Graduate Profile - Ben Appleton

UQ graduate Ben Appleton is working as a software engineer for one of the world's most recognised companies

After obtaining a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (first class honours and University Medal) and Bachelor of Science (Mathematics), then completing his PhD in image analysis in 2005, Ben joined Google.

Google is the provider of the world’s best known Internet search engine. Since 2005, Ben has worked on a number of high profile projects, including Google Maps.

“I was attracted to UQ because of its strong name internationally, which opens up a host of opportunities for graduates,” Ben said. “I found that the first year of Engineering gave me the opportunity to try out a few specialisations and to find out where my passions were.

“UQ supports a wide range of combined degree programs and I really enjoyed the interplay between my studies in engineering and in mathematics.” Ben said UQ had one of the strongest engineering programs in Australia. “A UQ Engineering graduate has the opportunity to study anywhere in the world,” Ben also said.  “The thing I enjoyed most was working with my fellow students and lecturers – it really motivated me to excel.”

When Ben moved into postgraduate studies he worked with researchers from UQ and CSIRO and found that there were always interesting problems to solve. “I enjoyed seeing my research published in highly respected journals and getting the opportunity to present it at international conferences,” he said. 

Ben, who is now based in Sydney, said he was working among some of the brightest minds in computer science. “I’m constantly surprised at how theory from my studies finds its application in my day-to-day work,” he said.

“Working at Google is a lot of fun; there’s plenty of smart people to work with and you’re solving a new problem every day.”

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