The first of the series YPN event “My Professional Adventure: To My First Job”, aiming at preparing the graduate students for the increasingly difficult job market, elaborating a realistic career plan and giving participants an opportunity to get to know what the career of an engineer is all about and who the recruiters are looking for, was successfully organized on October 18, 2023 in Hohai University, China.

⇡ Zheng Jinhai (left) and Philippe Gourbesville (right) giving opening addresses

Hohai University Vice President Prof. Zheng Jinhai and IAHR President Prof. Philippe Gourbesville addressed the event before four talks were given on such topics as what is a water engineer, reflection of a novice researcher, job interview skills and lessons, and the daily work and life as a researcher. A mock interview followed to simulate a job interview experience and provide professional feedback and suggestions both for job hunting and career planning.

This IAHR event was supported by Hohai University, one of the IAHR institute members in China, and co-organized by the IAHR Hohai University Young Professionals Network as well as the International School of Hohai University. YPN members from the neighboring Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute (NHRI) also attended.

⇡ Speakers (from left to right): Philippe Gourbesville, Wang Leizhi, Zhang Gaofeng, Wang Han, Wang Dawei, Derek Cai

Deputy Dean of the International School of Hohai University Prof. Wang Dawei and IAHR Global Secretariat Beijing Office Manager Mr. Derek Cai jointly chaired the event. Prof. Gourbesville gave the first talk, while the other three talks were given by early-career professionals or human resources personnel from Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute (Dr. Wang Leizhi), China Design Group (Mr. Zhang Gaofeng), and China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (Dr. Wang Han). Ms. Sun Feng and Mr. Li Fuchen from Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute also joined the event as interviewers.

⇡ Q&A session

⇡ Mock interviews 

Find out more details on the webpage of this event.

IAHR is supporting its YPNs worldwide in organizing activities like this. If you are interested in doing one in your university or in your city, we can help. Write to iahr@iahr.org for more information.