Zixuan Wang (Mechanical Engineering 2019) describes enjoying four busy and vibrant years at Imperial. Having hit the ground running after graduation – and keen to continue learning and challenging herself, Zixuan now runs her own business as Chief Operating Officer of Kommit, an intellectual property consultancy based in Delhi, India.
We caught up with Zixuan to explore her journey since Imperial so far.
Were you involved in any extra-curricular activities at Imperial?
Lots! I was a member of Dance Club (I did salsa), Kabaddi Society and Musical Theatre Society. I also served as Education Officer for CGCU and was a Year Representative in first year.
In addition, I was a member of Mechanical Engineering Society, where I was on the committee for two years, became Liaisons Officer and then President.
What did you learn during your time at Imperial, in class or out?
The main thing I learnt at Imperial was how to learn.
It’s a given that everyone who is at Imperial made it there with flawless grades, but at school it’s easy to get away with thinking you understand everything simply because your grades reflect it.
At Imperial, I learnt how to understand things from fundamentals. This ability to properly learn new concepts is possibly one of the most important skills I’ve ever acquired and has helped me in my career so far.
Can you tell us about your studies at Imperial?
I studied Mechanical Engineering. As with most degrees at Imperial, it was challenging technically and also because it was hard work… But I loved it! I enjoyed being pushed and seeing everyone else’s endless motivation to learn and succeed (in everything – not just grades).
Who did you find inspiring at Imperial and why?
My peers because they are such amazing individuals!
What is your fondest memory of your time here?
The late nights working and laughing in the departmental computer room with my friends - whether that was because we were just hanging out and having a good time or working on a group project.
What is your favourite place at Imperial and why?
Probably the departmental computer room! I built so many new friendships with other people who were also busy working there and learnt so many new things because everyone was so willing to help others learn.
Tell us a bit about the work you’re doing now.
My day-to-day is as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Kommit, an intellectual property (IP) consultancy based in Delhi specialising in technical advisory services for IP related work. We typically work with law firms and legal entities to help lawyers understand patented technologies, in order to help them litigate and prosecute better. We have also been busy developing software products in the legal space.
I am also on the Committee of The England Kabaddi Union, the national governing body for Kabaddi in England, which I run alongside the rest of the team.
How has what you learnt at Imperial helped you in your career so far?
At Imperial I developed a valuable combination of both technical skills and soft skills, which has been beneficial in the workplace.
What have been your career highlights and lowlights?
My career highlight so far would be where I am now – running my own business! It’s been a steep learning curve to get here and launching at the beginning of the pandemic had its own challenges. However, I have loved venturing into a new industry, learning so much about it and developing new skills along the way.
A lowlight would be doing a previous job that I wasn’t very good at!
What does a typical day look like for you now?
My current role is mostly in a business development capacity, most of my days are filled with Zoom calls with prospective clients or attending conferences and virtual events to meet people in the industry. The rest of my time is spent working on client projects and completing those deliverables.
What are your plans for the future?
I’d love to grow my business and start new ones!
What would be your advice for current students?
Make time to do activities that you enjoy even when you’re busy and stressed.
What makes you proud to be an Imperial alumnus?
Knowing that I am in the same crowd of people that I would consider to be incredible, successful, kind and inspiring individuals.
What is one word or phrase would you use to describe Imperial alumni?
Down to earth.
Do you have a favourite quote or saying?
What we said in Mechanical Engineering was: “If you survive [your degree] you’ll come out a soldier.”
In other words, you can do anything after an Imperial degree.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
What makes Zixuan proud to be an Imperial alumnus?
"Knowing that I am in the same crowd of people that I would consider to be incredible, successful, kind and inspiring individuals."