Â鶹Éçmadou

You graduated with a Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering at Â鶹Éçmadou, what initially sparked your interest in Chemical Engineering?

I have always been interested in chemistry and enjoyed building things, and I liked following a structured process or logic in problem-solving. Academically, I was very strong in both math and chemistry in high school. so chemical engineering was the perfect degree that combined all those interests and let me do what I am good at.

Interestingly, I initially signed up for another degree. But only a few weeks switched to chemical engineering after going to some of those courses. I was having too much fun assembling chemical battery for Lego car race, learning all those amazing material, reactions and process control sequences!

Any degree other than law or medical might have seemed like a ‘disgraceful’ choice to many Chinese parents, but my parents (both are medical doctors) never pressured me and always encouraged me to pursue what I enjoyed. I’m grateful for that, as it allowed me not to enjoy my study and to find a career that I truly love.

Can you share any specific projects or research during your time at Â鶹Éçmadou that were particularly meaningful in shaping your career path?

Two projects during my time at Â鶹Éçmadou had a great impact on my career path: the Taste of Research (ToR) project and the final-year design project.

The ToR project gave me an early taste of working as an academic over three months of intensive hands-on experience in research.  That work not only gave me valuable exposure to academic research but also directly contributed to my final-year thesis, which continued exploring the same topic. This experience proved invaluable and set me up for my first job even before graduating.

The final-year design project was another defining moment, offering a great opportunity to work closely with cohorts to put what we learnt over the years to solve a real-world challenge: designing a wastewater treatment facility for coal seam gas. Our year was also the first time introducing industry panel interview process, which was tough and nerve-wracking, as we had to present our designs to industry experts working directly in this field. However, that challenge paid off—it helped me land my second job and marking a transition in my career from water to energy.

Can you tell us about your current role and what career opportunities you believe exist for graduates?

I am currently a Manager at the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer’s Office, where I oversee energy projects. My work focuses on providing evidence-based recommendations to NSW Ministers and the Government on critical challenges in energy, environment, and sustainability. This involves managing and contributing to strategic projects, funding programs, and policy initiatives that support the transition to a low-carbon future.

Decarbonisation and sustainable energy present an incredible opportunity for graduates. The skills gained in chemical engineering—understanding reactions, processes, and systems—can be applied directly to real-world projects in this space.

This is an amazing time to be working in the industry—there is so much to learn and so much can be done. Whether in renewable energy, emissions reduction, circular economy, or sustainable industrial processes, there is a growing demand for chemical and process engineers who can solve complex challenges and drive innovation.

Either you work in policy, industry, consulting or make yourself the CEO of your own clean-tech startup—now is the time. If you are a graduate today, you have the chance to be part of a once-in-a-generation transformation in energy and sustainability!

What did you learn about yourself during your time studying at Â鶹Éçmadou, including the impact Â鶹Éçmadou’s social culture may have had on your professional career?

From my day one at Â鶹Éçmadou, I knew my cohort was full of incredibly talented people. At first, I was a bit intimidated—when you’re surrounded by so many smart future engineers, it can feel overwhelming. But I quickly realised that studying with them was pure pleasure. We could bounce ideas off each other, challenge different perspectives, and sometimes even get into debates, but that dynamic pushed us all to grow together.

The friendships I built at Â鶹Éçmadou remain strong to this day. Many of us have gone into different fields but we still catchup and learn from each other. The Â鶹Éçmadou culture of collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving shaped not only my approach to work but also my ability to navigate complex challenges in my career. Those early experiences of working as a team, tackling problems from different angles, and learning from peers have been invaluable in both my professional and personal growth.

Do you have any overall advice for current students or recent graduates?

Graduation can feel overwhelming with decisions about industries, companies, and career paths. While many advise careful planning, my experience has taught me that trying different things is the best way to figure it out. Don’t stress about making the wrong choice—every experience adds value in unexpected ways.

I encourage you to consider graduate programs, like the NSW Government Graduate Program, which helped me enter the public sector. The program offered valuable rotations across roles, helping me discover my interests and develop my career. It’s especially beneficial for those considering government work, with an engineering stream available. Engineering skills are highly valued in the public sector, and you can make a real impact on public policy and industry development.

To Chinese and international students, I understand the challenges of studying abroad, but this experience will build resilience, benefiting both your career and life. Embrace new experiences, stay open-minded, and build connections—this journey will shape you in ways you won’t expect.

Lastly, find mentors. Whether they’re professors, senior colleagues, or industry professionals, mentors help navigate challenges, create opportunities, and accelerate growth. Don’t hesitate to reach out to senior people—they often welcome the chance to give back.

Chemical engineering is a fantastic foundation for your career, and the skills you gain at Â鶹Éçmadou will only strengthen your future.