Written by Zuri
Bachelor’s Program, International College of Innovation
National Chengchi University
The International College of Innovation (ICI) at National Chengchi University successfully held its “Career-Wise Informal Gathering #2 — Coffee Chat” on May 17, 2026, at Pause Coffee in Nangang. Organized by ICI junior students Zuri and Emily, the Coffee chat centered around the theme “When Sustainability Becomes Your Career,” the event invited Lee Yi-Chiao, Senior Specialist at Foxconn, to share her interdisciplinary sustainability career journey and insights into the growing importance of sustainability practices in the corporate world.
The event was designed as an intimate and informal gathering, allowing students to engage directly with industry professionals in a relaxed café setting. Participants from diverse academic backgrounds joined discussions on sustainability development, ESG, corporate responsibility, and future career opportunities.
Drawing from her own experiences, Ms. Lee shared how her academic background in public administration and sustainability policy research gradually led her into the fields of corporate sustainability and Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS). She also discussed the increasing demand for talent in areas such as net-zero transformation, supply chain governance, and sustainability strategy.
Prior to joining Foxconn, Ms. Lee served as a Sustainability Assistant Manager at Welhunt, a Senior EHS Consultant at AECOM, and a Policy Researcher at the Taiwan Wild Bird Federation. With experiences spanning NGOs, consulting firms, and the corporate sector, she emphasized that sustainability is not limited to a single discipline but instead requires strong interdisciplinary integration skills. She further noted that companies increasingly value professionals who possess global perspectives, communication abilities, and sustainability literacy.
During the discussion session, students explored how they could better prepare themselves for future careers in sustainability. Ms.Lee explained that the sustainability sector places great importance on awareness of international policies and global issues. She encouraged students to stay engaged with major topics such as ESG development, net-zero transition, carbon management, and supply chain governance while continuously building relevant knowledge and immersing themselves in sustainability-related discussions and information.
In response to a student’s question regarding whether professional certifications are necessary before entering the sustainability field, Ms.Lee shared that while certifications can serve as supporting credentials, companies often place greater emphasis on a candidate’s understanding of sustainability issues, passion for learning, and analytical and communication skills. Rather than rushing to obtain certifications, she encouraged students to cultivate long-term engagement with sustainability topics through reading international reports, participating in forums and events, following policy trends, and gaining practical experience through research projects or internships.
Toward the end of the event, Ms.Lee left students with an encouraging message:
“Everyone has their own time zone. Don’t focus too much on others,focus on developing yourself. As long as you keep working hard, you will eventually find your own path.”
Her words resonated strongly with attendees and became one of the most memorable moments of the gathering.
ICI stated that the “Career-Wise Informal Gathering” series aims to create a platform where students own the event, not just the attendees. By doing so, the program hopes to help students gain a more realistic understanding of industry trends and career possibilities while broadening their international perspectives and practical knowledge.
The event concluded with a group photo featuring the speaker and participating students, bringing the meaningful Coffee Chat session to a warm and memorable close.
