Monash University, Software Engineering, Reem El Machtoub

Name: Reem El Machtoub

Age: 20

College / University: Monash University

Major: Software 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.

Attending career sessions and talking with teachers was a big help when preparing for engineering. Their advice helped guide and prepare me for starting this degree. Moreover, focusing on school units related to what I would pursue at university, while participating in various extracurricular activities-from athletic sports like swimming to more academic engineering club activities-helped me explore my interests while staying active.

Please tell us your daily life schedule as a student with this major in your university.

My day-to-day is a mix of attending classes and making time for myself, whether that’s spending time with friends, cooking or cleaning, or staying active by running or going to the gym. I try to balance my studies with these activities, and I find that this helps me stay focused in the long run. I also set aside time to contribute to the clubs and student teams I’m a part of, and I find this a great way to be involved in university life.

How do you manage your stress? What's the secret?

I manage stress by having outlets outside of university that I can rely on, such as spending time with friends, going to the gym or doing a social sport, and taking time to care for myself by cooking or cleaning. All of these activities provide a productive routine that helps me release stress and stay active.

What advice would you give high school students wanting to study this major?

This may be cliché, but you can truly study anything you set your mind to. Although different people may have different methods, I find that making a good plan-whether it's study-related or more general-can help you achieve this by breaking it down into smaller, achievable steps. Engineering requires effort and time management, but it’s worth it in the long run, and I’ve found it to be a fun journey so far.

What was the most helpful when applying to college for this major?

While it is helpful to have undertaken science subjects such as math, physics, and so on, these aren't everything in an application. Having some social or active extracurriculars in your application goes a long way. These extracurriculars serve to showcase more of your personality and demonstrate that you are a team player, ready to dive into the team-oriented field of engineering.

If there is an app/website/social media account that you love or follow related to your major, could you share the link?

I have found the Engineers Australia website to be extremely useful as it provides the latest engineering news, free webinars on a broad range of topics, networking opportunities, events, and so much more!

Engineers Australia

Thank you to Reem El Machtoub!

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