Student profiles

Komal Vadhyaphal
Master of Engineering (Professional)

WHEN Deakin University postgraduate student Komal Vakyaphal arrived in Australia from the Indian city of Ahmedabad, she vowed that she would enjoy her stay in Australia to the fullest.  In the final year of her studies, Ms Vakyaphal has done exactly that while also thriving in her Master of Engineering (Professional) course.

Ms Vakhyaphal, who majored in Water Environment, has already secured a job in the water industry.  She attributes her success to the guidance she has received from staff since she arrived at the Geelong Campus.

“Deakin’s staff not only helped me in my studies and getting hands-on industry experience, but also provided me with the career advice that helped me secure a permanent position in the water industry before even completing my masters,” she said.

While Ms Vakhyaphal has worked hard to achieve her goals, her commitment to her studies has not been at the expense of her social life.

“When I arrived I thought, ‘I am definitely going to enjoy my stay here while moulding my career as a professional engineer,’” she said.

The friendly atmosphere at the campus and the accessibility of staff made settling in easier after arriving from India.

Ms Vakhyaphal originally chose to study at Deakin because it was the only regional university offering the Master of Engineering with Water Environment as its main focus.

She said she also learnt that the hands-on experience played a significant part in the course, producing well-rounded graduates.

“Deakin’s association with various industries provides students with hands-on experience which creates professional engineers that have the full package of skills that are needed in the workplace,” she said.

During her course, Ms Vakhaphal has taken the opportunity to work as a research assistant on various industrial projects that have helped her gain an understanding of the reality of employment in the water industry.

She said that she was pleased that she had decided to study at Deakin in Australia.
“I certainly believe that my time at Deakin is helping me in my professional career.  Deakin University is an enthusiastic and friendly community of leaders, academic and research staff and industrial partners,” she said.

Ms Vakhaphal is well on her way to achieving her career ambitions of working as a professional engineer in the water industry, focusing on water and wastewater treatment and management, water resources development and management, asset development and management and designing and modelling.