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As an initiative to help students prepare for the challenges of the corporate world and providing guidance in securing internships, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) Careers and Graduate Futures team organised a Professional Industrial Guest Lecture on 21 September 2023.
The engaging session were conducted by two accomplished HWUM alumnus who have succeeded in the corporate world. Tan Jun Chuong, MEng Chemical Engineering (Class of 2020), and Sharmela Raj, BEng Chemical Engineering (Class of 2019). Both alumni are currently working in ExxonMobil (KLTC) Malaysia.
The session began with introductions, and they provided a brief overview of their professional journeys. Both alumni have gained valuable experience being employed in the same company in ExxonMobil (KLTC) Malaysia.
One of the key segments of the event focused on explaining the corporate business model in the engineering field, offering valuable insights to the students. Additionally, the session emphasised the significance of reflecting themselves as an engineer. Sharmela Raj, a Manufacturing Process Engineer at ExxonMobil (KLTC) Malaysia, pointed out the importance of engineers considering factors beyond technical knowledge when problem-solving. She highlighted that engineering plays a pivotal role in society by providing solutions to everyday challenges and engineers must apply their knowledge, skills, and creativity to enhance our quality of life.
The session also provided students with career tips, guidance on highlighting core skill sets on CVs, and stressed the importance of internships for students seeking a competitive edge in the job.
An engaging Q&A session allowed students to seek further insights and advice from the experienced alumnus.
The event concluded with a group photo to capture the memorable gathering.
Tan Jun Chuong, our alumni shared his thought on this occasion saying, “I feel excited and happy to be back at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia after many years. It brings back many memories from my university days when I used to attend career workshop sessions. Now, I am standing in front of the students to share my experiences. I am pleased to contribute something valuable to the students, and I wish them the best for a successful future.”
This informative session not only offered students with practical guidance in the corporate world but also served as a source of inspiration from alumnus who have made a successful transition from their university life to flourishing careers in the industry.