About ECU

Mahbuba Rakhi

Five Minutes with...

What led you to choose engineering from your original choice of profession?

When I was young (probably 7 or 8) I always used to tell my parents I want to be a pilot one day, because I was fascinated by the big aircrafts, the journey in the airplane, and travelling the world for my job seemed to be the most amazing thing at that time but things changed later on.

In school I was a straight ‘A’ student and continuously held first place from 6^th grade. I loved science subjects the most. My love for physics and mathematics sparked the thought of seeing engineering as a career option. One of the reasons for choosing civil engineering might be because, I was growing in places of extensive urban expansion and I was always wowed by the tall buildings and bridges and wanted to know more in depth of how those were built.

Even though I had career as a professional actress, model and host back in Bangladesh while studying A levels (equivalent to year 11 and 12), in my mind I always cherished a dream of becoming an engineer. So once I finished my A levels, I got enrolled at ECU and came here in July 2013. Many people, especially my fans and the journalists, asked me why I left at the pinnacle of my career. I understand they have a point. I could have continued that profession while studying engineering back in my country, but studying a degree at university is really demanding and needs lots of motivation, so going a bit away from all that, to focus on my engineering degree was I think a great idea.

Also I believe in empowering women. I wanted to be an example to thousands of girls out there, because education is really important for the growth of a nation and for a better future. My studies did not end when I became the beauty pageant winner in 2011, rather it started because I know thousands of girls in my country follow me, what I am doing and want to be like me. I wanted to be an inspiration for the young generation.

What is your favourite part of engineering studies?

My favourite part is the labs, because I can have hands-on experience in the practical aspects of engineering (doing real welding by myself and soldering on circuit boards was really fun).

Were there areas of challenge for you when embarking on this discipline?

First of all I do love challenges. Engineering study is demanding, as you have to consume a vast amount of knowledge in a very short time and I did prepare myself for that. But the main challenge for me was probably maintaining a good diet, as I used to get so immersed in lectures, labs, and tutorials that I actually become faint because I did not have enough water throughout the day.

I am saying this not to scare people, but the moral of the story is - you have to take care of yourself when you are studying full time and working.

What does a typical day look like for engineering honours student?

In a week of three to five days of class, a typical day would start with a lecture in the morning at 8:30 am which would run for two hours, later a one hour tutorial, then I will have a lunch break and attend lab if it’s on that week. If there are no more classes I come straight home, some students do like to stay back at the elab afterwards to study but I always study best at home. So once I am home I freshen up, relax, do some activities I love doing and then spend a few hours to recap the lectures and practice the tutorials.

What advice would you give to female students considering studying engineering?

Do what your heart says. Don’t be intimidated because it is a male-dominated career. Follow your passion, if you want to be an engineer, don’t be afraid that you are not good enough. Nobody is perfect. Engineering is always innovative, exciting and a very rewarding career. If I can come from a place where no one in my extended family is an engineer, and study engineering, anybody can.

What do you like to do outside of study?

I am currently the vice president of the Women in Engineering club at ECU. I love volunteering my time there because I enjoy meeting new people, inspiring women and helping female students by being a support in their student journey.

In my free time I also love playing basketball, skating, swimming (which I am still learning by the way) and spending time with my siblings and three cute nephews, which makes my day.