How do student challenges translate to real-world engineering? We sat down with MUAS alumni William Li, now working with CubePilot, to find out.

From mastering MCAD and ECAD to understanding the importance of pragmatism in leadership, his journey from student team member to professional engineer at CubePilot is a testament to the value of hands-on learning.

Read his full insights below:

1. How did your time in the engineering student team influence your career trajectory or professional interests?

I joined MUAS quite literally on a whim. I had minimal drone experience and just wanted to make some new friends and work on something hands on.

MUAS gave me exposure to not only drone related engineering but the work amongst other student teams. I realised that engineering in the aerospace sector (or adjacent) is exactly where I want to go. Whether it be drones, aircraft’s, rockets, or even rovers.

2. Were there any specific moments or challenges during your team experience that helped you discover your strengths?

There were many challenges throughout my tenure at MUAS, which helped me develop various skills. I think challenges more so develop your strengths than discovers them.

I think the biggest challenges people face is being pragmatic. It’s good to dream big, but even better for it to be grounded in reality of the current situation. This is what I realised that I was good at during my leadership roles at MUAS.

3. What technical skills did you gain from the team that you still use in your current role at CubePilot?

Virtually all of my technical skills – MCAD, ECAD, integration, soldering and et cetera. But more importantly the skills that allow you to self-learn, the self-motivation is more important.

4. What advice would you give to current students who want to make the most of their team experience?

It depends on what people want. MUAS gives you the chance to make lifelong friends, the chance to do actual engineering work, the chance to lead and bear the hopes of the team – the list goes on.
My advice is to go for it, go for the leadership role, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and you’ll make friends along the way.

5. How do you think MUAS prepared you for the evolving demands of industry?

MUAS are amongst the few opportunities that work on powered lift UAV’s. It gives you hands-on experience on the kind of skills and work you would need and do for these technologies.
Outside of this, to keep up with the evolving industry, you must also keep learning. And at MUAS, you’re always learning, you become efficient at learning. This is important for your future roles.