Searching my soul,
Embracing our future
When the moment finally came, I searched through top-ranked universities with amazing location and global outlook, eventually found HKUST – a place with everything I want.
Growing up in El Salvador, I always imagine of studying abroad after high school to somewhere totally different from home. When the moment finally came, I searched through top-ranked universities with amazing location and global outlook, eventually found HKUST – a place with everything I want.
Landing at my dream university changed my life. Being so far from home meant that I had to stand on my own two feet. But it wasn’t long before Hong Kong felt like my second home. There is always something fascinating to explore in this international city, and I was determined to make the most of everything it had to offer.
There were a few surprises to begin with. I originally planned to study chemical engineering, but after shopping over first-year courses, I realized that I was far more fascinated in industrial engineering and management and decided to declare this as my major. By then I made up my mind: to pursue my career in logistics industry.
Nevertheless, university life is more than just about setting your career path. I always desire to wander the world and learn about another culture, so I jumped at the chance to do a summer exchange at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan. It was great to explore this beautiful country and connect with new people.
Anyone who wants to work in this industry needs experience. I got my first internship through HeadStart@HKUST Program, which gave me exactly a head start in the competitive world. As a community relations intern at a hub for entrepreneurs, I learned a lot about business etiquette and workplace skills I would need to succeed.
That was just the beginning! I was able to land another two internships, each of which taught me something completely different about the industry. One of them allowed me to research on and develop a new logistics app. Another was a half-year internship to enhance the operations and performance of a local food delivery firm. Both are truly eye-opening. Every day I spent in real workplace I met more inspiring and encouraging people, gained insightful experience, and developed my confidence within the industry.
Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning. Glad that I’m now in a job I am passionate in. As a strategic project analyst at a logistics company, I run warehouses and work with clients across regions. I still have the travel bug, but for now I enjoy my life in Hong Kong so much. No one knows what future holds for us, one good reminder to us all: live fully, dream big and open a world of possibilities.
