Co-OP SCHOLAR AMBASSADOR

In high school I loved chemistry and wanted to do something practical with it. Industrial chemistry seemed like the perfect degree, combining my love of chemistry with the problem solving applications of an engineering degree. I applied for the Co-op Program because it offered great opportunities for work experience in different fields within industrial chemistry, which I thought would be beneficial when it came to choosing a career, and it has!

Through being a Co-op Scholar I have made some really great friends, have had the opportunity to go on exchange to Canada and have made lots of useful contacts in industry. The best part about being a Co-op Ambassador is getting to talk to students about what a great scholarship the Co-op Program is. In high school I didn’t get the opportunity to hear from a Co-op Ambassador, so I love being able to share my experiences with the students and encourage them to consider the program that has given me so much throughout my time at uni.

Co-OP SCHOLAR AMBASSADOR

My name is Anthony Webb and I am currently a second year Actuarial Studies Co-op Scholar and it has been a blast!

Towards the end of my final year in high school I started applying for scholarships and had no idea the Co-op Program at UNSW existed until my careers adviser showed me the annual Co-op booklet. I started to have a look at the huge range of programs offered and the benefits attached to each program. For me, the Co-op Program seemed to rise above any other scholarship because of the Industrial Training you experience for up to 15 months throughout your degree, and I thought this would be the most important aspect entering the workplace upon graduation at UNSW.

Why Actuarial Studies? Honestly not knowing too much about the field in my high school years I didn’t know what to expect from the degree. However I knew I had a deep appreciation for mathematics and enjoyed problem solving. Having read that unemployment rates in the Actuarial profession were close to zero, Actuarial Studies would seem to provide a rewarding career.

The Co-op Program is great in the fact that it brings scholars together and there is cohesiveness among your fellow scholars that I think is unique to the scholarship. An example of this, and my best experience of being a Co-op Scholar so far, was the first year leadership camp at Kangaroo Valley in which there were many team-bonding exercises among all streams of the scholarship.

My other interests aside from risk management and mathematics include space science and in particular theoretical physics. My passion for science has provided me with unforgettable opportunities attending space schools throughout Australia and the USA at the NASA facilities over the past five years. Currently I am a staff member of the NSW School of Space Science that is dedicated to promoting space science to high school students.

So my final verdict on the Co-op Program? Apply! I believe it is an enriching experience that provides you with limitless opportunities in your undergraduate degree and beyond!

Co-OP SCHOLAR AMBASSADOR

I was really interested in maths and physics at school so engineering seemed like the right path to head down, but it wasn't until I came across the UNSW Co-op Program that I had even considered mining engineering as a potential career. Now, I can’t actually imagine doing anything else!

I come from a small agricultural town, Gatton, which is outside of Brisbane, and certainly not a place where mining is of any significance. As a Co-op Scholar, I’ve now had two IT placements at mines in NSW, which have been absolutely amazing experiences. Just one reflection of this, was the opportunity to operate some of the biggest and most expensive machinery found in the world, and of course, work with explosives!

For my first two years of uni, I stayed on campus at a college, where I had an incredible time, and have since moved out with three close friends I made there. Sydney is a tremendously great place to live and despite the immense change from a small country town to the big city life, I definitely wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

The best thing about being a Co-op Scholar Ambassador is the chance to share these experiences with school students, and at the very least let them know about the infinite opportunities that come with being a Co-op Scholar.

Co-OP SCHOLAR AMBASSADOR

I have been interested in engineering since a young age but it wasn’t until year 12 that I decided Mining Engineering is what I wanted to study. By far one of the greatest influences in my choice was the fact that Co-op scholarships were available in that area of study.

After learning about the Co-op Program when someone from the university came out to visit my school, I became really excited at the prospect of becoming a Co-op scholar.

I have had heaps of great experiences whilst on the program, the first year leadership camp was loads of fun and I made plenty of great new friends. The scholarship has also allowed me to move into a residential college on campus, something that would not have been possible without the financial support it provided. My Co-op scholarship has provided me with numerous and fantastic opportunities that would have otherwise been unimaginable.

Co-OP SCHOLAR AMBASSADOR

I commenced my studies at UNSW in 2008 and am studying Actuarial Studies. I was born in Canberra, raised in Brisbane and now live in Sydney. My travels have brought me to Baxter College which is one of three Kensington Colleges. I first heard about the Co-op Program when I was looking at the relevant scholarships for actuarial studies around Australia. It seemed extremely attractive because not only of the financial incentives but also the work opportunities. When the UNSW Co-op Program came to my school, they not only re-emphasised all the great aspects of the scholarship but also they showed it was a great chance to meet a diverse group of great university students studying other courses.

Away from academia, I am heavily involved in football. I play for the UNSW Football Club and represented UNSW at the National Uni Games. My club is Manchester United because they represent the values of football, joga bonito (play beautifully). I currently work with the Actuarial Society (ASOC) in peer support helping first years with their maths. Right from the start, I felt I belonged to a close group of Co-op scholars and I believe it is my job as a Scholar Ambassador to convey this feeling so that you too can share in the experience.

Co-OP SCHOLAR AMBASSADOR

In 2006 I walked into my careers advisors office in Southern Sydney, not really sure of what I wanted to do, when a Co-op Scholarship application form was slipped into my hand. After attending an open day at UNSW I decided I would apply for Mining Engineering and fill out the Co-op application to suit. It seemed like a worthwhile scholarship with leadership opportunities, work experience and it meant that some kind companies would pay for me to study. Better yet, it’s proved to be all that!

I enjoy jazz music, playing saxophone, golf, squash and public speaking. In 2004 I spent six months on a reciprocal exchange to Lakewood, Colorado and am actively involved at my church in Northern Wollongong.

I jumped at the opportunity to be a Co-op Scholar Ambassador as I wanted to share my experience of this worthwhile program by speaking to people personally.