11/10/2026
Navigating the Transition: Insights from the IEEE HKN Alumni Panel
On October 6, 2026, the UQ IEEE HKN Mu Kappa Chapter hosted an inspiring Alumni Panel, uniting students and professionals for a discussion with five incredible engineering graduates:
- Alexander Burovanov (Avionics Engineer, Gilmour Space Technologies) – Applying expertise in PCB design, embedded systems, and FPGAs to build integrated launch vehicles and satellite platforms for the aerospace industry.
- Joel Bulow (Co-founder, GridScout) – Building intuitive platforms to visualize constraints and navigate grid complexity in the energy market.
- Morgan Chen (Emerging Technologies Specialist) – Leading applied AI initiatives and digital innovation within the energy sector.
- Christopher Malau (Systems Engineer, Wenco International Mining Systems) – Driving software development and edge computing innovations in mining tech.
- Kelly Zhou (Graduate Electrical Engineer, Energy Queensland) – Designing and maintaining critical underground power infrastructure.
Each speaker shared their journey from UQ classrooms to the industry—highlighting securing graduate roles, the transition into the workforce, and the strategies that helped them build successful early careers. The panel discussed how to navigate the steep learning curve of industry standards, the importance of cross-functional teamwork, and how rapidly evolving technologies like AI and edge computing are shaping the future of engineering.
Advice for students entering the industry included:
- Never stop asking questions—your graduate years are the time to leverage the expertise of senior engineers around you.
- Look beyond technical details and focus on how to communicate complex problems clearly to stakeholders.
- Stay adaptable and embrace continuous learning, as industry tools and demands will constantly evolve.
A huge thank you to our panellists and attendees! Special thanks to HKN for providing us with a chapter support grant, and to the IEEE QLD Section for their financial support in helping to make this incredible event happen!
