Linkin-James Lim

Civil Engineering
“Studying Engineering is a lot of learning but it allows you to look at the world differently. I love walking through cities and exploring how buildings come together. Through the eyes of an engineer, the world is really beautiful.”

It was a love of woodwork and furniture construction at school that provided the foundation for Linkin-James Lim’s interest in pursuing a career in Engineering. His interest in furniture construction led to a more niched creative interest in the form of blacksmithing, which led him to set up a workshop in his backyard.
 
“I love going out there and doing my own thing. I have a small forge which I use to make knives and jewellery out of scrap metal. I get really carried away with planning out my projects and what I’m going to do next. I love starting new projects and sometimes they get really complicated. I spend ages experimenting and doing the calculations to get them right.”

In addition to Furniture Construction, which Linkin-James carried through to Year 12, he also chose Physics, Chemistry, and Maths Methods as subjects. Once he’d decided to pursue an engineering- based career path, Linkin explained the challenge he faced with not having the prerequisite math course to apply for an engineering degree.
 
“I overcame the issue by taking a bridging course and attending Summer School at Uni. The first semester was a challenge because some of the subjects required knowledge from the maths that I was still studying that semester- especially electronic engineering - but I’ve kept at it.”
 
He added that the specialist maths class at University has enabled him to understand why you get a certain answer, not just being forced to learn how to do it. “It’s way better than winging it like I did at school!”
 
Ultimately, Linkin-James chose to study civil engineering with a major in renewable energy over mechanical engineering because of his interest in building and construction.
 
Linkin-James’ association with the Playford Trust came about through a chance encounter his grandfather had at a model airplane club with Don Bursill, Chairman of the Playford Trust Scholarship Committee.
 
“My grandpa got talking to Don (who he’d never met before) about how I was applying to do an engineering degree and what my interests are. Don asked my grandpa to give me his number to call him. So I did.”
 
Linkin-James explains that because the scholarship was only for mining engineering students, he had to answer several hard-hitting questions.

“Don appreciated that I took the initiative and made the phone call. We had a great conversation, I answered lots of questions and we spoke about my interest in renewable energy. Despite my grades, he put me forward, and I got the scholarship out of it.” He adds, “....other kids have got much, much better grades than me. It kind of blew my mind how far being eager and chatty about what your interests are can take you.”
 
Linkin-James explains that being awarded a Playford Trust Scholarship has made him push harder at University to show that he is worthy of it. “Struggling with Maths in the First Semester made me worry that I would lose the Scholarship, so I pushed hard to get back on track.
 
Through his association with SACOME, at the end of his first year Linkin-James secured a place in the MCA’s MiEX program. Sponsored by AusIMM, BHP, Peabody and Rio Tinto, this office-based and on-site experience broadened his view of what his future looks like. “After the MiEX program, when I graduate I would like to work for BHP as a Geotechnical Engineer. I am also hoping to change my major to Construction Management as that suits my desired career path better.”