Mikaeel Van Riel

Mikaeel Van Riel, a biomedical engineer based in Johannesburg, South Africa, completed an advanced diploma through the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) while working full-time. He shares how his education shaped his career and offers advice to students following in his footsteps.

Mikaeel Van Riel graduated with 52885WA Advanced Diploma of Biomedical Engineering from EIT in March 2022. With a passion for improving healthcare technology, Mikaeel has already made significant strides in his career, working as an engineer at Vacutec, in Johannesburg

His journey into this area of engineering started with his strong desire to make a difference in the medical field.

While working as an assistant, he sought out a course that would allow him to advance his technical skills while continuing to work full-time. EIT’s flexible study options provided the perfect opportunity for him to balance both.

He briefly took time out from his busy work schedule and related travel to share is story with us.

Mikaeel Van Riel: EIT Biomedical Engineering Graduate Story

What inspired you to choose this advanced diploma of at EIT?

I have always had a passion for this type of engineering and knew I wanted to pursue it as a career. I was working as an assistant at the time, so I needed a program that allowed me to study while continuing to work. EIT’s 52885WA Advanced Diploma of Biomedical Engineering offered me the flexibility to do both, which made it the perfect choice for me.

How did your experience at EIT shape your understanding of this area of engineering?

My experience at EIT was very positive. The course modules were explained in a way that made complex concepts easy to understand. I especially appreciated the hands-on approach, which helped me connect theoretical knowledge to real-world applications. The content was relevant to what I encounter in my day-to-day work, and I feel like it gave me a strong foundation to succeed in the engineering field.

Can you share a memorable project or assignment from your time at EIT?

One of the most memorable modules for me was the Biomedical Engineering Anatomy module. I really enjoyed learning about the human body and how it interacts with medical devices. Additionally, the modules in electronics and electrical engineering were particularly valuable as they aligned closely with the repair and maintenance work I do now in my role. I also found the Assistive Technology module really interesting, as it deepened my understanding of devices that help improve the lives of people with disabilities.

How did you manage your study-life balance while completing your diploma?

My biggest piece of advice is to never leave assignments until the last minute. It’s crucial to set aside a little bit of time each day to work on your studies, even if it’s just 15 minutes. By staying consistent, I found that when it came time to submit my assignments, I felt confident and relaxed because I had already done the work bit by bit. The key is regularity and discipline, which helped me balance work, study, and personal life.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your studies, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced during my studies was language. Since Afrikaans is my first language, English was a bit of a struggle at first. However, I found there were plenty of resources to support me, including language apps and online tools. With the help of these tools and support from EIT, I was able to overcome this challenge and successfully complete my studies.

How has your education at EIT helped you in your current role at Vacutec?

The knowledge and skills I gained during my studies at EIT have been incredibly valuable in my role as an engineer at Vacutec. I do a lot of electronic repairs on laboratory equipment, and the technical foundation I built at EIT directly applies to my daily tasks. The course gave me a strong understanding of the equipment I work with, making it easier to troubleshoot and repair the systems efficiently.

What does a typical day look like for you an engineer in your company?

In my role at Vacutec, no two days are the same. I travel to different locations, including labs, hospitals, and universities, to service and repair life science equipment such as vacuum pumps and freeze dryers. The variety keeps the job interesting, and I’m constantly learning new things. Whether it’s troubleshooting a piece of equipment or testing a newly installed system, I’m always faced with fresh challenges that keep me engaged and sharp.

With your experience in the field, what advice would you give to students who are just starting their journey in this field of engineering?

My advice is simple: be open-minded and willing to learn new technologies every day. This field of engineering is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay current with new advancements. Always be curious, ask questions, and keep updating your knowledge. The more you learn, the more valuable you become to your team and the industry.

Traveling often for work must be exciting! how do you balance your professional obligations with your personal life, especially being married?

It’s definitely important to maintain a balance between work and personal life. I quickly learned that family is my top priority, even though my job requires a lot of travel. The key is to communicate with your employer and make sure they understand when you need time with your loved ones. I’ve made it a point to carve out quality time for family, which helps me stay grounded and focused both at work and at home.

Looking ahead, what are your career aspirations, and how do you see your time at EIT influencing your future?

Thanks to EIT, I now have an internationally recognized qualification, which has opened up many career opportunities. My education has given me the foundation to work with a reputable company like Vacutec, where I can continue to grow in this engineering field. In the future, I would like to take on more leadership responsibilities and continue advancing in my career. I’m also excited to explore new technologies in this space and contribute to innovations that improve healthcare and medical services.

Mikaeel Van Riel’s journey from studying at EIT to becoming a biomedical engineer at Vacutec reflects the power of combining practical education with a passion for innovation. His advice to future students to “embrace continuous learning and keep a healthy work-life balance”, sets a strong example for others entering the dynamic field of biomedical engineering.