Student Spotlight: Eda Erdogan

Name: Eda Erdogan

Course: BEng Chemical Engineering

Department: Chemical Engineering

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am currently a first-year Chemical Engineering student. Like many students, I spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted to study and what my future career should look like. For me, the answer was quite simple: I’ve always been fascinated by chemistry since I was young. To follow this passion, I did an internship at Bayegan, Turkey’s largest petrochemical company, during my high school summers. That experience was a turning point for me and made me certain about my choice. Over the following years, I wanted to see which other sectors might interest me, so I reached out to professionals in Turkey’s leading pharmaceutical companies. Speaking with such experienced people opened a whole new perspective for me. Ultimately, it was both my natural love for chemistry and the guidance I received from these experts that led me to study Chemical Engineering at UCL today.

What first sparked your interest in this subject, and why did you choose to pursue it at UCL? 

I graduated from Üsküdar American Academy, one of the top high schools in Turkey. At our school, we had seminars every year from the world’s leading universities. Over three years, I attended presentations from more than ten different universities, but everything became clear the day I went to the UCL talk. I was really impressed when I heard that engineering here wasn’t just about what’s on paper, but about real applications and working like an actual engineer with systems. That was the moment I made a promise to myself that I would make it to UCL. Combining my natural love for chemistry with the inspiration I got from that seminar is exactly what brought me here today to UCL.

How would you describe your experience on the programme so far, both academically and as part of the UCL community? 

Compared to other degrees, I believe our workload is quite heavy. You really shouldn’t underestimate the intensity of the coursework, projects, and lectures. However, knowing that there are other students around me working for hours every day gives me the feeling that ‘I can do it too.’ I push my own limits every day to keep up with this degree.

What has been the highlight of your time in your degree? 

So far, I’ve started to truly understand what engineering is all about, not just through lectures but through our projects and lab work. It has also been an amazing experience to be in such an international environment. Meeting so many engineering students from different backgrounds, hearing their ideas, and observing their unique approaches to problem-solving has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my journey so far.

Have you taken part in any projects, societies, or extracurricular activities that have shaped your experience? 

This year, while I have focused on adjusting to the pace, I haven’t had the chance to join any societies yet, I am keen to get involved in the coming years. As an engineering student, I believe that contributing to student-led societies will provide me with a fresh perspective and add a valuable new dimension to my university experience.

What is the student community like at UCL, especially for international students? 

Initially, I was a bit worried about the fact that there aren’t many Turkish students in my department. I had some concerns about whether my English would be enough and if I would be able to make close friends from different backgrounds. However, everyone I met was so kind and open to socialising. Today, my close circle of friends consists of people from many different cultures, which makes me very happy. I eventually realised there was nothing to be afraid of and everyone arrives here with the same feelings and fears. Making friends in this environment was so easy and so special.

What are some of your favourite things about living in London? 

One of my favourite things about London has always been how walkable it is. Back home, I had to go everywhere by car. Here, I walk wherever I can, and it really motivates me. When my coursework feels overwhelming or when I miss my family, I just go out for a walk. Exploring every corner of the city makes
me so happy. At the same time, London is a place full of opportunities and activities. There is always a new event to attend, new people to meet, and new places to discover.

What career goals are you working towards, and how is your degree helping you get there? 

My biggest dream right now is to join GSK here in London. I want to build a career at this company, gain international experience, and eventually return to the Turkish branches as a senior professional or even a manager. I’m motivated by the idea of bringing back the expertise I’ve gained here to my home country.

What’s one thing you wish more applicants knew about this programme or your department? 

I believe many students don’t quite know the difference between Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. While Chemistry is more focused on laboratory work, Chemical Engineering is built on physics, mathematics, and complex systems. For me, knowing that this field is so versatile was a key factor in my decision. It offers career opportunities in a vast range of sectors, from cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to petrochemistry. Seeing this wide range of possibilities was very important for me when I chose this degree.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I plan to enter the industry right away. My goal is to gain real-world experience and then pursue my master’s in London. I believe the insights and vision I gain while working will help me choose the right path for my postgraduate studies.