Feature Story | Alumni reflect on skills, dream jobs, and resilience in undergraduate panel
What is the most helpful skill that you learned at Stanford and use today as a practicing chemical engineer?
During the autumn quarter, Class of 2017 alumni Sergio Banuelos (Intel Corporation), Samantha Dennler (Element Biosciences), Kathryn Hathaway (E. & J. Gallo Winery), and Joy Zeng (MIT) answered this question for current students. Despite the many challenges of remote teaching and learning in 2020, Assistant Professor Danielle Mai leveraged the Zoom classroom format to connect sophomores and juniors in CHEMENG 110A with the professional world. Recent graduates shared their early career experiences as practicing chemical engineers in biosciences, consumer products, energy, waste systems, and academic research.
When asked about important skills, the panelists emphasized fundamentals, problem-solving, and learning quickly in a new job. “I do simple mass balances all the time! In my current finance role, that’s a perspective that none of my peers have, and they think I have a really interesting way of approaching problems,” shared Kathryn Hathaway. They also noted that drive for learning is not limited to students’ technical interests. Joy Zeng recommended “exploring the societal context of technological innovation. Stanford is such a great place to go outside of your comfort zone.”
The panelists also discussed challenges for students seeking internships and jobs, especially in the current economic climate. Resilience and perseverance were common themes, and Sam Dennler assured students “not to be discouraged, and to make the best of whatever opportunities you have.” A key skill is “being able to pivot and take opportunities when they come. You never know what you might end up liking or not!” added Sergio Banuelos.
Students expressed great appreciation for the panelists’ openness and advice. “This panel reinforced why I want to major in chemical engineering. By the end of the undergraduate program, we will be able to apply our problem-solving skills in multiple fields. As someone who does not know exactly what I want to do with my degree, having many options out there is very appealing,” says Luis Jimenez (Class of 2022). The panel also inspired students during a challenging time: a key lesson that Winnie Huang (Class of 2023) learned is that “there is no limit to the work I can accomplish, as long as I do not lose my thirst for knowledge.”
