'I developed skills I hadn't realised I was capable of': My Future17 experience

I was on Group 20, which was all females except for myself which was also quite interesting and an experiencing given it was my first time in group where I was the only male. Our group was given a rather surprisingly complex question: the carbon footprint of vitamin E production, comparing synthetic and natural methods for Kensing, a global manufacturer of sustainable, plant-based ingredients. On the surface, it seemed straightforward, but as we dug deeper, we realized just how many factors, from energy use to raw material sourcing have so much contribution to environmental impact. As a team of six international students, each bringing a unique perspective, it was both exciting and rather chaotic most times. My role was primarily research focused like gathering data, analysing studies (literature review), mapping impacts from cradle to gate, and helping turn our findings into a coherent narrative. No one was stuck in a single box and we all contributed ideas, debated methodologies. By the end, we had a comprehensive comparison that not only highlighted carbon emissions but suggested practical ways that Kensing could reduce them. This may seem like a small thing, but it was meaningful step toward sustainability in the industry.

To succeed, our team leaned heavily on communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Coordinating across different time zones was tricky, and we quickly learned the importance of clear, concise messaging and even a little patience when someone’s internet crashed mid-meeting, which mine did a lot. Research skills were vital, but so was adaptability. When data was missing or conflicting, we had to improvise and think creatively. Project management mattered too and keeping track of tasks, deadlines, and shared documents became a routine exercise.

Through this project, I developed skills I hadn’t realized I was capable of. My research and analytical skills grew, sure, but so did my confidence in speaking up in a multicultural team and guiding discussions. I became more comfortable synthesizing complex information and explaining it in ways that were accessible to everyone, not just mentors. I also discovered a little appreciation for teamwork given I used to dislike it a lot, like understanding to work with different personalities, perspectives, and working styles that were different from mine was just as important as understanding carbon footprints.

One of the most important lessons I took away was how messy, yet rewarding, real-world problems can be. They rarely fit neatly into a textbook, and solutions often require negotiation, compromise, and persistence. I also learned something about myself, it excites me to dive into complex issues, and I thrive when collaborating with diverse groups to find meaningful solutions. Turns out I’m also pretty good working under pressure.

The Future17 SDGs Challenge has influenced how I think about my future. It strengthened my desire to want to work more in sustainability-focused roles, particularly in industries where scientific knowledge intersects with environmental responsibility. It made me more confident that I can contribute to projects that matter, and it sparked ideas for future studies and career paths I hadn’t considered before.

Looking back, this wasn’t just project challenge but rather a growth experience. I came in curious, hoping to learn a bit about sustainability in practice. I left with new skills and a deeper understanding of collaboration.