Careers with STEM: Future Careers

Future careers

Engineering&IT students

Combine classroom learning with real-world work experience with the Industry Degree Academy (IDeA) Cadetship at UTS. The IDeA Cadetship allows you to secure a position with one of our leading industry tech partners, enabling you to gain 3 years of paid work experience before you graduate.

As Australia’s leading university in computer science*, you can choose to undertake your cadetship as a part of the Bachelor of Cybersecurity or Bachelor of Computer Science.

Create and innovate

The skills you get from STEM study are in high demand for the careers of the future and UTS’s Faculty of Engineering and IT is an ideal place to learn

When you think about the future, do you imagine what our healthcare, transport, retail, finance and lifestyle experiences will be like? In all of these areas, it’s our future engineering and IT leaders who will help solve problems and create new realities. That’s why I love working in this field.

I’m hopeful the next generation could be our most innovative yet. Why? Because students are increasingly collaborating across disciplines like engineering and IT to work on the biggest issues, like sustainability, food security, wellbeing, cyber security and energy.

Your future could involve finding a co-founder to help you build the next big Australian tech start-up, engineering innovative flight components for space travel, or helping deliver the next breakthrough in renewable energy.

Studying at UTS is a way to make connections that will last your entire career. Along the way, you’ll have your choice of our many vibrant student clubs, like UTS Rocketry, Motorsports, Women in Engineering and IT, and so many more, connecting beyond your subjects. Well before you finish, you’ll have had plenty of face time with industry leaders, and gained hands-on experience

uts’s faculty of engineering is the perfect place to start creating a better future for us all

through internships at some of the best companies to work for in Australia.

If you’ve ever wondered what your future job might look like as a graduate engineer or IT professional, then this guide is for you. In it, you’ll meet students enriched by their experience at UTS and hear about the latest opportunities in the most in-demand fields of engineering and IT. With your creativity and vision, UTS’s Faculty of Engineering and IT is the perfect place to build your skills to create a better future for us all.

Peta Wyeth Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology

Peta Wyeth Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology

Bachelor of IT (Honours), University of Queensland

Lecturer, University of Queensland

Dean, Faculty of Engineering and IT, UTS

PhD Computer Science, University of Queensland

Deputy Dean, Faculty of Science, QUT

Getting to know US

Your A-to-Z guide to UTS’s Faculty of Engineering and IT, and why you should study there!

A is for Artificial Intelligence

As a leader in AI research and with its dedicated Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence, UTS is the place to be to master the tech of the future.

Bis for backed by industry UTS engineering and IT courses are co-designed with industry. No outdated theory here!

Cis for combined degrees

Combine your passions with a double degree, like a Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Information Technology!

Dis for data analytics

This Bachelor of Information Technology major integrates the mathematical and IT foundations for developing and applying business analytics systems.

Eis for employable

Considering engineering? This might help: 95% of engineering students were in full-time employment three years after graduation*.

Fis for future focused

By May 2024, 172,400 new IT-related jobs are predicted to be created. Studying IT at UTS will give you the skills to work in these jobs.

Gis for global opportunities

Study overseas with one of UTS’s 256 exchange partners in over 43 countries and territories.

His for help where it’s needed Scholarships in engineering and IT are available for women, Indigenous Australians, athletes and more. Read about them on page 5!

Iis for internships

Complete an internship or work at a leading Australian company while you study through the three-year UTS Industry Degree Academy.

Jis for join the club

Whether you enjoy programming, cyber security or robotics, UTS has a club for you!

Kis for keeping it green

The Engineering and IT building received a 5-star Green Certified Design rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.

Lis for Learning Precinct

Access the FEIT Learning Precinct to study, do group work, seek support, and get reference materials and resources.

Mis for maths

You don’t need to be a maths whiz to study engineering or IT at UTS, but a good foundation will be handy.

Nis for networking and cyber security

Prepare for a cyber security career with a networking and cyber security major.

Ois for own your schedule

Find a timetable that works for you with UTS’s day/evening classes, summer school and part-time study options.

Pis for prepare for the future

Gain the skills to work in booming sectors like AI, robotics and autonomous vehicles with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)!

Qis for quality facilities

A 3D data arena, a ProtoSpace filled with 3D-printing technology, and specced-up labs? What’s not to love!

Ris for renewable energy engineering

This major will put you on the path to becoming a power systems engineer, a process engineer, or an electrified transportation engineer!

Sis for Software Development Studio

Work on industry-initiated projects and be mentored by industry leaders.

