Life and Career Journeys of a HUST Chemical Engineering Alumnus

Pham Gia Toan, a graduate of Cohort 46, Petrochemical Technology major, Faculty of Chemical Engineering – School of Chemistry and Life Science at Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), is currently a senior expert at SLB (Schlumberger Limited) – the world’s leading oilfield services company with more than 126,000 employees from over 80 countries and operations in more than 80 markets worldwide.

In mid-July this year, during a short family vacation from Saudi Arabia, Toan still made time for a special day – returning to his alma mater, where he spent his formative years. For him, this is almost a “date with youth”: even with only a few weeks in Hanoi each year, he always makes sure to meet with faculty members and students of the Chemical Engineering program.
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At this year’s scientific seminar, organized by the Petrochemical and Gas Technology Academic Group, Toan delivered an in-depth presentation titled “Balancing Global Energy Systems.” He discussed current trends in global energy development, the challenges of balancing energy needs with environmental protection, and practical solutions for the future.

Beyond technical knowledge, Toan also spoke with faculty about training orientations, workforce demands in chemical engineering, and the essential skills students need to prepare for the era of green energy and sustainable development.

With nearly 20 years of international experience, especially in France and Saudi Arabia, he affirmed: “Chemical Engineering at HUST (CH1) is a foundational technology discipline, playing a crucial role in scientific, technological, and societal development. It underpins the production of virtually all tangible products used in daily life. In developed industrial nations, chemical engineering is given special attention – offering vast career opportunities and high income.”
  HUST alumnus Pham Gia Toan with faculty members and students of the CH1 Chemical Engineering Program, School of Chemistry and Life Science

From his diverse global experiences, Toan recognizes the value of the academic foundation he gained at HUST, particularly in the Petrochemical Technology specialization. The CH1 program, he noted, provides not only expertise in oil and gas, energy, and industrial processes, but also cultivates a solid engineering mindset – a quality sought after by global corporations like SLB.

Grateful for his training at HUST, he emphasized: “Graduates from HUST can be confident in their strong analytical foundation, shaped by rigorous programs. Thanks to the core knowledge I gained here, I could grasp problems quickly and tackle technological and practical challenges effectively.”

For Toan, the hallmark of a HUST education is building a robust Engineering Background and Engineering Mindset. What students need to add, he says, are foreign language proficiency and soft skills like presentation, teamwork, and communication.

“The balanced combination of theory, practice, and skills in HUST’s curriculum gave me the confidence to pass rigorous assessments and excel in international environments,” he recalled, sharing that he once topped his global training class at SLB, exceeding 90% of the program’s benchmarks.

He also reminded students that some subjects may seem irrelevant during university, but later prove vital in solving complex real-world problems. For instance, “Coal Chemistry” once felt distant to him as a petrochemical student, but later became invaluable in understanding sustainable resource planning during global energy projects.

Toan’s story is not only about career success but also about personal values – a message to today’s students that: “HUST graduates can confidently step onto the global stage. What sets us apart is our strong technical foundation and problem-solving mindset – instilled in us from the very beginning.”
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His journey is living proof that choosing Chemical Engineering is more than choosing a career – it’s opening a gateway to a limitless future. Whether working for multinational corporations, pursuing advanced research, starting a tech business, or simply creating societal value, this field always offers a place for those with passion.

According to the Student Affairs Office (2024), within three months of graduation, 71% of CH1 Chemical Engineering graduates found employment, 22% pursued further studies domestically or abroad, with 73% working directly in their field. The average starting salary was 10.5 million VND per month.

The Petrochemical Technology program at HUST’s Faculty of Chemical Engineering is among the pioneering training programs in Vietnam, with an experienced faculty, state-of-the-art laboratories, and a strong global alumni network.

“The skills and knowledge of Vietnamese students – especially those from HUST’s CH1 program – fully meet the demands of the global labor market. The key is to be proactive, ready, and unafraid of challenges,” Toan said before parting, promising to return next summer for another energetic and inspiring seminar.

For many, CH1 at HUST may be just the first step on a challenging learning journey – but it’s also where the seeds of knowledge and dreams are sown, just as they were for 18-year-old Pham Gia Toan, now an accomplished international expert.

And perhaps, from a small beginning in Chemical Engineering CH1 at HUST, you too might discover a passion, a career path, or even the person you aspire to become.

CH1 is always ready to welcome you with vibrant experiences!