Helping Students make the most of IChemE Resources

Chemical engineering students Deborah Olowu and Sofiya Hajaludin spent a year with IChemE working as interns. Here, they share their experiences and outline the wealth of resources available to student members of IChemE

What did you know about IChemE before joining?

Sofiya Hajaludin: Initially, I viewed chemical engineering as limited to sectors like oil and gas, which represent only a portion of the profession’s possibilities, leading me to believe that IChemE was only for professionals in these industries. Joining IChemE as a learned society intern provided insight into the broader role of the Institution and its significance to the members, from students to Fellows.

Deborah Olowu: I had a few misconceptions of IChemE at first. I remember going through the website and finding the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and thinking they were top secret groups that only professionals in the field could join – no place for a student like me. Over the past year I now know this is far from the truth. These communities of members sharing common expertise and interests want students to bring their unique experiences and perspectives to shape the future of IChemE and the chemical, process and biochemical engineering industry. 

What was so beneficial about working with the SIGs?

Deborah Olowu: A large majority of my work as an intern was with the SIGs (Clean Energy, Education, Environment and Clean Technology, Fluid Mixing Processes, Mining and Minerals, Nuclear Technology, Particle Technology, and Sustainability). It allowed me to recognise the connections between industry sectors and understand the different challenges faced. I’ve grown in confidence by speaking to different people and contributing to discussions even if I felt nervous. A common theme was the increased engagement of students and early career engineers. If you want to learn more about a certain industry, network, and keep up to date with developments, join a SIG.

Sofiya Hajaludin: Webinars by the SIGs and member groups (regional communities supporting their local engineers) and training courses on the Sustainability Hub were also instrumental in broadening my perspective and keeping my knowledge up to date. Before joining IChemE, I had no idea such resources existed, let alone the wealth of training and development opportunities they offered. It has since become a cornerstone of my professional development and expanded my understanding of sustainable practices in engineering. These sessions and training courses provide a deep dive into specific subject areas, industry trends and practical examples, helping me stay informed and reduce the risk of becoming “rusty” after leaving academia.

Sofiya, you mentioned member groups. How were you able to take advantage of their support?

Sofiya Hajaludin: One of the highlights of my involvement with IChemE has been the opportunity to participate in site visits. The [Covid] pandemic prevented me from attending these in-person events while studying, so I was thrilled to go on one while working at IChemE. These visits are incredibly informative, offering a direct experience of different areas of chemical engineering, something I was previously unaware IChemE facilitated through its various member communities. Being able to explore other areas of chemical engineering firsthand and see the real-world applications of the concepts I learned at university felt unreal.

Are there any other IChemE initiatives you think we should know about?

Deborah Olowu: Imagine being the youngest course member among seasoned professionals, well that was me when I took IChemE’s Engineering Project Management course. This course opened my eyes to project management in the engineering industry; what it takes for a project to be successful from excellent stakeholder engagement to team appreciation. When I tackle my coursework now, I consider the impact changes to a particular system will have and the importance of storytelling to different audiences.

I would also recommend students refer to IChemE’s Loss Prevention Bulletin (LPB) for any safety modules – it’s free for all members to access. I used the 289th issue of LPB to better understand the lessons learnt from the Flixborough disaster and how they apply to other disasters.

Sofiya Hajaludin: I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with IChemE staff focused on enhancing student engagement. By sharing my experiences as a member, I’ve contributed to shaping valuable resources for chemical engineering students such as the Student Hub, Knovel and several webinars on careers and improving the student onboarding process. I’ve also had the opportunity to contribute to developing a virtual work experience platform for students aged 14 to 18, an initiative aimed at attracting bright, passionate individuals to chemical engineering by providing them with early exposure to the field. Being involved in projects like this has been incredibly rewarding, as they have the potential to shape the future of the profession by nurturing the next generation of engineers.

Deborah Olowu: IChemE’s first-ever Young Engineers Awards for Innovation and Sustainability (YEAIS) was held in June 2024, and I was a finalist for my work on “Assessing the safety of LNG shipping tanks to support the decarbonization of the maritime industry” – a project I completed in my third year. This was my first time presenting a poster for my work. I’m passionate about safety and being able to apply hazard identification techniques and analysis tools to improve different systems. The process of creating the poster taught me how to take a 16-page report and summarise it into an A2 poster and the importance of extracting key information. I would tell students to be proud of the work they complete during university and not to be scared to show it off. And, to make sure they enter the 2026 YEAIS!

Any standout experiences from the 12 months?

Deborah Olowu: I wouldn’t call myself camera shy but knowing that thousands of people would watch a video of me presenting IChemE’s Engineering a Sustainable World: The Chemical Engineering Challenge report was nerve-racking. I enjoyed the filming process and new tips for memorisation. Being able to clearly communicate is a valued skilled that should be practiced. Attending my first Frank Morton in Swansea 2024 was incredible, especially seeing so many students connect through sport having the shared identity of being a chemical engineering student – we are cool individuals.

Sofiya Hajaludin: School visits, highlighted in issue 995 of TCE, play a vital role in demystifying and increasing awareness among younger students. I had the opportunity to participate in one at the start of my internship, and it was a wonderful experience. It was gratifying to be able to engage with the younger students and do fun, hands-on activities that showed the various facets of the industry. These interactions not only make the profession more accessible to students but also help correct misconceptions and spark interest in a career in chemical engineering.

Deborah Olowu: Yes, my two visits to a local primary school in Rugby were truly special. Why do I hold this memory close to my heart? Because of the children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new things. I’m sure they will remember that day, as I remember the first time I encountered engineering. Outreach is really important to me, something I will continue to do over my professional journey. I believe it is our responsibility as engineers to inspire the next generation to continue and improve the great work we are doing and will continue to do.

Any other visits that stand out?

Deborah Olowu: I attended a two-day NXplorers workshop in collaboration with Shell and IChemE which saw chemical engineering students and graduates come together at the IChemE head office to tackle global challenges and recommend solutions using systems thinking. If you can get involved, you won’t regret it, and you’ll learn so much. New lessons for me included the five key elements of NXThinking, specifically, the big picture and connection circles – principles I applied to my systems engineering module coursework which contributed to achieving a first-class grade.

What have been your key takeaways having spent a year at IChemE?

Sofiya Hajaludin: From expanding my horizons beyond the oil and gas industry to contributing to meaningful projects and inspiring the next generation of engineers, my involvement with IChemE has been invaluable. It has not only helped me shape my career path but also allowed me to give back to the community by sharing my experiences and helping others on their journey. Through collaboration, networking and continuous learning, I’ve been able to navigate the complexities of chemical engineering and contribute to the profession in meaningful ways.

Deborah Olowu: Although, my time as a staff member of IChemE has come to an end I will continue to enjoy the free student membership and volunteering. The memories and connections I have made are now part of my professional and personal journey. Not just that, but out of this experience I have been empowered to make a name for myself in the chemical engineering industry.