Swan Pyae graduated from UTS with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil (Structures). Today, Swan is a Structural Engineer at Van Der Meer Consulting in Sydney.
Meet Swan
Originally from Yangon, Myanmar, Swan Pyae had always been fascinated by how structures are designed and built. He naturally chose to study Civil and Structural Engineering at university to fuel his passion and curiosity. While researching universities to attend, Swan became interested in UTS for its unique blend of applying theory to practice.
To begin his journey to UTS, Swan enrolled at UTS Insearch, now known as UTS College. UTS College provides pathways to introduce international students to the Australian education experience and improve their English language skills. By completing a pathway course at UTS College, students are guaranteed entry to their corresponding UTS undergraduate degree. After finishing his foundation studies at UTS College, Swan enrolled in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil (Structures) at UTS.
“I enjoyed the practical approach to learning the most. The projects and challenges, such as the EWB Challenge, provided real-world problems that required creative and practical solutions, deepening my understanding of engineering principles and enhancing my problem-solving and teamwork skills.”
For the Engineering Without Boarders (EWB) Challenge, Swan and his team proposed a sustainable and practical toilet system for underdeveloped regions in Africa. Their project won the Team Award in 2015.
The state-of-the-art facilities and resources at UTS greatly supported my learning and development. One of the highlights was working on my engineering capstone project, where I received extensive support from my academic supervisor. This guidance was invaluable in navigating complex project requirements, conducting research, and applying theoretical knowledge to practical applications, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.
Swan’s capstone taught him skills that would be useful for his career as a structural engineer including how to use ANSYS software and Finite Element Analysis theory.
To build a professional network and connect with industry, Swan took advantage of events hosted by the UTS Career Hub and Engineering Society.
“I participated in networking events, industry talks, and workshops that were regularly organised by the university, allowing me to meet and interact with professionals from various engineering fields. These experiences not only enhanced my industry knowledge and skills but also helped me build valuable professional connections. I even secured my first cadetship through a contact I networked with at an engineering event at UTS.”
Swan credits building a strong support network as the key to his success as a student and professional.
“I would like to emphasize the importance of a strong support network, both professionally and personally, in achieving career success. My time at UTS was instrumental in shaping my career, and the friendships and professional connections I made there continue to support me today. I am grateful for the opportunities I had at UTS and am proud to be an alumnus of such a prestigious institution.”
Today, Swan is a Structural Engineer at Van Der Meer Consulting in Sydney. His responsibilities include performing structural analysis and designs for residential and commercial projects which involves conducting site inspections and communication with builders to ensure construction is in accordance with the design and complies with design documentation.