“HKU is the perfect place to explore your passion, pursue your talents and solve the question you are pondering. Things that I wish I had known as a first-year student are to try even more and not be afraid of exploring different possibilities.

In the four and a half years at HKU, not only did I grasp the knowledge that every professor was eager to transfer but the many priceless opportunities that the university has offered me. As a freshman, I joined AIESEC and went on a six-week trip to Turkey for international cultural exchange and voluntary teaching. In Year 2, I had my first internship at a start-up company where I was encouraged by the founder to participate in HKU’s newly launched entrepreneurship competition – DreamCatchers. Never had I imagined my team would make it to the Top 20 Awards!

Alishan Charania is from Pakistan, graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Engineering from HKU this year. Since coming to HKU, he has been able to experience various social service activities such as joining Mechanical Engineers Hong Kong (IMechE HK). He was not only able to help those in need, but also to think of innovative ideas and connect with HKU alumni, experiencing the real-world work life. It opened new doors for him, enabling him to learn and build his network through HKU.

Evelyn Kim believes that her university life, brightened up by fruitful exchange and internship experiences, is a stepping stone to promising career prospects.