Webinar Recap | From Engineering Design to Strategic Consulting: Three Alumni Share Their U.S. Education and Career Journeys

On April 19, 2024, HYP Global hosted an online alumni sharing session featuring graduates from Lehigh University with diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

The event invited Lehigh alumni to share their experiences studying in the United States, developing their careers, and applying their international education after returning to China.

Three alumni speakers participated in the session:

• Alumni Lu: Graduated from Tongji University and later pursued a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering at Lehigh University. He currently works in municipal engineering design, engineering procurement and construction (EPC), and equipment procurement.

• Zhiqi Wang (Marco): Completed the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Lehigh University and currently works in market strategy.

• Alumni Xin: Currently engaged in research related to healthcare systems engineering.

Drawing from their personal experiences, the three alumni discussed topics including academic program selection, Lehigh University’s learning environment, career planning, and industry development trends, providing valuable insights for students preparing for graduate study in the United States.

From Environmental Engineering to Engineering Management: Alumni Lu’s Career Journey

From Academic Training to Municipal Engineering Practice

Alumni Lu completed his undergraduate studies at Tongji University before pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering at Lehigh University.

After graduation, he joined the Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute, where he has been involved in engineering design and project management.

He explained that engineering design is not limited to traditional construction work. Instead, it covers the entire lifecycle of a project, from early planning to final delivery.

The process typically includes:

• Project initiation;

• Feasibility studies;

• Project proposals;

• Preliminary design;

• Construction drawing design;

• Construction support;

• Project commissioning and acceptance.

With an academic background in environmental engineering, Alumni Lu has mainly focused on water treatment-related projects, including:

• Municipal water supply systems;

• Water treatment plant construction;

• Pipeline systems;

• Pumping stations.

From Domestic Projects to International Engineering Experience

Early in his career, Alumni Lu participated in overseas project development.

With his international education background and English skills, he contributed to municipal water supply projects in several African countries, including:

• Zambia;

• Nigeria;

• Cameroon;

• Tanzania;

• Kenya.

He shared that in many regions, access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation infrastructure remains a critical development priority.

Through these international projects, he not only gained engineering experience but also strengthened his cross-cultural communication and project coordination skills.

As his career progressed, his responsibilities expanded into engineering procurement and construction (EPC) and equipment procurement.

Compared with traditional design roles, EPC projects require professionals to participate in the complete process from design and procurement to construction, commissioning, and final delivery, requiring broader engineering and management capabilities.

From Engineering to Strategic Consulting: Marco’s Career Transition

Career Development After Lehigh MBA

Zhiqi Wang (Marco) shared his journey from graduate study to professional development.

Before entering the Lehigh University MBA program, he had already accumulated professional experience in China.

After completing his MBA, he returned to China and moved into consulting and strategy-related roles. He currently works at Henkel, focusing on market strategy and participating in research related to corporate growth directions and long-term strategic planning.

What Does a Market Strategy Role Involve?

In response to students’ questions about the role of a market strategy manager, Marco explained that the core responsibility of strategic positions is helping companies make long-term decisions and identify future opportunities.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Industry research;

• Market analysis;

• Business development planning;

• Strategic project support.

He emphasized that strategy roles require a combination of:

• Data analysis skills;

• Business understanding;

• Industry insights.

Professionals in this field need not only to analyze current market conditions but also to identify future opportunities for business growth.

Exploring Healthcare Systems Engineering: Alumni Xin’s Research Focus

Improving Healthcare Efficiency Through Engineering Methods

Alumni Xin currently works in healthcare systems engineering research.

He explained that healthcare systems engineering aims to improve healthcare efficiency and management quality through engineering methodologies.

Related work includes:

• Academic research projects;

• Project support;

• Consulting services for hospitals and healthcare organizations;

• Using algorithms and systems analysis methods to optimize healthcare processes.

He noted that healthcare systems engineering is still an emerging field in China, with significant opportunities for future development and innovation.

Why Choose Lehigh University? Alumni Share Their Selection Insights

A Small and Highly Personalized Learning Environment

When discussing why they chose Lehigh University, Alumni Lu explained that he considered multiple factors during his school selection process.

Compared with large public universities, he preferred a smaller and more personalized academic environment.

Lehigh University offers:

• A moderate campus size;

• Smaller class settings;

• More opportunities for interaction between students and professors.

Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the university also provides relatively convenient access to major cities such as New York and Philadelphia, creating opportunities for internships and career development.

Beyond Overall Rankings: Focus on Program Strength and Fit

During the discussion, the alumni emphasized that graduate applicants should not focus only on overall university rankings.

For graduate studies, students should also consider:

• Program reputation;

• Curriculum structure;

• Faculty resources;

• Career development alignment.

They noted that some programs at Lehigh University have strong reputations within specific academic fields.

When selecting a graduate program, applicants should carefully review the university’s official curriculum information and evaluate whether the program’s educational goals match their personal career plans.

Advice for Future International Students: Choosing the Right Path and Building Career Success

During the Q&A session, the alumni shared several recommendations for students planning to study abroad.

Focus on Academic and Career Fit

When selecting a university, students should consider more than institutional reputation. Important factors include:

• Strength of the target program;

• Curriculum design;

• Academic resources;

• Career development opportunities.

Plan Career Goals Early

Studying abroad is not only about earning a degree but also about exploring future career directions.

Understanding industry trends early and gaining relevant experience during graduate study can provide valuable support for long-term professional development.

Make Full Use of University Resources

The alumni encouraged students to actively utilize university resources, including:

• Faculty connections;

• Alumni networks;

• Career development services.

These resources can support students throughout their academic journey and provide valuable guidance for future career decisions.