Shijia Yang graduated from Department of Civil Engineering, UNNC in 2014. Following that, she went to Imperial College studying structural engineering. At present, she works as a structural engineer in Arup London office. Her main job is to design and improve the building structure based on the requirements of customers and the actual environment of the site.

Enjoy the challenge in your life

Traditionally, people may think that it will be difficult for a female student to study Civil Engineering, but Shijia Yang is a person who likes to challenge difficulties and is not satisfied with the comfort zone. From choosing a programme to study, to choosing an industry to work, Shijia keeps following her own heart.

"I quite like it as you experience the challenges every day. All the difficulties are different case by case. I like communicating with people and solve issues together.” Shijia Yang has always been a very optimistic girl, but not blindly optimistic. Rather, she knows clearly about the difficulties but still have the gut to challenge it. In recent years, the construction industry is experiencing a downturn and many Civil Engineering graduates choose to work in a totally different industry. Shijia never thinks so. She believe that people can have their own choice, but if you are good enough, you can still do well in one industry.

All the frustrations that once made her confused and frustrated have already become valuable experience to assist her career. It is precisely because of her steadiness and responsibility that she has won the recognition in the career.

 Keep curious and cherish every moment

 Shijia Yang has a rigorous work style, but also has a strong curiosity to explore things. "I think to be an engineer, you need to be responsible for your work, at the same time, you should also keep curious and keep learning new knowledge all the time".

When talking about Yang's life goal, she is more willing to focus on the present life and do well in every little thing at hand, which may be the secret of her getting on the bigger stage and blooming. Yang also said that her family had given her great support and encouragement in her growth. "My family has always supported and respected my every decision." It can be said that family is Shijia Yang's shelter and the source of strength for all her choices.

 Study seriously and keep a sense of responsibility

When asked about the most important skill that UNNC brings to her, Shijia Yang thinks that is to help her develop the habit of getting up early. Getting up early seems to be a simple little thing, but it's hard to persist. Her persistence also works in her career development. In just four years, Shijia was promoted from a graduate engineer to an engineer. She also had more opportunities to have greater influence and participation in project design.

Shijia Yang has always insisted on being modest, studying hard and doing things rigorously. She believes that "success" is the pronoun of hard work. She has never stopped sowing and cultivating. Now the blooming and fragrance are all from the hard work and sweat that she has paid.

Everyone has a different life and you can try what you want, be brave and confident. I take all the buildings I took part in as the evidence that I was there for the contribution. The buildings are the footprint I left in this world. If you want to be a structural engineer, please keep being serious about all the theory in study and be responsible for the decision you made.”