Liam Patrick Maccan

What advice would you give to students who are unsure about choosing the right degree for their interests and career aspirations?

Ultimately you should choose a career path that most aligns with your interests. However when you’re young, and still finding your feet, that can feel difficult.

It is important to understand that your career path won't come in the form of a straight line. You never know where you may end up or what profession you find yourself in; that’s not to say don’t aim for something, just don’t close yourself off to new experiences. The beautiful thing about life is the unexpectedness of what life throws at you.

So, all I can do is encourage you to enjoy your time at UNSW. Say YES to all the opportunities that come your way because you rarely regret the challenge. Through these life experiences, you will inevitably learn the skills and techniques you need to succeed in any work setting.

Before you know it, your time at university will be complete and you’ll be left wondering what to study next just so you can go back…

What unexpected skills did you gain from your degree that you have taken into your current role and why has it been so valuable?

Personally, I am very proud of the managerial and collaborative skills I developed at UNSW. Encountering difficult and tense situations in group settings, it was important to employ problem solving techniques to work efficiently and effectively.

In a subjective based environment, it is crucial to make sure all voices are heard in order to achieve a balanced yet succinct end product. Ultimately, these skills helped me build the confidence to take initiative and flourish in group settings professionally and personally.

I also developed other key skills through consistently delivering presentations which are crucial to progress in your professional career. Building the confidence needed to present in front of large crowds is a priceless learning experienceenriching attributes such as;

• Enhanced confidence and self-image
• Communication skills - written and verbal
• Leadership skills

What extracurricular activities, work integrated learning programs or other opportunities helped you develop personally and professionally and how did you manage to balance them with your studies?

In my final years of High School, I met a student ambassador at the UNSW Open Day who after speaking with them, inspired me to pursue a degree in Landscape Architecture. Later, I was lucky enough to become an ambassador for the School of Built environment myself and felt a duty to give back and return the favour that was gifted to me years before.

As a UNSW Student Ambassador, I was able to share my knowledge, enthusiasm and experiences with prospective students, parents and teachers about UNSW and the opportunities available to UNSW students, in particular within the built environment. It has continued to be a passion of mine to advocate and uphold a good image for future graduates.

What role have the friendships and networks you made throughout your studies at UNSW played in your personal and professional life?

With the design industry being as small as it is, it’s almost inevitable that you will end up working alongside your friends, tutors and mentors. I was fortunate to build strong professional relationships with tutors that lead to multiple career opportunities. My first job in the industry was facilitated through a tutor. It was in that job that I spent three successful years honing my design skills.

Some of my closest friends were made at UNSW. To this day I live with two close mates who I met on the first day of my degree. We all have similar views, interests and opinions and all studied the same degree. It isn’t surprising how close you tend to become with like-minded individuals.

“Say YES to all the opportunities that come your way because you rarely regret the challenge. Through these life experiences, you will inevitably learn the skills and techniques you need to succeed in any work setting.”