The Defence University Sponsorship that Kristian Cruickshank completed seven years ago while studying at CQUniversity in Rockhampton has enabled him to fulfil an Engineering career far beyond his expectations. 

Like many other first-year university students, Kristian had not given much thought to where his degree in Electrical Engineering might take him.  While his father’s time as a Reservist in the Army had an impression upon Kristian, he didn’t initially intend on joining the Australian Defence Force (ADF) straight out of high school. 

Flight Lieutenant Aerospace Engineer Officer Kristian Cruickshank began his career at CQUniversity Rockhampton. However, in the latter half of his first year of study at CQUniversity a presentation by Defence Force Recruiting on the Defence University Sponsorship took Kristian’s eye. As a student of Electrical Engineering, Kristian’s sponsorship began after one and a half years of study.

Following completion of his undergraduate degree under the Defence University Sponsorship, Kristian is now a Flight Lieutenant Aerospace Engineer Officer specialising in electronics based at RAAF Base Williams in Laverton near Melbourne. 

The main drawcard of the Sponsorship for him was the excellent job prospects upon completion of university.

“It also didn’t hurt to not have to worry about HECS, textbooks, and having a fortnightly income was a huge bonus,” he said.

While Kristian was able to make the most of his time at university living in a flat with mates from his hometown of Biloela, he still felt an obligation to the ADF.

“I knew I had to do well with my study, I didn’t want to disappoint my future employer, but it was made far easier by not needing to commit to a part-time job.”

Kristian chose to join the Air Force for the diverse and challenging opportunities within the Service’s engineering industry. Although he had an interest in aviation as a teenager it was also the sophisticated machinery that drew him in.

“It’s Air Force personnel who get to play with the most expensive toys and technology,” he said.

Kristian got an insight into the work/life balance in the Air Force while undertaking work experience trips while he was still a student.

“There was the opportunity of doing work experience in a civilian workplace, but I was more interested in getting onto the RAAF bases and getting stuck into it.”

For work experience Kristian made trips to RAAF Bases Amberley and Townsville, giving him a taste of what was to come – and he liked what he saw.

As an Aerospace Engineer Kristian now works as a Software Specialist overseeing the airworthiness certification of many Defence aviation projects. Kristian says the role gives him great insight into Defence aviation.

While he is more than happy with his life in the Air Force and enjoys the education, training and experience the ADF has given him, the possibility of employment in the private sector at some point in the future adds further flexibility in his career.

On top of his usual workload Kristian is always keen to undertake further study. Currently studying a Masters of Project Management by distance with the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), Kristian is intent on making the most of the opportunities at his fingertips.

“I’ve only been on one overseas posting, but it was an exciting one,” he said.  After a rigorous application process, Kristian was selected for a posting to California to study a Master of Science in Software Engineering. Kristian credits this time at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey as the highlight of his career in Defence.

This amazing experience emphasises the various career opportunities within the ADF. While he would head back to California in a heartbeat, Kristian is hoping future posting opportunities may take him to other parts of the world.

After completing the Defence University Sponsorship and holding positions at RAAF Williamtown in New South Wales, Monterey in California, RAAF Williams in Victoria, and soon Canberra, Kristian suggests students with any form of interest in the ADF look into the fantastic career opportunities the Sponsorship facilitates.