Sherwin Blanco Rivera

Sherwin Blanco Rivera, an EIT 2025 Student Ambassador, is a driven and knowledgeable graduate student currently pursuing a Master of Engineering (Electrical Systems). With a solid foundation in Electrical Engineering from Mindanao State University and IT Cybersecurity from Stanley College, Sherwin is committed to mentoring his fellow students, especially those from international backgrounds, by sharing his experiences and providing guidance on balancing academics, work, and personal life.

Sherwin’s journey into engineering education and professional development is one marked by determination and a deep passion for the electrical systems field.

After completing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Mindanao State University and a Diploma in IT (Cybersecurity) at Stanley College in West Perth, he began his career at Jarrah Solutions in Fremantle, Western Australia, where he currently works as a Graduate Engineer.

There, he specializes in data analysis, network modeling, fault studies, and compliance evaluation, applying his knowledge to real-world systems.

Now pursuing a Master of Engineering (Electrical Systems) at the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT), Sherwin is preparing to take his career to the next level, with aspirations to eventually earn a Doctor of Engineering degree.

As a Student Ambassador, Sherwin values the opportunity to give back to the EIT community by offering support and mentorship to other students, particularly those from diverse and international backgrounds.

“Being an ambassador allows me to help others navigate the challenges of being a student, especially when balancing work, life, and studies,” Sherwin shared. “I’m excited to mentor others, expand my leadership skills, and grow my professional network.”

Supporting Fellow Students and Embracing Challenges

Sherwin’s academic journey at EIT has been transformative, particularly the way his coursework in the Master of Engineering (Electrical Systems) program has built on the knowledge he gained from his previous degrees.

He noted that the subjects in the master’s program, such as modern electrical systems and renewable energy systems, have helped him apply the core concepts from his Bachelor’s degree and Diploma in IT.

“I’ve learned to integrate technologies like substation automation, smart grids, and SCADA systems, which rely heavily on IT networks and protocols—knowledge that has directly tied into my work at Jarrah Solutions.”

One of the subjects that Sherwin is most excited about in his master’s program is Substation Automation, particularly because of its relevance in the industry.

“Competency in IEC 61850 is highly valuable in the power system industry, and mastering this subject will open up new career opportunities for me,” he said.

Bridging Theory and Practice through Work Experience

Although Sherwin only started working at Jarrah Solutions after completing all his coursework, he believes his professional experience has significantly influenced his academic journey.

“Working in real-life systems has increased my confidence in exploring topics I once found intimidating. It has helped me understand scientific papers more easily, and the exposure to industry processes has shaped how I approach my research,” he said.

The hands-on experience in data analysis, network modeling, and fault studies has also helped Sherwin in his thesis work.

“My work experience has made me more capable of understanding the complexities of electrical systems and applying that knowledge to solve real-world problems,” he explained.

Balancing the demands of the Master of Engineering (Electrical Systems) program, his role as a Graduate Engineer, and personal life can be challenging.

Sherwin’s advice to other students in similar situations is simple but profound: “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to balancing these responsibilities, but one thing I’ve learned is to find purpose and joy in whatever you do. Motivation doesn’t always come, but remembering why you started and embracing the journey itself can push you forward.”.

Sherwin emphasizes that, although the balance can be difficult, the experience can be deeply rewarding when students focus on their passion and the bigger picture.

Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead

The most challenging aspect of Sherwin’s studies has been writing his thesis. However, he credits his thesis supervisor, Dr. Hossein Tafti, for providing exceptional support throughout the process.

“Dr. Tafti’s guidance has made a huge difference. He’s been incredibly supportive and approachable, helping me stay focused and motivated,” he said.

Looking ahead, Sherwin’s future goals are centered on contributing to the field of electrical engineering, particularly in renewable energy systems.

“I’m excited about the potential of renewable energy, distributed generation, and smart grids. These are some of the most exciting developments in the field, and I hope to become a specialist in this area, contributing to global sustainability and energy sufficiency,” he explained.

As a Student Ambassador, Sherwin is keen to support and mentor his fellow students, especially those facing technical challenges.

“Electrical engineering is a tough field, and I want students to know that it’s OK to not know everything right away. Challenges are part of the process, and we should embrace them as learning opportunities. I want to inspire my peers to stay curious and keep learning, no matter how tough it gets.”

Being an ambassador has also been a rewarding experience for Sherwin in terms of personal growth.

“This role has pushed me out of my shell and given me confidence. Engineering is collaborative, and success in this field depends on teamwork, shared knowledge, and collective effort. I want to share this mindset with others,” he said.

Supporting EIT’s Commitment to Excellence

Through his role as an ambassador, Sherwin aims to showcase the excellent resources available at EIT, from the cutting-edge curriculum to the real-world application of engineering concepts.

“EIT provides an education that is practical and industry-relevant,” he said. “The focus on real-life applications, like using modern software tools and learning current industry practices, prepares us for the challenges we’ll face in our careers.”

As an ambassador, Sherwin is committed to helping students make the most of their academic journey at EIT and encouraging them to develop both their technical skills and their leadership abilities.

“I’m excited to continue sharing my journey and help others succeed in their studies and future careers,” he concluded.