Meet Aquib, who is currently on an exciting academic journey as a first-year Master’s student in Professional Engineering (Mining) at Curtin Kalgoorlie. With a solid foundation in mining engineering from his undergraduate studies in India, Aquib’s path is defined by a blend of academic excellence, personal passion, and a significant scholarship opportunity that has brought him to Australia.
Growing up in a small mining town called Joda in India, Aquib was surrounded by the mining industry from an early age. His father had worked for the same mining organisation for over 35 years, inspiring Aquib’s career choice. Despite his mother’s wish for him to pursue medicine, Aquib’s natural inclination towards engineering, evidenced by his childhood fascination with tools and opening up and fixing small machines, guided him towards this field. His background not only shaped his academic interests but also reinforced his commitment to mining engineering as a career.
Aquib’s transition from his undergraduate studies to his Master’s program at Curtin was marked by his undergraduate performance in India with a commendable GPA and a clear love for his degree, doors opened for Aquib to a prestigious scholarship program thanks to the Government of Odisha sponsorship. Out of a competitive pool of candidates, and many rounds of interviews and tests, Aquib was selected for this esteemed opportunity abroad!
“To be honest, I had a dream to study abroad. After completing my bachelor’s, my plan was to get into mining industry, and then the government came up with this initiative and they proposed this plan, and I was selected. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Although it would be hard to impact Aquib’s natural go with the flow and positive attitude, the first semester of his Master’s program presented unique set of hurdles, including adjusting to the extreme climate differences, and making it through his first 47-degree day! However, his background in a similar mining town helped ease this transition. Throughout his transition, Aquib has appreciated the structured and well-organised academic environment allowing him to balance his coursework with extracurricular involvement.
Aquib’s experience studying abroad began with a brief course in Perth, during the semester break, helping introduce him to Australian life and new environment. On one of his first days stepping out to adventure in Perth, Aquib accidentally left his wallet on the bus, thinking it would be forever gone. However, Aquib was pleasantly surprised to get it back the next day, with not a dollar or card missing. Aquib says this is testament to the friendliness and welcoming side of Australia he has so far experienced.
His advice to future students moving to Kalgoorlie is straightforward: actively engage with the community. By participating in local events and networking, students can integrate more seamlessly into their new environment. Aquib’s proactive approach has not only facilitated his adaptation but also enriched his experience through meaningful interactions and volunteer opportunities.
Looking ahead, Aquib is keen on contributing to sustainable mining practices. His goal is to leverage his engineering skills to implement technologies and processes that minimise environmental impact while maximising resource efficiency. Whether he remains in Australia or returns to India, Aquib is open to exploring various opportunities. His flexibility and global perspective reflect his commitment to making a positive impact in the field of mining. As he continues to navigate his academic and professional path, he remains focused on his goal of sustainable mining, aiming to make a meaningful contribution to industry and the environment.
