Prithvi Rajneesh Shethia
Product Development Engineer, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering
His career as a mechanical engineer is a multifaceted and dynamic journey, says Prithvi Rajneesh Shethia who came to AUT as an international student from India and now works at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.
“It’s a career path that continuously challenges and enriches me, enabling me to make significant contributions to the development of cutting-edge products and technologies while fostering growth and innovation within a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
“My professional responsibilities primarily encompass the generation of design concepts, the creation of detailed drawings and documentation for product components and manufacturing processes. This foundational work is pivotal to the inception and development of products. In close collaboration with a skilled team, I’m tasked with the development of models and prototypes, which are vital for supporting our product development endeavours.”
Prithvi loves that his role extends beyond the confines of a traditional desk job.
“I'm naturally a people person with a curiosity that drives me to ask questions and dig deeper. My role exists within a hybrid work environment between the controlled precision of a laboratory setting and the creative sphere of my workstation. While I appreciate my desk time, I also need the change of scenery the lab provides. It really helps me stay engaged, and is where I love to prototype and test various concepts, which often leads to fresh and innovative ideas.”
Making the most of uni life
Prithvi’s interest in mechanical engineering started at a young age; sparked by his passion for cars and his desire to understand their intricate workings. Eventually this would lead him to New Zealand and studying at AUT.
“I’ve always known that hands-on practical experiments are the most effective means for me to gain a profound understanding. What I liked about AUT is that it places a strong emphasis on practical learning, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in real-world applications alongside theoretical instruction. One of the highlights for me was working with one of my professors on his research project to enhance the effectiveness of a continuous positive airway pressure system for the treatment of sleep apnea patients.”
While he certainly excelled in his studies and was even named as the top student in mechanical engineering, Prithvi also managed to make the most of his time as a university student.
“The student life was the best, with a perfect balance of studies and time for yourself to enjoy. Being a part of many clubs, I made heaps of friends from different backgrounds. The recreation centre also helped me take a break from studies playing games with my mates.
“While I was at AUT, I had the privilege of serving as a diversity affairs officer within the AUT Scholars’ Society, I contributed as a member of the AUT student ambassador programme and represented AUT at the National Badminton Championships in Wellington. I also took the initiative to co-found the AUT Indian Students Association where we organised vibrant Indian festivals and cultural celebrations.”
Advice for other students
Never be shy about asking questions, Prithvi advises other students,
“You'd be surprised how asking questions can open doors and lead to some great opportunities. There are some fantastic professors at AUT who really go the extra mile to help you understand things; even if it's after class hours. The professors were really kind and would explain a concept numerous times, giving examples in different ways to make it easier to understand.”
AUT has been a great stepping stone for what's out there in the real world, he says.
“AUT made it pretty easy to get the hang of various software tools, even if you've never touched them before. Some of the courses break things down nicely, teaching you how they work and how to use them. The volunteering options through the Employability Lab are also awesome for meeting new people and getting involved in different activities, so I'd definitely recommend checking those out.”
