.png){kind=small}
Name: Megan Robinson
Age: 22
College / University: Monash University
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Country origin: Australia
What did you do in high school to prepare you for this major? Tell us about your extracurricular activities and any honors/awards you received while preparing for university.
In high school, I really focused on building a solid foundation for engineering because I was always drawn to problem-solving and understanding how things work.
In my first year of high school, I started attending final-year physics lectures. I didn’t always understand everything at first, but I loved the idea of pushing myself to learn more—it definitely deepened my interest in engineering and made me want to keep going. Around the same time, I also started teaching myself how to code, which I found challenging but loved for its problem-solving aspect and the opportunity to learn independently.
In my final years of high school, I was also part of a three-year university program, which gave me early exposure to university-level material and helped me feel more comfortable tackling advanced topics, as well as adapting to the different teaching methods at university compared to high school.
Outside of class, I got involved in a variety of extracurricular activities that really helped me enjoy what I was learning in the classroom. One of the highlights was presenting my work at an International Science Fair in Thailand, which was such a cool experience and taught me how to communicate technical ideas confidently. I also competed in an International Particle Physics competition, where my team made it to the finals. These opportunities showed me how exciting STEM could be beyond the classroom.
I also chose highly STEM-related subjects in my final years of high school, including physics, chemistry, and two different maths subjects, which definitely made the transition into engineering at university a lot smoother. Looking back, I would say it was a mix of independent learning, challenging myself academically, and getting involved in hands-on projects that really set me up for pursuing what I love.
Please tell us your daily life schedule as a student with this major in your university.
I like to wake up early because I find that I study best in the mornings, so I often start my day with some pre-reading before heading to campus. Most days, I spend around 10 hours on campus—attending classes or working with my student team, Monash High Powered Rocketry. Whether we are brainstorming new designs, writing technical reports, or manufacturing parts, it is one of the most rewarding parts of my day and makes me appreciate how cool my degree actually is.
In the evenings, I balance my studies and team commitments with soccer training, futsal, or a run to stay active and clear my mind.
How do you manage your stress? What's the secret?
I manage stress by taking regular study breaks and meeting up with my friends for a coffee and a walk on campus. I also avoid doing university work late at night; instead, I prefer to exercise in the evenings, whether it’s soccer, futsal, or just staying active.
Being part of Monash High Powered Rocketry is incredibly helpful too—the friends I’ve made here are in the same boat as me, and we’re really supportive of each other. We work through challenges together, and having that kind of teamwork and understanding makes such a difference.
I’m really lucky to have such supportive friends and family outside of university, who help me relax and keep everything in perspective.
What advice would you give high school students wanting to study this major?
Getting involved in as many extracurricular activities as possible is honestly one of the best things you can do. It’s not just about making your application look good—it genuinely keeps you motivated and excited about what you’re learning.
For someone studying aerospace engineering, I can’t emphasise enough how joining clubs or teams related to STEM can show you how the concepts you learn in class (like physics or maths principles) play out in the real world. Whether it’s a rocketry team, a robotics competition, or a coding club, these hands-on experiences allow you to see theory in action and help bridge the gap between what you’re learning and how you can apply it.
There is also so much more to engineering than just technical knowledge. You’ll develop important skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, which are essential for any career, but especially in a multidisciplinary field like engineering. Working as part of a team on these projects gives you an appreciation for how diverse skill sets come together to create incredible things.
You’ll also have the chance to become comfortable with clear communication—whether it’s pitching an idea, presenting results, or problem-solving when things don’t work out the first time. And unlike high school, university gives you the freedom to be much more independent in your learning. You’ll be expected to take ownership of your studies—self-driven research, managing your schedule, and finding ways to apply concepts without always being told what to do.
The combination of independent learning and hands-on teamwork will truly help you grow as both a student and a future engineer.
What was the most helpful when applying to college for this major?
When applying to my college and course, having a strong foundation in prerequisite subjects like maths and physics from high school was essential. However, beyond meeting the entry requirements, what really sets you apart—especially when applying for additional opportunities within the engineering cohort—is showcasing projects you have worked on outside the classroom.
These extracurricular projects demonstrate your passion and eagerness to do more than just earn a degree. Being able to talk about my experience designing experimental sounding rockets through Monash High Powered Rocketry, as well as my background in software development, has helped me participate in networking events and industry nights, which play a key role in securing a graduate role.
Engaging in hands-on work, taking part in team-led design challenges, or pursuing independent technical interests not only helps you stand out but also provides practical skills and experience that are incredibly valuable throughout university.
If there is an app/website/social media account that you love or follow related to your major, could you share the link?
Website: https://www.monashhpr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monashhpr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monash.hpr/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@monashhpr
Thank you to Megan Robinson!
You can also follow us on Instagram
Instagram:@askstem
Comments