School of Engineering undergraduates have increasing opportunities to take part in enriching learning experiences apart from their studies, including internships at major companies and organizations and research exchanges with top global universities. Here, students and alumni discuss their beyond-theclassroom experiences United Nations intern Samantha Wing Man Kong BEng, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (2014) UN Headquarters, New York, Summer 2014 Young Engineers Ms & Mr How did you feel about your time at the United Nations (UN)? I spent most of my three-month internship at the UN Headquarters in New York City. It proved one of the most remarkable experiences I have had in my life and has deepened my passion for international relations. Was it difficult to gain the internship? I was chosen as one of 10 representatives from all over the world, following two rounds of interviews. Here, I must also add a big thank you to HKUST Sustainability Unit, which oversees the University’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sponsored my internship. What did you do there? I worked as a Youth Representative for an NGO, which focuses on promoting environmental health and literacy. I was mainly responsible for attending and summarizing daily briefings held in the UN, covering areas such as sustainable development, technology, energy, peace and security. I participated in certain high-level meetings, for example, the drafting of Sustainable Development Goals with Member States, as well as seminars and briefings held by UN bodies and agencies, including the General Assembly and Security Council. Who did you meet? In addition to duties at the UN, we were given the chance to interact with diplomats on global issues. This offered first-hand interaction with decisionmakers on developmental issues and practitioners of diplomacy. I also met Dr Margaret Chan, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, who previously served as Director of Health in the Hong Kong government. We briefly discussed the Ebola issue. What did you gain from your time there? I slowly built a clear understanding on various world issues and their relationship to my own interests. Meetings on the environment and sustainability were valuable resources to enrich my knowledge, which in turn inspired me to seek my current post as a Graduate Environmental Engineer at an international consultancy. In September, I will pursue a Master’s in Architecture, specializing in environmental design. 5 In Focus
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