Meet Caleb, WA’s 2024 Rhodes Scholar who’ll be heading off to the University of Oxford later this year to start a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science. While he’s looking forward to researching floating offshore wind turbines and renewable power, he’s also hoping to catch a cricket match at Lords and perhaps even try his hand at rowing or rugby 🏏🏉
If you’ve ever thought about applying for a Rhodes Scholarship, Caleb’s advice is to put aside any reservations and go for it. “It’s very easy to fall into the trap of focusing on the achievements or accolades you don’t have, or comparing your CV to previous applicants and feeling like you fall short,” he says.
“I’d tell anyone to just be yourself. You should feel confident in capturing your unique narrative and proudly presenting who you are. There is no harm in applying, only benefit.
“As strange as it may sound, the process of reflecting on your journey, articulating your passions, and laying out your own narrative about how you are planning to contribute to the world is a motivating and inspiring exercise. Having industry leaders assess and critique this with you further builds your self-belief and aspirations, regardless of the application outcome.”
Caleb is UWA’s 109th Rhodes Scholar and recently graduated with a Master of Professional Engineering. While he was a student here, he co-founded a volunteer not-for-profit, was President of the UWA student chapter of the IMechE, learnt how to build and launch rockets with the UWA Aerospace team, and mentored high school students with Ignite Mentoring.
It's not bad for a footy loving guy who was born in Northam, attended Warwick Senior High School (Caleb gives a shout out to the incredible teachers there), and lists his hobbies as exploring WA’s four-wheel drive tracks, camping and (unsuccessfully) fishing. He also does a handy line in car maintenance and modifications, carpentry and furniture making – which even included building his own bar on wheels!
As for student life, his advice is to embrace as much as possible. “Keep an open mind about the different experiences you could have at uni join student clubs to meet like-minded students, seek out leadership roles socialise with students from different degrees to build diverse networks, take on extracurricular projects to explore your passions, and travel with the exchange program to see the world,” he says.
And if you’re considering applying for a Rhodes Scholarship?
“There’s not a specific description of what a Rhodes Scholar must be, so don’t fool yourself into believing you cannot become one,” he says.
Applications for Rhodes Scholarships close on 12 August. Learn more.
