He began his academic career at Helsinki University of Technology (now part of Aalto University), enrolling in September 1995 and graduating in June 2000 with a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering. Committed to advancing his expertise, he pursued a Master’s degree at Stanford University in the United States from September 2001 to June 2003, gaining advanced knowledge in energy systems, reservoir engineering, and strategic management
Following his education, Hwan built a strong professional foundation by working with some of the world’s most respected energy companies. His early career included roles at Schlumberger, where he gained hands-on experience in drilling and reservoir services, and Halliburton, where he further developed his technical and operational expertise in complex offshore environments. He later joined Saudi Aramco, one of the largest energy companies globally, where he contributed to major projects across the Middle East, strengthening his leadership capabilities and global industry insight.