In order to motivate GTIIT students to start planning and preparing their future career after graduating, several seminars on career in academy and industry were held at GTIIT recently. Teachers provided guidance for students from different programs, and answered students' questions about applying for graduate universities, employment, etc.

On June 22, Seminar about Your Future Chemical Engineering Career in Academy and Industry from Chemical Engineering Program was held to provide guidance and suggestions for students, attracting more than 40 students from Chemical Engineering Program. Prof. Kong Bo, Deputy Head of Chemical Engineering Program; Prof. Gao Xi from Chemical Engineering Program; Dr. Chen Fen from GTIIT Career Development Center; Director Grace Wang and Director Michelle Cheng, who have rich experience in human resource management of multinational companies attended the seminar. The outstanding graduates from Class of 2021 Chemical Engineering Program also came to share their experience with their junior classmates.

Prof. Kong Bo first said that everyone was responsible for their own choices for the future. "From now on, you can think seriously about what you want to do after graduating from GTIIT and plan as early as possible. Juniors should start preparing for it this summer." Dr. Chen Fen gave students directional guidance on the preparation of application materials.

Based on his own experience, Prof. Gao Xi reminded the students that "further study will put higher demands on your initiative, so you need to take the initiative to arrange your time properly."

In the Q&A session, students discussed topics like how life like for graduate students, postdocs and researchers in academy, and how life like as an engineers in companies, how to be better prepared for your graduate school application, the difference between EU and US systems, how to find an ideal industry job, etc.

Prof. Kong Bo said that research interest was not innate. Only after doing can one gradually find their passion and discover the interesting points. "I love what I do, and for me the joy of doing research is that I can be motivated by it everyday.” He also encouraged students to be brave when making decisions for their future. "Don't give up easily when you are in trouble. Teachers at GTIIT are always willing to help you in any way they can."

In the face of students' questions about employment, relevant staff from GTIIT administrative departments gave their own advice. Firstly, make full use of time to gain internship experience. Secondly, sum up what you learned in two or three sentences after you've completed an internship, that will be helpful when looking for a job. Last but not least, make good use of the Internet, expand the alumni resources through various ways, and make contact with seniors in the industry when necessary.

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs