Building a Future Through Structure, Problem-Solving, and Practical Experience
Mia Stuart is part of Koa’s Class of 2025, and she’s already building real momentum in the field she’s working towards. She’s currently studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electrical and Electronic Engineering through an online college, where she attends campus for practical assessments. Alongside this, she’s working as a draughtsman intern and beginning a mentorship under an ECSA-registered professional.
Her work involves observing projects, sitting in on meetings, and learning the basics of technical drawings used in real projects. Mia says what she enjoys most is seeing how it all connects – “how these drawings and plans translate into the real world and how everything comes together beyond just theory.”
What drew Mia to this path?
Mia was drawn to a career that’s rooted in structure and problem-solving – something hands-on, where she could actively build and contribute to something tangible. She says her parents helped her recognise a pattern that’s always been there: her love of art and building things (LEGO especially). They described this career direction as similar, taking different pieces and putting them together to create a solution, and it stuck.
Since then, Mia has realised she’s naturally more hands-on. While she did enjoy both theory and practical work at school, being in a field where she can build and see the outcome in the real world feels like the right fit.
How did Koa help Mia get here?
Mia joined Koa in Grade 11, and she says her time here played “one of the most important roles” in getting her to where she is now. She made a significant shift in her subjects, including moving into Physical Sciences while working to improve her Maths – a change that felt challenging at the time.
She explains that she didn’t think she’d be able to pursue a degree like this, but with the support and structure at Koa, she was able to improve her marks and put herself in a position to apply.
Independence, discipline, and support when it mattered
For Mia, one of the most valuable parts of online schooling was learning personal responsibility – keeping up with deadlines, managing her time, and staying consistent even when it wasn’t easy. She explains that Koa helped her develop discipline and independence, while still feeling supported.
“What made the difference was the consistent support from my teachers,” Mia says. “They were always encouraging, and if I started falling behind, they would notice and reach out to help.”
That balance stood out to her – independence, paired with teachers who stayed close enough to step in when needed. And because higher education requires the same level of self-management, Mia says Koa helped her build those habits early on.
What’s next for Mia?
Looking ahead, Mia is most excited about continuing to grow in the field and working towards a systems-focused engineering role, where she can help integrate and manage complex technical systems across projects. She says she likes “the idea of managing my own time while continuing to develop my practical skills,” and her current combination of study, mentorship, and hands-on work is helping her build towards that goal.
