He-Liang Shi
MSc Environmental Pollution and Remediation, 2019
From Aberdeen to Clean Energy
Your Time at Aberdeen
Why did you choose to study at Aberdeen?
The University of Aberdeen has a good reputation in Environmental Science, and I was awarded the James Henry Scott Scholarship.
Why did you choose your particular course?
I have a chemical academic background and have rich expertise in chemical engineering through my past career; however I was determined to contribute my future career to a sustainable society, thus chose the Science of Environmental Pollution and Remediation.
What did you most enjoy about your time at Aberdeen? Did you have any particularly memorable student experiences?
The most enjoyable moment in Aberdeen was the field trip session of my program. This is a good chance for sightseeing in northern Scotland.
Did you hold any student leadership roles, e.g. Class Rep, Club Treasurer, Social Convenor?
During my study in Aberdeen I was the class representative which I see as a valuable student experience. I got the chance to have direct communication with my teacher, know more about the design of the teaching scheme and develop my presentation and listening skills.
If talking to a group of prospective students, what advice would you give them to help them make the most of their time at the University of Aberdeen?
Be immersed in your program during the study term - you will benefit from it in the long future. However, take the chances to go out of the city during the holiday break. I travelled to many northern Europe countries during that time, leaving me with very good memories.
If while at Aberdeen you benefited from a scholarship, what was the scholarship and what difference did it make to your time at Aberdeen?
I was awarded the James Henry Scott Scholarship. It covered my full tuition fees and provided a maintenance award, which eased my financial pressures greatly and helped me to focus on my study effectively.
Your Time After Aberdeen
What was the title of your first job after graduating from Aberdeen?
Project Engineer at Air Liquide.
What did your first role involve?
I got the chance to engage in two big overseas projects as Project Engineer, enhancing my expertise in overseas project management.
What is your current job title?
Business Program Manager at Air Liquide.
What is your current role?
I work in Hangzhou, China, and am responsible for IT infrastructure program management (network, infrastructure, information system, digital tools, security, etc).
Please briefly describe the journey from your first job after graduating to where you are now.
After working as a project engineer for a year, I got promoted, first to Department Capitalization Representative, managing project capitalization activities at a departmental level, then recently to Business Program Manager.
Was your degree at Aberdeen essential for getting to where you are now? If so, in what way?
The study experience at Aberdeen gave me the skills and confidence to take more responsibility, so when I came back to my career the company gave me more chances to unlock my potential.
One Top Tip
Be clear about your target and be persistent when pursuing it.