Tis for technology

Access digitally equipped classrooms and study spaces with the latest tech.

Uis for UTS Startups

This program gives you start-up skills and resources so you can become an entrepreneur!

Vis for virtual reality designer

Study a Bachelor of Games Development to gain virtual reality skills that can be used in gaming, engineering, architecture, construction and more.

Wis for Women in Engineering and IT (WiEIT)

WiEIT allows women to connect with mentors and industry professionals, and equips them with the skills to be social change agents for gender equity.

Xis for X-pand your horizons

The UTS BUILD program will prepare you to be a global leader and active global citizen.

Yis for you’re in safe hands

UTS ranked number one in Australia for computer science & engineering.**

Zis for zero prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for any UTS engineering or IT courses, just assumed knowledge for some!

* GRADUATE OUTCOMES SURVEY, 2021

** ACADEMIC RANKING OF WORLD UNIVERSITIES (ARWU) 2022

Help where it’s needed most

Take advantage of the many programs and scholarships UTS’s Faculty of Engineering and IT has to offer. Find your path in our flowchart!

Need financial help towards your IT degree?

A.Check

out the Industry Degree Academy (IDeA)

A three-year cadetship program where students work at some of Australia’s leading companies and get paid while they study. Available for Bachelor of Computing Science or Bachelor of Cybersecurity students.

B.Apply for the Bachelor of IT ScholarshipCo-operative

Keen to work in industry while you study?

Receive around $49,500 in scholarship funding and complete two six-month industry placements, so you can learn on the job.

More than money

Women in Engineering and IT Cooperative scholar Caitlin thrived in her internships

WhenCaitlin’s Year 9 Information Processing Technology teacher suggested she apply for the Women in Engineering and IT (WiEIT) Co-op Scholarship, she didn’t hesitate.

Now a recipient, Caitlin says there are lots of benefits to the program aside from the $66,000 – like the three industry placements.

“They are all with extremely professional and large companies that would be hard to get into without this scholarship.”

Caitlin has already gained valuable industry experience through internships at the Australian Stock Exchange and at Channel 9 News. Her advice to scholarship applicants? “Show you’re well rounded, show that you take initiative, explain projects that you’ve worked on and definitely do not discount anything you’ve done”.

So many scholarships*

The UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT awards more than 90 scholarships annually!

C.Apply for a Scholarship

The Women in Engineering and IT Cooperative Scholarship offers recipients $66,000 over four years, plus three internship placements.

UTS also offers a range of other scholarships for aspiring students experiencing financial hardship.

Worried about juggling work to pay for study?

D.Apply for the FEIT Women in Engineering and IT Scholarship

Receive a grant of $10,000 towards your first year of engineering or IT study.

caitlin murphy software engineer student

CATCH THE AI WAVE

AI is about to change the world, and UTS is at the cutting edge

ABachelor of Artificial Intelligence from UTS is your ticket to mastering the latest tech in town, and readying yourself for the jobs of the future.

Think: self-driving cars, voice assistants, smart robots and personalised healthcare. The AI revolution will transform industries, streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and contribute to solving complex problems. And it will need skilled-up graduates with an eye for ethics to help navigate the road ahead.

“AI is the next evolution of being able to use computing in intelligent ways to support people and businesses and have a real social impact,” says Michael Blumenstein, Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation) in the Faculty of Engineering & IT at UTS.

“From automating business tasks to diagnosing diseases and helping people who have a disability, AI impacts many areas,” Michael says.

UTS leads in AI

As new research leads to evolutions in AI, UTS is at the forefront. It’s home to the Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute, Australia’s largest research hub in the field.

What to enrol in?

Michael Blumenstein Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation) in the Faculty of Engineering & IT at UTS

Head, School of Information and Communication Technology, Griffith University

Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation), UTS

show me the money

AI specialist

$129K – $434K

Average: $192,533

Machine Learning Engineer

$59K – $146K

Average: $86,221

Data scientist

$67K – $138K

Average: $93,760

Business analyst

$60K – $116K

Average: $82,502

Software developer

$55K – $109K

Average: $74,136

Data analyst

$57K – $105K

Average: $75,648

Vedant

Surjan Ai student

Model student

Michael says: “The people working here are building the next tech to do good for the world.”

UTS is also home to the Data Science Institute, which uses AI to help both businesses and governments solve challenges in areas helping our environment, people and systems.

Tapping into these research centres, students can work on real-world projects in their Honours year. “You’ve got extra support in doing a cutting-edge AI project,” Michael says.

