Alumnus Success: Benjamin, France

17 Mar 2021

Benjamin Gauthier is a French national and entrepreneurial engineer. He studied a BEng - Mech & Aerospace at The University of Queensland, 2008-2011 

Why did you choose Queensland for your studies? 

It was very difficult making a choice when I was a teenager. I was keen on sciences and languages, and I knew they would always be great tools in life.  

I wanted to be either a pilot, a pastry chef or an engineer. I always had a passion for aircraft but I wanted to be able to create things as well, so I went for engineering. 

My parents were living in Tahiti when I started looking for a university, so I did a concentric search starting from Tahiti.  

The USA was out of the question. My options came down to between Canada and Australia.  

The University of Queensland had an exchange program with NASA and I already had travelled over Australia, so I went for Queensland. 

What are you doing now in your career? 

I’m now an entrepreneur, running multiple companies: an engineering consulting business for brands that want to develop new products and manufacture on a large scale, mostly FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods.) 

Additionally, I have created a free-diving equipment brand. 

How has your experience in Queensland helped you with your career? 

I developed my social skills and acquired internationally-recognised training in Queensland.  

Acknowledgment of my degree by employers was Step One. I also had to put myself out there to make the difference. 

I worked for the university research centre which gave me my first work experience in my field. 

What career-advice would you give to give future students thinking about studying in Queensland? 

Put yourself out there, meet new people and try new things … fearlessly!. You will have a lot of fun. Of course, studies cannot be neglected, but it will come to you as it goes along. 

What's the easiest way to develop a social-life in Queensland? 

Join student associations, especially sports associations. You don't have to be good at it to join and this will allow you to meet students from all nationalities and cultures. 

Can you share any ongoing ties to Queensland? 

I’ve kept in contact with my classmates through Facebook and I’ve met up with some of them when travelling. 

What was the highlight of your experience living in Queensland? 

Queensland is great; beautiful and harmonious with nature. Brisbane is a busy, economically-driven city, yet it’s possible to achieve a comfortable standard of living. 

Then away from the city you have beautiful landscapes, white sand beaches and friendly people. 

Want to follow Benjamin’s story, visit LinkedIn.