With a background in Chemical Engineering and experience in the petrochemical industry, Edanur came to CWIEME Berlin ready to explore new possibilities. Through the Future Engineers and Women in Engineering programmes, she discovered how transferrable her skills could be, expanded her professional network and connected with Cargill.  

Now working as a Process Engineer at Cargill in Türkiye, Edanur shares how an open mind and one meaningful conversation helped turn an exhibition visit into an important step in her professional journey. 

1. Before attending CWIEME Berlin 2024, what were you studying and what direction did you hope your career would take? 

Before attending CWIEME Berlin 2024, I was studying MSc Engineering Management at BSBI, building on my background in Chemical Engineering and two years of experience as a Process Engineer in the petrochemical industry. 

At that stage of my career, I wanted to expand beyond purely technical roles and develop the management, leadership, and project skills needed to work in a global industrial environment. 

2. What made you decide to attend CWIEME Berlin in 2024, and what were you hoping to gain from the experience? 

I wanted to connect with industry professionals, learn about emerging technologies, and better understand the challenges companies face in practice. I saw CWIEME as an opportunity to step outside the classroom, gain industry insight, and expand my professional network. 

3. You took part in both the Future Engineers and Women in Engineering programmes. What did each programme give you that you might not have gained through your studies alone? 

The Future Engineers programme gave me direct access to industry professionals and helped me navigate the exhibition in a more meaningful way. Our buddy guided us through different company presentations, encouraged us to ask questions, and shared her own experiences. Through her guidance, I was exposed to career paths and industries that I had not previously considered. 

The Women in Engineering programme was equally valuable because it allowed me to connect with inspiring women across engineering and manufacturing, hear their experiences, and gain confidence in pursuing my own ambitions within the industry. 

4. Did meeting women already working across engineering and manufacturing influence how you thought about your own career opportunities? 

Yes, absolutely. What made a strong impression on me was that our Future Engineers buddy also had a Chemical Engineering background but had built her career outside the petrochemical industry. Since my own experience had been in petrochemicals, I had naturally imagined a similar path for myself. Speaking with her helped me realize how transferable chemical engineering skills are and how many opportunities exist across different industries. That broader perspective later helped me be more open to opportunities such as Cargill. 

5. Can you take us back to your first interaction with Cargill at CWIEME Berlin? How did that conversation begin? 

My first interaction with Cargill happened through the Future Engineers programme. Our buddy took our group to different company presentations throughout the event, including Cargill's. 

After the presentation, I had the opportunity to introduce myself and speak with Cargill representatives about my academic background, previous process engineering experience, and career interests. 

At the time, it was simply an opportunity to learn from industry professionals, but that conversation later became the foundation of an important professional connection. 

6. At the time, did you imagine that this connection could eventually lead to a professional opportunity? 

No, not at all. At that time, I was focused on learning and building connections. I viewed it as a valuable networking experience, but I never imagined that the conversation would eventually become an important step in my professional journey. 

7. What happened after CWIEME Berlin? How did that initial conversation develop into an ongoing connection with Cargill? 

After CWIEME Berlin, I stayed connected with the people I met and continued following developments in the industry.  

When an opportunity later arose, the connection we had established helped create a bridge between my academic background and my professional career. It highlighted the importance of maintaining relationships and staying engaged with your network. 

8. When you realised that a company you first met at CWIEME Berlin could become your first employer after graduation, what did that mean to you? 

It was both exciting and rewarding. It showed me that networking events can have a real and lasting impact on your career. More importantly, it demonstrated how valuable it is to be open to conversations and opportunities, even when you don't immediately know where they might lead. 

9. You are now working as a Process Engineer at Cargill in Türkiye. What does your role involve, and how are you applying your Chemical Engineering and Engineering Management experience today? 

As a Process Engineer, I work on process optimisation, operational improvements, troubleshooting, and supporting projects within the production environment.  

My Chemical Engineering background helps me understand and improve process performance, while my Engineering Management education helps me approach challenges from a broader perspective, balancing technical, operational, and project-related considerations. 

10. From your own experience, how valuable are platforms like CWIEME and programmes such as Future Engineers and Women in Engineering in helping students and young engineers connect with industry and access career opportunities? 

They are incredibly valuable because they create opportunities for meaningful interactions between students and industry professionals. 

They help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice while providing exposure to career paths, technologies, and companies that students may not otherwise encounter. 

11. What would you say to companies exhibiting at CWIEME Berlin about the value of taking the time to speak with students and early-career engineers? 

I would encourage them to invest time in those conversations. A few minutes of guidance, advice, or shared experience can have a lasting impact on a student. What may seem like a routine conversation for an exhibitor can become a defining moment in someone's career journey. 

12. In one sentence, how did CWIEME Berlin influence the start of your professional career? 

I attended CWIEME to learn, connect, and explore the industry. One conversation with Cargill became a valuable connection, and that connection eventually helped shape my career after graduation.

Edanur’s story is a reminder that one conversation can open doors to opportunities you never expected. At CWIEME Berlin, we bring together experienced industry professionals, emerging talent and businesses from across the electrical manufacturing supply chain to build connections that make a lasting difference.

CWIEME Berlin 2027 will continue to create these opportunities, alongside the Grid Delivery Summit, bringing industry leaders together to tackle real challenges, share expertise and build the partnerships driving the future of electrification. Whether you're starting your career or shaping the next generation of energy systems, your next opportunity could begin with a conversation.