"Chemical engineering is a fundamental discipline that drives the production of the goods and services that make our modern lives possible. Its ability to transform raw materials into useful products, combined with its focus on efficiency and sustainability, makes it a key player in industrial progress."
Chemical Engineering: The Art of Transforming the World through Science
Chemical Engineering is a discipline that lies at the heart of modern industry, transforming raw materials into the products we use every day. It is a branch of engineering that combines principles of chemistry, physics and biology to design, develop and optimize industrial processes.
What does a Chemical Engineer do?
Chemical engineers are the architects of industrial production. Their responsibilities include:
Process design creates the blueprints for large-scale production of a wide range of products, from chemicals and fuels to foods and medicines.
Process optimization, they constantly look for ways to improve the efficiency, safety and sustainability of existing processes.
Development of new materials, they research and create new materials with unique properties for specific applications.
Quality control, they ensure that the products meet the highest quality standards.
Research and development, involved in the creation of new technologies and chemical processes.
Problem solving, address and solve technical challenges that arise in the production and processing of materials.
Where do Chemical Engineers work?
The versatility of Chemical Engineering allows its professionals to work in a wide variety of industries, including the Chemical Industry, Petroleum and Petrochemical Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Food Industry, Materials Industry, Energy Industry, Biotechnology Industry and Government Regulatory Agencies.
To perform their duties, chemical engineers must have extensive knowledge in Chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical), Physics, Mathematics,
Thermodynamics, Heat and mass transfer, Chemical kinetics, Biology and Chemical reactor design.
Chemical Engineering is a fundamental discipline that drives the production of the goods and services that make our modern lives possible. Its ability to transform raw materials into useful products, combined with its focus on efficiency and sustainability, makes it a key component of industrial progress.
From Chemical Engineer to Strategist: A Journey Inspired by the Iberoamerican University
The Iberoamerican University has been much more than an educational institution for those of us who had the privilege of being educated in its classrooms. It is a melting pot of dreams, a breeding ground for talent and a beacon of knowledge that guides our paths.
Don't let chance and fate rule your life. Discover how intuition and persuasion can lead you down unexpected paths that will give you the opportunity to achieve your goals and objectives.
Have you ever imagined how intuition and persuasion can take you from being an engineer in a chemical plant to become a strategic consultant?
In this reflection, I open the doors to my own experience, starting with my first steps in the "Andromeda Project" at Industrias Resistol, where intuition was the key to solving a crucial challenge that no one had been able to decipher.
The aforementioned incident triggered a series of transformations in my career, taking me from data analysis on the factory floor to the dynamic world of strategy. There I understood that persuasion goes beyond convincing someone about a topic or a concept, it is about building strong relationships, generating trust and offering solutions to complex problems.
My immersion in the world of strategic thinking allowed me to develop essential skills to become a strategic consultant:
Listen actively to understand the real needs of customers.
Ask the right questions to identify hidden challenges and opportunities.
Designing tailor-made solutions that generate value and a lasting impact.
Communicate clearly and convincingly to persuade and influence decision-making.
Today, I want to share with you a personal journey that reflects the essence of Iberoamerican University, a journey marked by a passion for chemistry, dedication to teaching and the constant search for new horizons.
Chemical Roots, Strategic Wings
Lupita Castañeda and I, Juan Carlos Erdozáin, share a common origin: the Chemical Engineering degree at Iberoamerican University. Lupita, with her unwavering vocation, became an exceptional professor, inspiring generations of students with her wisdom and dedication. I, for my part, felt the call of strategic thinking, a field where I could apply the principles of engineering to vision and long-term planning.
The Legacy of Unforgettable Masters
Our paths (Lupita's and mine) at Iberoamerican University crossed with those of three teachers who left an indelible mark on our lives:
Arturo Fregoso Infante, a teacher who taught us to think critically and question the status quo. His passion for teaching motivated us to go beyond books and explore the world with curiosity.
Rosa Maria Mainero, a teacher who instilled in us the importance of precision and excellence. Her dedication to skill development prepared us to face challenges with confidence and determination.
Antonio Medina López, a guide who showed us the beauty and complexity of physical chemistry. His enthusiasm for science was contagious and inspired us to seek knowledge with passion.
These teachers, authentic professors and mentors, taught us that true education not only transmits knowledge, but also forms character and shapes the spirit.
Celebrating an 80-Year Legacy
What an irony, I left Ibero as a Chemical Engineer and returned to it, years later, as a professor of Strategic Thinking , two different disciplines, but how different are they? The answer to this question was given by the rector of Ibero , Luis Arriaga Valenzuela, during an interesting presentation that, as a welcome, he gave us during the grand event for the celebration of eighty years of Chemical Engineering at Ibero. His words resonated in my mind and became a reflection that, dear reader, I want to share with you:
Yes, there is a significant connection between chemical engineering and strategic thinking that manifests itself in various ways:
1. Process optimization and decision making, Chemical engineers are constantly analyzing and optimizing industrial processes. This requires strategic thinking to evaluate different options, consider long-term implications, and make informed decisions. They must consider factors such as efficiency, safety, cost and environmental impact when designing and improving processes. This involves a strategic approach to balancing these often-conflicting objectives.
2. Innovation and development of new products, chemical engineering plays a crucial role in the development of new materials and products. This involves strategic thinking to identify market needs, assess technical and commercial viability, and plan research and development. They must anticipate future trends and changing industry needs to develop innovative solutions.
3. Sustainability and environmental responsibility, with the growing concern for the environment, chemical engineers must adopt a strategic approach to develop sustainable processes and reduce the environmental impact of the chemical industry. They must consider the entire life cycle of products and processes, from obtaining raw materials to eliminating waste, and look for ways to minimize resource consumption and polluting emissions.
4. Project management and leadership, many chemical engineers work on complex projects that require strategic planning and effective management. They must coordinate teams, manage resources and meet deadlines, which requires leadership skills and strategic thinking.
Strategic thinking is an essential skill for chemical engineers, as it enables them to address complex challenges, make informed decisions and contribute to the advancement of the industry in a sustainable manner.
The 80th anniversary of the Chemical Engineering program at IBERO is a testament to the impact that this institution has had on the training of professionals and leaders. It is a time to celebrate the achievements of the past and to look with optimism towards the future.
To Iberoamerican University students, I say:
"Don't let chance and fate rule your life. Discover how intuition and persuasion can lead you down unexpected paths that will give you the opportunity to achieve your goals and objectives. Make the most of your time at this university. Learn from your professors, explore your passions, and never stop growing. Remember that knowledge is a treasure that multiplies when shared.
As Ken Blanchard would say, "Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less ." And IBERO as an institution has provided us with the tools to positively influence the world, through extraordinary university professors.
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