General Secretary

SMIT MAKWANA
General Secretary

Educational Background:
I am currently pursuing a Master of Civil Engineering at Victoria University, having previously completed my Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) at the same institution. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve been actively involved in both coursework and extracurricular leadership, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field of engineering and student engagement. I bring a diverse set of leadership, project management, and student support experiences to my role as General Secretary. I led an engineering student group in delivering a real-world project at Broadmeadows Sporting Club, enhancing my teamwork and practical engineering skills. Professionally, I’ve worked on major infrastructure projects, including the West Gate Tunnel Project and with Brimbank Council as an Undergraduate Engineer, where I developed strong skills in project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and organisation.

Personal Connection to the Mission:

I’m deeply passionate about building a strong and connected student community. I believe our time at university is one of the most meaningful periods of our lives—a time to learn, grow, enjoy, and build relationships that will support us in the future. That’s why I’ve always been involved in leadership and volunteer roles that focus on student welfare and engagement. Joining VUPA has given me a platform to continue this work advocating for students, organising events that bring us together, and ensuring that every postgraduate student feels supported and included. My background in engineering helps me take a structured and solutions-focused approach, while my leadership experiences allow me to listen, connect, and act on the needs of our community.