Jesse Givens-Lamb
Jesse Givens-Lamb
- Student type: Domestic
- Degree type: Double Degree
- Year commenced: 2013
- Degree(s): Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
- Major(s): Chemistry; Chemical Engineering
What attracted you to engineering?
I was attracted to engineering because of the problem solving skills that I believed engineering would teach me. Thankfully this turned out to be true! I now have the ability to approach problems in a logical, sequential manner that helps me break down larger problems into smaller ones that can be easily tackled. Additionally, these problem solving skills have helped me understand the world around me and truly appreciate it.
What are you studying at Monash? What does it involve, what do you actually do?
I am currently in my fourth year of a double degree in Science and Engineering, majoring in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. These fields are incredibly broad, but what they really involve is getting a grasp for the world around us. Although this does involve learning in lectures, both areas of my degree have laboratory components where we get to experience hands-on learning. Through this I've found that Chemistry is about understanding reactions, interactions and changes at molecular scale, whereas Chemical Engineering takes a step back and looks at the same concepts but at a larger scale. For Chemistry laboratories I've used thousandths, millionths and sometimes even billionths of a gram worth of reactants, however In Chemical Engineering laboratories typically we use kilograms of material for those reactions!
Apart from study, what else were you involved in both at Monash and off campus? (Paid work, sport, clubs, hobbies etc)?
I've made a really conscious effort to be involved in as many things as possible whilst studying. I've supported myself financially by working part time as a public speaker and tutor and have also volunteered my time with Youth Without Borders and play casual futsal for some fun! On campus I am involved with the Chemical Engineering Society as their Vice President, am a Mentor Leader for Access Monash, which mentors disadvantaged high school students and also am actively involved with both the science and engineering faculties as part of their Science Student Ambassador program and Future Finders exhibition.
What was the best thing about being a student at Monash?
Monash is a great place to learn, but I think more importantly it's a great place to develop. The opportunities available outside of the classroom provide avenues to learn so many skills, meet so many new people and ultimately better prepare yourself for your future.
What advice do you have for prospective students starting uni next year?
It's easy (and natural!) to be intimidated by university life when you first arrive. It's a large place that is full of people who seem to know what they are doing. I found that the best way to overcome this is to get involved in university life. Ask questions in your lectures, chat to your tutors and also be sure to come to O-Week and join some clubs and societies!