CQU student Natalie McIntosh has developed a keen interest in the mining industry thanks to a paid work placement at an Anglo Coal mine near Moranbah.

Ms McIntosh has also become a keen supporter of CQU's Cooperative Engineering degree since it is providing essential work experience.

The mechanical engineering student said she had heard that trades people could become annoyed with graduate engineers who lacked practical knowledge.

"I'm taking the opportunity to use my work placements in order to gain a practical understanding of the processes in workshop and trade areas so I can learn to interact and work with trades people as a team," she said.

Ms McIntosh, whose home town is Mackay, has been based at CQU Rockhampton for university studies and more recently has been on site at the Moranbah mine.

She said one surprise at CQU was the significant presence of female engineering students, despite the industry having a reputation for being dominated by males.

CQU's James Goldston Faculty of Engineering and Physical Systems is also known for leadership in the area of project-based learning.

"The beauty of the Faculty is the work rooms which are provided which are an area where all of the engineering students can interact for assignment work, study and most importantly team projects," Ms McIntosh said.

She said the CQU Engineering option was the best on offer because of the Co-op program.

"I found that although some of the Brisbane universities were considered more exclusive they did not offer to me what I thought was important, large amounts of work experience, and I was happy not to have to travel very far to get it.

"Going to uni is something that makes you independent. This is something which I love and having to drive yourself towards your goals definitely seems to be a challenge, but at the same time makes it all the more worth it."