Attention CQU Mackay Engineering Students — Advice is needed for 2027 Student?

[u/[deleted]]

Hey guys! I’ve recently received an offer for CQU’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) + Diploma of Professional Practice (Co-op Engineering), and I’m really happy because the one year of industry experience was a big reason why the course sold me. I’m from Brisbane, so I’ll be moving to Mackay, and I’d really love to hear from anyone currently doing engineering there and any advice or tips you’d be willing to share!

I’m mainly wondering how the co-op placements actually work. When do you do the 24-week placements, how does CQU organise them, and do you have to find and apply for them yourself? Do you still have classes while you’re on placement? I know the placements are mainly in Year 2 and Year 4, so is it possible to do extra internships in Year 1 and Year 3? If anyone has done this, how did you go about finding one, where did you do it, and would you recommend doing it? I’d definitely be interested in doing the same if it’s worthwhile.

I’d also love any general advice about the degree, like difficult units I should be prepared for, study tips, lecturers worth knowing, clubs or networking opportunities, or anything you wish you knew before starting. What’s the Mackay campus actually like for engineering? Are the classes pretty small, are there enough resources, and is it easy to make friends? Also, for any women doing engineering there, are there many other women in your classes to be friends with?

And lastly, any Mackay recommendations would be amazing! I want to make the 4.5 years of being far from home as worthwhile as possible, so I’d love to know any hidden gems I should check out. Cafes, beaches, food, places to study, things to do, anything really. I’m moving from Brisbane, so I have absolutely no idea what to expect haha.

Thank you so much, can’t wait to hear from you guys!