• Question: Hi, I'm Prosper and an aspiring chemical engineer. What do you think was the most challenging part of your journey in obtaining your chemical engineering degree? And any advice to help me prepare for the course as I'm in my final year of college. Thank you

    Asked by Prosper N to Samet, oliviawilliams, audreyanna, abigailalex on 14 Oct 2025.
    • Photo: Olivia Williams

      Olivia Williams answered on 14 Oct 2025:

      I think my biggest challenge was deciding on the area I wanted to go into. You get exposed to such a wide range of topics in a chemical engineering degree so it was often a lot to take in all at once. In the same vein, this big range of topics meant you were stretched quite thin at some points and had to be ready to swap to something completely different at minimum notice. This wasn’t a bad thing neccesarily though – its made me a much better engineer!

      And with preparing for the course I’d say keep an open mind and don’t box yourself into one area too soon as you very well may change your mind. Also, staying organised is probably my biggest piece of advice. It will save you alot of time and stress in the long run!

Comments

  • Photo: uzairabdullah

    uzairabdullah commented on :

    Hi Prosper, that’s a fantastic ambition. The most challenging part of studying chemical engineering is often balancing complex theory with real-world application. Subjects like thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and fluid mechanics can seem abstract at first, but they start to make sense once you see how they apply to real processes such as reactors, energy systems, or water treatment.

    My biggest advice is to build a strong foundation in maths and chemistry, since both are central to almost every topic you’ll study. Focus on understanding the principles rather than memorising formulas, chemical engineering is about solving problems, not recalling steps. It also helps to explore real-world examples through documentaries, articles, or small projects to connect theory with practice.

    Most importantly, nurture your curiosity. Employers and universities value genuine passion and persistence above all else. If you enjoy asking questions, experimenting, and finding solutions, you’ll not only do well on the course but also find the subject deeply rewarding.