Even before you’ve finished your degree, you’ll have access to leading companies seeking expert AI talent. Organisations like Google and Amazon Web Services, or banks and retailers that have large amounts of data and are using AI to leverage it. “The career prospects are really bright,” Michael says.

After embarking on an engineering degree and deciding it wasn’t for him, Vedant decided to turn his fascination of AI models into a career.

“Having learnt about machine learning and algorithms, I was really interested to find UTS offers a course specifically for AI,” Vedant says.

“Because the course is new, it’s interesting, and I really like the programming aspect.”

Now in his second year, Vedant is looking forward to choosing third-year electives, with options to specialise in Google or iOS (Apple) platforms.

He’s considering starting his own business as opportunities in AI grow.

“Before the course, I knew AI was a big and emerging field but I didn’t realise how capable these AI models are. They can do pretty much anything you ask them to do and they have a lot of capability in different fields, whether it be programming or even law,” Vedant says.

Secure a cyber career

What to enrol in?

• Bachelor of Cybersecurity UAC Code: 603235

• Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-op) (sub majoring in cyber security) UAC Code: 603210 Co-op

Cyber security jobs are set to grow by 33% by 2030, much faster than other careers. So not only will you be super employable by having a cyber security degree under your belt, you’ll also be ready to work in a range of different industries. Think: banking, Defence, healthcare, retail, manufacturing and more.

Given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks, there will be plenty of opportunities for cyber security professionals to put their skills to good use safeguarding the integrity of their employer’s networks, data and infrastructure.

Dr Priyadarsi Nanda

Senior Lecturer, School of Electrical and Data Engineering

A degree in cyber security also opens up a variety of roles, ranging from ethical hacking and penetration testing to security analysis and risk management.

The UTS difference

At UTS, cyber security students benefit from cutting-edge research facilities, expert teachers, and industry partnerships. This means that as a student, you’ll get a comprehensive education that prepares you for the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of cyber security.

Dr Priyadarsi Nanda (Senior Lecturer, School of Electrical and Data Engineering) says: “When we designed the Bachelor of Cybersecurity, we had a very strong presence of industry advisory members from various fields. They were the key people who gave us lots of insights into how our courses, subjects and labs would be designed. That means students are very much exposed to day-to-day activities in cyberspace.”

Cool classes

Asa kid, Jason had a strong sense of justice (and was even a self-proclaimed “tattle tale”). He has also always been interested in technology, so was naturally drawn to cyber security.

Knowing it’s a big growth area, Jason started exploring his study options and headed along to a UTS Cyber Security Society event. He then realised their new Bachelor of Cybersecurity was the right choice for him.

Now in his second year, Jason says his favourite thing about the degree has been the classes and the people. “All my lecturers have been really cool!”

He also loves the hands-on nature of the degree. In his first semester of uni, Jason was working on practical tasks like building a LAN network. His advice for anyone considering cyber security at UTS is to go for it. “They are developing the course now, so it’s going to be modern and to the specifications that are currently required in the industry.”

Practical learning

Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-op) student Shawaiz says one of the major reasons he chose this degree was because he thought it would propel his future career.

As part of his degree, Shawaiz undertakes two six-month, full-time internships in industry. During his first internship, he was in the cyber security team at insurance company AMP.

“That’s when I realised that this is something I will enjoy and actually be able to do,” he says.

Shawaiz then picked cyber security as his sub major and is starting his second internship at Origin Energy this year. He also enjoys the technical and practical aspects of his learning at UTS. “In cyber security there are, of course, lectures and theory, but then every week in labs we do actual cyber security attacks,” Shawaiz explains. “We run it on a virtual machine to learn how it all works and how you can combat it.”

Think UTS is the uni for you? Shawaiz says it’s a welcoming and supportive place to be. “You can join a society or a group, and with studying, everyone is helpful towards each other.”

Cyber security analyst

$57k – $122k

Average: $79,474

Network security engineer

$73k – $161k

Average: $90,000

Penetration tester

$58k – $137k

Average: $89,243

Security analyst

$59k – $113k

Average: $80,009

Security architect

$115k – $222k

Average: $152,898

Cool jobs, green planet

The revolution in renewable energy is boosting STEM jobs sky high

Studying renewable energy engineering is not just about securing a job; it’s about creating meaningful solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time. Our energy sector is getting a major upgrade as we move towards a net-zero future. The demand for skilled professionals in STEM, particularly in engineering and IT, is set to soar as we navigate the complexities of transforming our energy systems. In fact, the clean energy workforce is expected to grow from 53,000 workers today to an estimated 84,000 by 2050*.

