I’m Yusuf, one of the academic representatives of first years.
As a first-year, I’ve quickly realised how important it is to understand what chemical engineers ACTUALLY do. Surely they do not make iterative calculations on paper to calculate fanning friction factor, right? Careers can feel abstract and overwhelming. This is especially true when you’re just starting out with the course, or seeing everyone who "helped innovate the industry" in a random event they joined to in their AI-written LinkedIn posts.
I want to help make industry paths clearer, more accessible, and less intimidating for everyone.
If elected, I will focus on two main areas:
More varied industry exposure. I will work with the committee to bring in companies from a wide range of sectors – such as energy, sustainability, pharma, consulting, and even "f" word finance, – through talks and panels. My goal is to show the diverse paths “chemical engineering” can lead to. I also want to carry out more company visits where we see how companies function ON-SITE.
Sponsorships that benefit students. I will try to make all events we carry out with committee subsidized to ensure affordability. This is an important yet not impossible task. It just requires tireless communication. Better resources, and more frequent career-related activities throughout the year, will surely benefit everyone.
I may be early in my degree, but I’m motivated and committed to bridging the gap between our course and industries we WILL one day join. I appreciate your support and your vote!