their way around and settle in.

For prospective students with an interest in engineering, Deakin University provides access to world-class facilities, industry connections and a course designed to teach students the skills they need to be ready for their future in the industry.

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