First name: Travers

Joy Global location: Somersby, NSW, Australia

Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer

Worked for Joy Global since: 2005

Why did you originally get into engineering?

I loved pulling broken toys apart to find out how they worked (or didn't work). I especially loved my Legos. I wanted to work on race cars originally, but after five years in racing, I wanted more time at home with my wife and kids. I have loved the change to engineering conveyors, using more of my degree than ever - more challenges, more design and more opportunities.

What is your proudest achievement as an engineer?

Developing an item to solve an old problem. The solution was able to be patented.

What do you find to be the best skill to have as an engineer?

Problem solving. Some of the best equipment has come out of a challenge to overcome an obstacle or tough issue.

What's the best piece of advice you received on your path to becoming an engineer?

Your degree is just a foundation or a building block; you really start to learn in the real world when you have to figure out how to solve real problems without having all of the needed info. 

What advice would you give a student interested in pursuing engineering?

Engineering is so broad. You could be designing a new refrigerator or the tail section of the next Boeing airplane. Don't assume "I won't need that" with any of your subjects as you might be surprised where your interests and career takes you .