Alumni spotlight: Jing Wei's journey from Foundation Studies to global research

Jing's practical studies in environmental engineering led her from RMIT to one of the top universities in China.

In 2007, Jing Wei moved to Melbourne from China to start her Foundation Studies at RMIT, which led her to a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering - now replaced by the Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours)

Chosen by international students all over the world as their pathway to higher education at RMIT, Foundation Studies provides students with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for their future academic success.

We caught up with Jing Wei to find out about her study experience as an international student at RMIT and beyond.

RMIT Chinese alumni Jing Wei standing infront of a shrine with lanterns wearing a long grey coat. Jing Wei is a RMIT graduate who works at Tsinghua University in China. Photo credit: Jing Wei

What attracted you to study in Melbourne at RMIT?  

My parents preferred Australia as the ideal destination for me to study. Among all the cities in Australia, I personally like Melbourne the most as it is not a city of skyscrapers, but more like a city full of arts and history. 

At that time, I wanted to find a university that offers a more diverse and practical curriculum design. With all these factors in mind, I chose RMIT!

How did RMIT help you with your study and career goals?

It’s been almost 15 years since I started my studies for a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering at RMIT and I have never changed my research area since day one. The years I spent at RMIT were invaluable as they helped me to have a better understanding of this industry and laid the foundation for my future career.  

I think the courses at RMIT were very practical. We went to a variety of sites to learn different subjects. The teachers were very flexible in terms of how they taught the knowledge. For example, we didn’t even have any textbooks provided to us during our classes in geology. Instead, we’ve learnt everything from visiting the outdoor fields. I remember that the teacher always said to us, “You have to get your hands dirty!”

What was your experience of the teachers and learning methods at RMIT? 

I found every teacher at RMIT had their own unique way of teaching! For example, the geology teacher I mentioned earlier had a very lively teaching style and always liked to engage with students during his lessons. 

I remember [another] teacher worked with City West Water in Melbourne on a number of projects, involving local urban infrastructure and wastewater treatment. During my time working with him, I [discovered] how to apply the knowledge that I learnt to a real-life project.  

I was very impressed by all the teachers who taught me at RMIT. Because of their different work and life backgrounds, I was able to gain knowledge from different perspectives. All the examples they shared with me have helped me realise how could I use them in my future workplaces.

What made you return to China to pursue your career? What is your day like working at Tsinghua University?

In the final year of my PhD studies, I had my graduate thesis reviewed by two experts in different industries. One of the experts who reviewed my thesis was my current boss at Tsinghua University. He was very interested in my research and offered me a job opportunity. I thought about it and decided to accept this offer to work back in China.

RMIT alumni Jing Wei, sitting in a garden of large white flowers, wearing a white cardigan and green patterened skirt. Jing Wei studied a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering at RMIT. Photo credit: Jing Wei

My job responsibilities include working on my research, tutoring postgraduate and PhD students, and participating in national and international research projects. Two years ago, our department started writing a book for the International Water Association. As one of the main editors, I need to collect the worldwide research progress, and achievements in our research area during the last ten years.

What skills from your studies at RMIT gave you an advantage over other job applicants in your field? 

In my field of study, most of the research that we read and conduct is all in English. So I definitely can say that I have an advantage in processing information and updating knowledge over those who [haven’t] studied aboard before. 

Studying abroad also gave me more life experience, increased my knowledge about this world and broaden my horizons. Growing up, I got used to hearing people say you should or shouldn’t do things at a certain age. During my overseas studies at RMIT, I started to realise that there is no right or wrong in this world, nor is there an absolute no or yes to a question. It is all just a matter of different choices. This value shift has had a great impact on my life and on how I see this world.

Do you have any advice for international students? 

My advice would be to find your passion and commit yourself to it once you find it. As an international student, the unfamiliarity of the language and culture may amplify your fear, but try to open yourself up and dare to ask, because there is no such thing as a wrong question.  

Want to be an engineer? Explore our Engineering courses to see how RMIT can prepare you for a an impactful career.

Story: Gavin Gan

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.