A desire to contribute to innovative ideas in urban development has resulted in Deception Bay’s Shelbi Paterson graduating with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Ms Paterson, who officially gained her degree at a USC Graduation Ceremony earlier this month, now works as a project engineer for Unitywater.

“I landed this position six months before I completed my studies and I now work alongside a project manager to deliver Unitywater network projects throughout the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Moreton Bay council areas,” she said.

The 22-year-old, who majored in construction at USC, said her career success stemmed from her enjoyment of maths and physics at Deception Bay State High School.

“I took a stab in the dark when I decided to try engineering, and it’s worked out very well,” Ms Paterson said.

“There are so many innovative ideas thrown around in engineering. I’m also interested in urban development and seeing the construction works and developments that happen in my area.”

She said she had chosen USC after spending a year at a Brisbane university and deciding “it wasn’t for me”.

“Then one of my friends from school convinced me to give USC a go and I loved it.”

The flexibility of USC’s study timetable was a bonus for Ms Paterson.

“It meant that I could keep my job as a supervisor at McDonald’s and gain management experience throughout my studies,” she said.

“I worked up to 30 hours per week and used the money to travel overseas during uni breaks. I’m still doing casual shifts in that role.”

For more information about mid-year enrolments at USC.

— Julie Schomberg