Embed volunteering into your career

For many starting their chemical engineering journey, the focus is on developing technical knowledge and expertise – yet some of the most valuable professional development happens outside formal education

Starting a career is often focused on gaining qualifications and experience, but some of the most valuable development happens beyond the workplace.

Volunteering with IChemE helps students, work-based learners, graduates and early-career professionals build skills, confidence and networks while contributing to the profession. It offers a rewarding opportunity to support others, broaden perspectives and accelerate personal and professional growth.

Lewis' story

For Lewis Phillips, a chemical engineering student at the University of Strathclyde, volunteering has transformed his understanding of both the profession and his place within it. Alongside his role as an IChemE student ambassador, he sits on the Central Scotland Member Group committee and is helping to organise Frank Morton Sports Day 2027.

“The biggest benefit has been access to people,” he says. “You learn more in ten minutes with someone who has done the job than in an afternoon of reading about it.”

Through committee meetings, networking events and industry engagement, Lewis has built relationships with professionals across a range of sectors. One of these introduced him to consultancy as a career path, transforming it from “a vague label into something I could picture myself doing”.

From speaking at an employer networking event to securing sponsorship for Frank Morton 2027, he has developed confidence, public speaking skills and experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships.

“Volunteering puts you in the room with real chemical engineers,” he explains. “The people making graduate hiring decisions are often the same people attending IChemE events. That visibility and access are invaluable.”

“The perspective you gain from hearing people’s career journeys is invaluable”

Neerja's story

For Imperial College London student Neerja Sonowal, volunteering has provided an equally transformative experience. As articles lead for IChemE’s National Early Career Group UK & Ireland and an ambassador for the Chemical Engineers Benevolent Fund, she balances volunteer responsibilities alongside a demanding undergraduate programme.

Through managing article production, coordinating with editorial teams, and presenting progress updates, Neerja has gained first-hand experience of working in a professional environment while strengthening her organisational and leadership skills.

“It was a masterclass in time management,” she reflects. “Balancing volunteering commitments with university life taught me how to meet professional responsibilities while maintaining other priorities.”

A key benefit has been exposure to chemical engineers at different career stages. Through conversations with experienced professionals, she has gained valuable insight into career development and the realities of progression within the profession.

“I’ve come to appreciate how much perseverance, learning, and adaptability underpin success,” she says. “The perspective you gain from hearing people’s career journeys is invaluable.”

The common theme

Volunteering is both a way to give back and an investment in personal and professional growth. And this investment can begin long before individuals complete their education or training. By embedding volunteering early, students, apprentices, graduates and early-career professionals can build confidence, connections and professional awareness that will benefit them throughout their careers.

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Visit our Find a Role page by emailing volunteer@icheme.org