UNSURPRISINGLY, the initial interview attempt with Kelly Ensbey was interrupted by a conference call to Europe.

"I have to go sorry but I will reply to you during the meeting," he said planning on being simultaneously interviewed while working on a DNA structuring system.

This was Kelly Ensbey, The Scots PGC College dux of 2007 and OP1 recipient.

Previously in Germany studying his engineering masters with BMW, Kelly was involved with research and development in Munich.

"I married a fantastic lady, spent six months in Europe and I'm pretty stoked with my current job, so it's been a pretty wild few years," Kelly said.

Now working for a company called Bio Molecular Systems designing DNA sequencing machines and other medical diagnostic robotics, Kelly wouldn't change a thing.

"I was happy with my life balance in Year 12.

"I participated in a lot of school sport, etc.

"I don't feel like I missed out on anything because I was concentrating on school".

Kelly's high achievements ultimately helped him receive the dean's scholars program at QUT and his position at BMW.

"I don't have to pay HECS," he said mentioning the perks.

"In a more general sense, it obviously depends on what you are aiming to do.

"I am a supporter of trying your hardest at whatever you do, regardless of whether you go to UNI, do a trade, or go straight into the workforce.

"Being able to motivate yourself to work hard is necessary for success," he said.

Kelly hopes his Year 12 self would be proud of what he has eventually accomplished.

"I think the most important thing for any high schoolers (but particularly Year 12s) is to develop self-motivation skills.

"Learn this now and the next few years will be much easier," he said.

Kelly has no plans to move from his position, he thoroughly enjoys his current Brisbane-based job and home life and looks forward to working on similar projects into the future.