Written by Jason Xu and YT Wong (FEIT iAmbassadors)
For Jiajia Hao, coming to UTS as an international student from China marked the beginning of an exciting and transformative four-year journey. As a PhD student in structural engineering, Jiajia not only focused on academic excellence but also found personal growth through mentoring, sports, and building professional networks.
Using three objects, Jiajia Hao described herself as A Telescope, Warm Electric Blanket and Swiss Army Knife. She enjoys exchanging experiences with others through meaningful conversations and playing soccer (for the endorphins). Her story is one of curiosity, resilience, and continuous learning, a perfect example of how international students can thrive both in and outside academics.
The power of mentorship
Jiajia’s decision to study at UTS was influenced by its strong academic reputation, state-of-the-art facilities (and the beautiful library as well), and the perfect alignment between her research interests and her PhD supervisor’s expertise. One of her most memorable experiences was being supervised by Prof. Xinqun Zhu, whom she credits as a key influence on her success.
“It’s lucky to have a great supervisor as a research student,” she shares.
Beyond supervision, Jiajia also benefited greatly from the Women in Stem Research (WISR) Mentoring Program, where she connected with mentors from both industry and academia.
“These mentors helped me understand different work styles and gave me tailored advice on entering the industry,” she explains. Their guidance was critical as she transitioned from university life to a professional career in engineering.
Finding confidence and overcoming barriers
Living in a foreign country presents unique challenges, and for Jiajia, the language barrier was one of the toughest. To overcome this, she joined the UTS Conversations Buddy Program, where she practised spoken English and gradually gained confidence in her communication skills.
“I also joined the mentor program early at the beginning of my PhD, which gave me valuable insight and support” Jiajia adds.
Beyond academics, Jiajia’s extroverted personality and love of soccer helped her stay energised and build a strong social network. “I enjoy sharing positive energy with others,” she says, reflecting on how playing soccer and engaging with fellows boosted her sense of belonging.
From PhD to industry
Today, Jiajia works as a structural engineer, where she applies her research expertise to real-world projects. One of her current goals is to develop smarter automated tools for bridge assessments, making the process faster and more efficient.
Her career ambitions include improving structural design experience and applying AI techniques in the engineering industry. By staying innovative and collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds, Jiajia is building a career that blends advanced technology with practical engineering solutions.
Reflections on the study experience
Looking back at her time at UTS, Jiajia reflects on what she might have done differently:
- Engage in more networking events to build a wider professional connection.
- Pursue internships or attend more industry expos early in Jiajia’s studies field.
- Get more involved in student life by joining additional sports or cultural activities through ActivateUTS.
These reflections highlight how stepping out of one’s comfort zone can lead to a richer and more rewarding university experience.
Life motto
When asked about her personal motto, Jiajia shares:
“Stay hungry, stay foolish”. This reminds me to always stay curious, keep learning, and never be afraid of making mistakes.
She adds one more important life philosophy:
While ambition and curiosity are important, it’s equally valuable to enjoy life, appreciate the present moment, and find joy in the small things. Maintaining a healthy balance is essential.
Advice and final thoughts
Jiajia has gained valuable insights from her experience that she hopes will help future international students:
- Find a mentor early: “Their advice would save you confusion,”
- Start career planning early by networking: “Don’t wait until graduation to explore your options”
- Use university services: “UTS offers free counselling and legal services, don’t hesitate to use them if needed.”
- Step out of your comfort zone: “The more you experience, the clearer your future path will be.”
As she continues to grow in her engineering career, Jiajia is passionate on creating smarter solutions for infrastructure projects. Whether it’s advancing her technical skills or mentoring others, she is committed to continuous learning and professional growth.
The more you experience, the clearer your future path will be.
Jiajia Hao
