Sonam Zangmo

Meet Sonam Zangmo, an inspiring EIT 2025 Student Ambassador from Bhutan. Discover how her journey from engineering student to Undergraduate Electrical Engineer fuels her passion for learning, leadership, and supporting fellow students at EIT. Read on to learn more!

Fostering Connections and Personal Growth

Sonam Zangmo, an Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) 2025 Student Ambassador, is a passionate and driven engineering student from Bhutan, currently pursuing a Master of Engineering (Electrical Systems) at EIT.

After completing her bachelor of electrical engineering in 2023 at a separate institution, Sonam decided to further her studies and immerse herself in real-world engineering challenges as an Undergraduate Electrical Engineer. In addition to her academic journey, she is committed to supporting and inspiring her peers through her role as a student ambassador, promoting an inclusive and collaborative academic community.

Sonam’s role as a Student Ambassador allows her to connect with a wide variety of people, including prospective students, faculty members, and staff.  These interactions have not only refined her communication skills but have also contributed significantly to her personal and professional growth.

“The position is still new to me, but every conversation helps me grow personally and professionally. It’s rewarding to see that I can boost someone’s academic confidence simply by being approachable,” Sonam shared.

She values the opportunity to represent EIT and to share her experiences, but she also recognizes the importance of fostering a welcoming and encouraging environment. This role has allowed her to offer guidance to other students, particularly those who may be feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. By being open and approachable, Sonam creates a space where students feel comfortable seeking advice, asking questions, or sharing their concerns.

“As a student ambassador, I am not only helping others with academic queries, but I also offer a friendly face to students who might feel isolated or intimidated. Connecting with others, especially those from similar backgrounds, can be reassuring for many students,” she said.

Through this role, Sonam has expanded her own understanding of the academic environment, giving her a more comprehensive perspective of the challenges and opportunities students face.

Moreover, as she continues to interact with various stakeholders within the EIT community, her confidence has grown. These conversations help her not only to provide guidance but also to refine her communication and interpersonal skills, which are vital for her future career in engineering.

“Every experience helps me build my self-assurance,” she said, “and the more I interact, the more comfortable I feel in different academic spaces.”

Navigating Challenges as a Woman in Engineering

Like many women in engineering, Sonam has encountered challenges throughout her academic and professional journey, particularly in environments where she is one of the few women.

Being one of the only women in her classes or workspaces has occasionally led her to doubt her abilities, and these situations can sometimes feel intimidating. However, Sonam has developed ways to navigate these challenges by reminding herself that her place in engineering is earned, and that her voice and perspective are valuable.

“The challenge I face as a woman in engineering is mostly self-doubt,” Sonam explained. “Sometimes, when I’m the only woman in the room, I can feel unsure of my contributions. But I remind myself that I’m here for a reason, and my perspective is just as important as anyone else’s.”

Over time, these moments have become less daunting. With support from mentors, peers, and her own growing confidence, Sonam has become more active in her studies and professional work.

“I’ve learned to trust my abilities more as I progress in my studies and work,” she said. “Over time, I have become more comfortable sharing my thoughts and ideas, which has helped me become a stronger participant in academic discussions.”

This increasing confidence has also contributed to her desire to inspire other young women, particularly in her home country of Bhutan, to pursue careers in engineering.

Sonam encourages young women to challenge their self-doubt and to pursue their passion for engineering, regardless of the obstacles they might face.

“To young women in Bhutan and around the world who are thinking about a career in electrical engineering—go for it! The first step is already within you if you can make the decision. Don’t let doubt or fear stop you. While this field may seem difficult, it’s also incredibly rewarding,” she emphasized. “Remember, you are capable of achieving great things.”

Aligning Academic Learning with Career Goals

Sonam’s Master of Engineering (Electrical Systems) program at EIT has provided her with a deeper understanding of essential engineering topics, and she is especially enthusiastic about the practical, hands-on approach the program offers.

With a focus on industry-relevant learning, Sonam has been able to develop both her technical abilities and confidence. The program’s emphasis on power systems, electrical automation, smart grids, and substation design has allowed Sonam to better align her academic learning with her long-term career aspirations.

“I’m particularly excited about power systems and automation, as they are central to the future of electrical engineering,” Sonam shared. “This program has been invaluable in building a solid foundation for my future in the energy sector. It’s equipping me with the skills and knowledge necessary to work on sustainable and efficient electrical infrastructure.”

These subjects fascinate Sonam, and she sees them as vital areas where she can contribute to the development of global solutions for energy challenges.

In addition to gaining theoretical knowledge, Sonam appreciates how the program encourages students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios. The hands-on projects, as well as exposure to current industry practices, have allowed her to strengthen her understanding and prepare for the practical challenges she will face in her career.

As she works towards her goal of contributing to the energy sector, Sonam is excited about the opportunities to make a meaningful impact in electrical engineering, particularly in the realm of sustainability.

“I’m focused on making a positive contribution to the energy industry,” she said. “I hope to work on projects that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and the development of smarter electrical systems.”

Balancing Work, Study, and Ambassadorship

Managing her academic responsibilities, work as an Undergraduate Electrical Engineer, and her role as a student ambassador is no easy feat, but Sonam has developed strategies to keep herself organized and focused. Time management is crucial in her ability to balance these responsibilities, and Sonam has learned to prioritize her tasks and maintain consistency in her schedule.

“It’s all about staying organized and being flexible when things get busy,” she said. “I make sure to plan ahead, which helps me manage my time effectively.”

While balancing these roles can sometimes feel overwhelming, Sonam finds the experience to be rewarding. Her work as an Undergraduate Electrical Engineer provides her with invaluable hands-on experience in the field, which complements her academic learning at EIT.

“The knowledge I gain from my coursework helps me feel more confident in my work,” she said. “It’s fulfilling to see how my studies are applied in real-world projects.”

Similarly, Sonam’s role as a student ambassador enriches her academic journey. It provides her with the opportunity to connect with others and give back to the community, while also improving her leadership and communication skills.

“Each role complements the others,” she explained. “The skills I develop as an ambassador, like public speaking and mentoring, are valuable for my future career.”

While it can be a demanding journey, Sonam finds that every aspect of her life is helping her grow, both personally and professionally. She is determined to continue juggling her commitments, knowing that the effort will contribute to her overall development.