The University provided a transformative environment that equipped me with the tools I needed for both academic and professional growth.

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Eric Chen
Assistant Manager, LeanTeq Co. S.a. r.l.
MA International Relations
2019
Since graduating from the University of Sheffield with a Master’s in International Relations, I’ve developed a cross-industry career encompassing corporate communications, business development, and strategic planning.

Tell us about your career path since graduating

I began in the semiconductor sector as Special Assistant to the CEO at Winstek, a company specializing in advanced semiconductor packaging, where I led market expansion and project execution initiatives, successfully diversifying revenue streams and mitigating client concentration risks during the pandemic. 

I later joined AUO Corporation, a leading display manufacturer, where I focused on global public relations and ESG communication strategy within the Sustainability Development Division. Currently, I serve as Assistant Manager in the Business Marketing Division at LeanTeq, a semiconductor equipment solutions provider, where I oversee key accounts and spearhead new business initiatives in automation, pricing strategy, and customer solution development for clients such as ASM and TSMC.

How did your experience at University of Sheffield prepare you for your current career?

The University provided a transformative environment that equipped me with the tools I needed for both academic and professional growth. As an individual with ADHD, I received meaningful support from the university, including academic tutoring and additional time for assignments, which helped me build focus and confidence in managing complex tasks. These adjustments were not just accommodations, they empowered me to structure my thoughts more clearly and approach challenges with greater resilience. The experience taught me how to leverage my strengths and manage limitations, which continues to serve me well in my career today.

Did you take advantage of any opportunities whilst at the University of Sheffield?

Yes, I joined the university’s fencing society, which became a big part of my student life. Through it, I got to know a group of students from all over the world. We bonded over a shared interest in fencing, and that connection grew into a lasting friendship. Even now, more than half a decade later, we still keep in touch via group calls, catching up, and even visiting each other when we’re in the same part of the world. Being part of the society gave me more than just sport; it gave me a sense of community, belonging, and lifelong friends.

My time at the University of Sheffield was full of positive experiences. The city had a great atmosphere, and I always felt welcome (especially the choices of food). Academically, the course content helped sharpen my sensitivity to geopolitical dynamics and the ability to interpret international policy, skills that turned out to be directly useful in my career. Working in the fast-paced semiconductor industry, where global politics and supply chain shifts have a major impact, I often find myself applying what I learned. The support I received from tutors and the university, especially around my ADHD, helped me stay on track and grow academically. It was a well-rounded experience that prepared me both personally and professionally.

What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a similar career to you?

Stay curious, and don’t be afraid to cross boundaries between disciplines. What helped me most in my career was developing the habit of connecting global events with business impacts especially in an industry like semiconductors, where geopolitics and supply chains are closely linked. 

Build a strong foundation in research and communication, and take the time to understand how international affairs translate into real-world decisions. Also, be open to starting in roles that aren’t perfect on paper, what matters is what you learn and how you grow from each step.

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