Make Connections With HKUST’s Global Network

For Abraham LAU, the opportunity to study in the UK made him realize that he wanted a different career from the one he was originally interested in pursuing.

While still in secondary school, Abraham believed he was destined for a career in business and after graduation enrolled in our renowned business school. Early on in his studies, however, he discovered he was much more interested in environmental management and technology. Thanks to our flexible curriculum, he was able to enter our joint program and take courses in both business and non-business subjects such as science and engineering.

Abraham then went on an overseas exchange at the University of Exeter in the UK and, despite misgivings about taking time off, secured a year-long internship with Airbus before returning to Hong Kong to complete his studies. Over 80 per cent of HKUST students do at least one internship before graduation, with some going overseas for on-the-job training.

Abraham’s practical work experience not only made him a much more attractive candidate to prospective employers after graduation. It helped him land the career of his dreams as an environmental consultant with global engineering consultancy, Arup. He has recently joined Swire Properties as Sustainable Development Officer.

Every year, around 1,000 HKUST students participate in overseas exchanges at our partner institutions around the world. In return, a roughly equal number of inbound students come to HKUST, which allows them to make extraordinary connections with different people in a spirit of cultural diversity.