Designs on the future

Halfway through her final year of a double degree at Monash University, Fiona Douglas (BE(Hons)/BDes(IndDes) 2003) had a major rethink about her future direction. A final interview with Holden convinced her the automotive industry was the way to go.

"I was close to accepting a position with a design engineering consultancy," says Ms Douglas. "Holden explained the role to me in more detail and I came away thinking it would be heaps of fun and a great way to combine my skills in design and engineering."

The decision paid off.

Ms Douglas attended Monash between 1998 and 2002, studying mechanical engineering at Clayton and industrial design at the Caulfield campus. She began work as a project engineer with Holden in January this year.

Her current projects include automotive information technology designs, and analysing the effectiveness of child restraint seats in terms of safety. The research is being conducted in association with the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC).

Designing the future look of Holden vehicles is another ambition being realised. As a member of Holden Innovation's technology arm, Ms Douglas is already heavily involved in designing cars geared for future export markets.

"I've learnt so much being at Holden. You learn a lot at uni, but you learn so much more on the job when you can apply what you have learned," says Ms Douglas.

"I am really enjoying the projects I am working on, but in the long term I can see myself developing more of a focus on one particular area, possibly in design, and becoming an expert in it."