Shaun Cole-Baker’s journey from makerspace technologist to an engineering career

Shaun Cole-Baker’s graduate journey demonstrates how experiences beyond traditional classroom learning are important for students to stand out in a competitive graduate job market.

A newly graduated Mechatronics Engineer, Shaun first connected with the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) in his first year of study in a course where he was introduced to CIE’s makerspace, Kura Matahuna Unleash Space. Using 3D printers and a laser cutter, he created a scale model of a modular study pod, marking his first hands-on experience with digital fabrication.

“Every student I talked to in the makerspace was genuinely passionate about what they were working on. It felt like the best place on campus to be around other makers,” he says.

That sense of openness and shared enthusiasm drew him back, eventually motivating him to apply for a part-time role with CIE as a creative technologist, which he fit around his study commitments.

As a creative technologist, Shaun ran equipment trainings and supervision shifts across the makerspace and Business School’s Tech Hub, supporting students as they brought their ideas to life. The role helped him build confidence in public speaking and develop the ability to explain complex technical concepts in an accessible way.

Some of the most rewarding moments came from seeing students interact with making technologies for the first time. Whether it was watching a 3D print take shape, seeing a laser cutter in action, or stepping into a virtual reality environment, Shaun enjoyed witnessing the excitement that followed.

“You can see people immediately start imagining what’s possible and how they might apply that technology to their own projects.”

As well as working for CIE, Shaun participated in a range of CIE’s free programmes, which taught him the importance of identifying a real-world problem first.

“I realised the most important part wasn’t a cool prototype. It was understanding the problem and designing a solution that made sense.”

That perspective carried through into an award-winning entry into CIE’s Velocity Ideas Challenge. His winning idea was a website designed to help households understand the financial benefits of saving electricity by combining technological and lifestyle changes into one accessible platform.

“I used to think a good idea would sell itself,” he says. “Velocity showed me that without a clearly defined problem and strong desirability, feasibility, and viability, an idea won’t go anywhere.”

Another defining experience was participating in CIE’s Vanguard Entrepreneurial Leaders Expedition, which took Shaun on an expenses-paid trip to San Francisco. Meeting founders, investors, and New Zealanders working in global start-up ecosystems broadened his horizons and strengthened his confidence.

“It made startups feel achievable. Hearing from Kiwis who have made a global impact really reinforced that we are just as capable as anyone else.”

Alongside his CIE involvement, Shaun spent three years as Chairperson of the Auckland University Robotics Association. The team is now preparing for the KIWIBOTS VEX University National Championship 2025/26, with a focus on building a lightweight and nimble robot designed for speed and control.

Shaun’s next chapter sees him joining Fisher & Paykel Healthcare as a product development engineer, an opportunity that grew out of a second-year internship. During the internship, he worked on development of a heated humidifier, developing new testing procedures to quantify safety-related water flow properties.

“I really enjoyed the team and the work. Getting the call back offering a graduate role was incredibly exciting.”

Shaun sees a strong alignment between Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s culture of care by design and the problem-led mindset he developed at university. The human-centred design principles introduced in his formal studies, along with the communication skills he built as a creative technologist, have prepared him well for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

“CIE showed me that engineering skills don’t have to lead to just one path. They can be the foundation for innovation, start-ups, and creating meaningful impact.”