Professor Zhenguo Huang, who heads up the UTS Hydrogen Energy Program, knows all about it. Australia is expected to become the largest net-exporter of low-emissions hydrogen by 2050, which in itself will create massive opportunities for business.

“As we move towards renewable energy, there will be new challenges in terms of new technologies, new types of businesses and how they operate. People will need to reskill or upskill to get ready for the future,” he says.

The shift towards a net-zero economy will be an unprecedented transformation that will bring with it not only challenges but also endless opportunities.

Real-world learning

Working in the renewable energy sector is far from your typical desk job; it’s about solving real-world challenges and making a difference. At UTS, diving into renewable energy engineering is about getting handson with groundbreaking technologies.

You’ll work on cutting-edge projects like designing next-gen electric vehicles or creating smart grids that make our cities super efficient. You’ll have the opportunity to work on concepts behind powering up entire communities with clean, sustainable energy, like the Sydney Science Park project in Western Sydney.

show me the money

Electrical Engineer

$65k – $118k

Average: $79,468

Power Systems Engineer

$76k – $109k

Average: $82,172

Power Engineer

$72k – $115k

Average: $90,000

What to enrol in?

•

Renewable Energy

• Bachelor of Engineering

Energy Dip Prof Eng Prac

Energy Consultant

$60k – $120k

Average: $76,000

Energy Engineer

$64k – $112k

Average: $80,500

Senior Consultant, Energy

$100K – $142K

Average: $123,757

Energy Analyst

$62K – $120K

Average: $81,500

SOURCE:

“The Faculty of Engineering and IT works very closely with industry developing practical solutions,” Zhenguo says.

“In the third and fourth year, students have an opportunity to work on a capstone project, interact with industry partners and do an internship to apply what they have learnt directly to industry or community. There’s both hands-on experience and fundamental learning involved.”

The Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Renewable Energy and the accompanying Diploma of Professional Engineering Practice are tailor-made for individuals passionate about contributing to the sustainable future of our planet. These courses go beyond traditional engineering,

providing students with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies, sustainable design principles, and the practical skills needed to innovate in this ever-evolving field.

Graduates from UTS are equipped to embark on diverse career paths that contribute directly to the transformation of our energy landscape. Opportunities include roles such as renewable energy engineer, power systems engineer on renewable projects, electric vehicle designer and energy policy development officer.

It’s more than just job prep though; it’s prepping you to lead the charge in the global effort to combat climate change.

*Source: The Clean Energy Report, 2023

SKILLS BOOST

✔ Electrical engineering foundations

✔ Design of energyefficient systems and emerging technologies

✔ Power system design and grid integration

✔ Electric vehicle technologies and battery storage

✔ Energy economics and policy

✔ Advanced materials for renewables

✔ Environmental planning

research scholar, Gyeongsang National University, South Korea

MahbubMohammadKabir phd candidate and research scholar

Bright spark

Growing up in Bangladesh, where unreliable power supply can cause power shortages, Mahbub knows first-hand how important it is to create sustainable energy that doesn’t contribute to climate change.

“As a young scientist, I was inspired to find sustainable and innovative ways to create an energy transition that was beneficial to the environment and in preventing climate change,” he says. Now doing his PhD in Environmental Engineering at UTS’s Faculty of Engineering and IT, he’s currently working at Gyeonsang National University, South Korea, as a visiting research scholar on advanced hydrogen energy research.

“My turning point was when I came to UTS and saw the technology and social resources that I could utilise to make my country more sustainable, which inspired me to enter this area of research, and I’m really passionate about renewables.”

Mahbub’s brilliant PhD research looks at how we might be able to produce green hydrogen energy and liquid fertiliser simultaneously from human urine using advanced technologies.

“In Bangladesh, we don’t have enough clean energy to use for hydrogen production, so we need to ensure the hydrogen economy is sustainable. Pure, fresh water for drinking and potable purposes is also scarce. Using impure water such as wastewater like human urine, we can efficiently produce green hydrogen and liquid fertiliser together.”

Ultimately, he hopes his research will make the energy system more secure in Bangladesh, and bring socioeconomic benefits to the world.

“Job opportunities in the renewables sector are booming. As a graduate, you don’t need to think about finding a job – the job will find you. There are a lot of big opportunities for engineering students not only in the hydrogen sector but also in solar, wind and other renewables in Australia.”

BSc (Hons) and MS in Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh

Visiting