Engineering Faculty launches Leadership in a Technological Environment program

Industry guests Ian Little (left) and Lindsay Wheeler (third from left) of Worley Parsons with Engineering students in the Leadership Program.

Monash University’s Faculty of Engineering officially launched the Leadership in a Technological Environment Program at a formal dinner, on Friday 16 November 2007.

Held at the Langham Hotel in Melbourne, over 100 guests enjoyed an evening of celebration and innovation.

The Leadership Program offers academically advanced students the opportunity to network with industry leaders and alumni, acquire life skills and learn about leadership.   (http://www.eng.monash.edu.au/current-students/merit/leadership/)

The dinner saw 59 inaugural students complete their first year of the program, and they embraced the opportunity to celebrate their achievement alongside 30 industry guests.

Guest speaker and Chancellor-designate of Monash University Dr Alan Finkel, was honoured to launch the Leadership Program with an official toast:

“Tonight is an evening to celebrate the future engineering leaders of Australia … I congratulate everybody involved in developing this course for the quality and imagination of their work”.

Festivities continued as the early success of the program was endorsed by Monash students Svetlana Babchuk and Tristan Lambert. The pair spoke of the invaluable skills they had acquired and were confident the Leadership Program would hold them in good stead in their respective industries in the future.

Encouraging speeches were also made by Chair of the Monash Engineering Foundation, former Dean of the Faculty and former Vice-Chancellor Peter Darvall and current Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Richard Larkins.

Dean of Engineering, Professor Tam Sridhar gave an inspiring speech which highlighted the Engineering Faculty’s innovative response to an ever-changing industry. Entrepreneurship was a driving message throughout the evening, and   Professor Sridhar displayed full confidence in the students’ abilities.

“We certainly see the graduates from this program as future leaders of the profession”, Professor Sridhar said.  

But the emphasis was not only placed on Monash students, Professor Sridhar reminded industry leaders of the important role they play.

“All these schemes rely on industry’s support to ensure success. We have these students for four years, industry enjoys the fruits of their talent for the next 40 years. This is an opportunity for industry to think creatively about their talent pipeline”, Professor Sridhar said.  

And industry leaders agreed!

There was an overwhelming show of support for the program and industry applauded Monash University’s ability to rise to the challenge and develop graduates’ leadership skills.

Michael Monester from the Grollo Equiset Group says the Leadership Program is an outstanding initiative and Monash University is being pro-active in preparing young people for leadership roles in our community.

He believes it’s important for industry to get involved.

“Industry is the vehicle by which leadership initiatives are carried out, that’s where you gain experience”, Mr Monester said.

Another industry guest was Michael Vines from Exxon Mobil.

Mr Vines said he was a “fan” of the program and looks forward to being involved. He says many graduates were only focussed on academic results and the Leadership Program provides an opportunity to develop well-rounded skills and industry experience.

The evening had a strong alumni focus and much of the success of the Leadership Program will rely on alumni involvement.

Alumnus and industry guest John Sturdy (BE 1978, MEngSc 1988, MBA 1990) from Hudson Global Resources, thought the program was well presented and promotes excellence and growth in future leaders, in addition to academic skills.

“The Leadership Program gives a keen value add to Monash that would attract the best students and industry likes the opportunity to employ the best” says Mr Sturdy.  

The highlight of the evening for this alumnus was being able to interact with students around the table and networking with his industry piers.

Mr Sturdy says alumni can relate to current students and understand the experiences they will encounter both at Monash and in industry.

Feeling a strong connection to the Engineering Faculty, Mr Sturdy has contributed to the Leadership Program by delivering lectures to students on managing their career and options they will face when entering the workforce. 

Mr Sturdy believes many alumni are philanthropists and enjoy giving back to the institution that not only provided their education, but also many memorable years. 

Coffey International’s Roger Olds (BE 1978, GradDipGeotechEng 1992) also attended the dinner and said the Leadership Program is well worth investing in.

Mr Olds said the evening was a success and he enjoyed meeting students and gaining an insight into their studies, involvement in the Leadership Program and their future aspirations.

But the highlight of the evening must go to the table centrepieces.

Why?

Well, imagine what would happen if a room full of engineers were given a bowl of coloured building blocks.

You guessed it!

After much food, wine and discussion, our talented guests decided to experiment with the blocks and essentially built entire cities in the middle of their tables.

A creative and memorable evening to say the least.