Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities in My Chemical Engineering Journey

When I look back at my journey as a chemical engineer, it has been quite a rollercoaster ride, marked by moments of mediocrity, opportunities, and a few lessons learned. The initial years of my degree were not exactly what one would call pleasant, but they set the stage for a broader understanding of the profession.

The Mediocrity of My Chemical Engineering Degree

The syllabus of the chemical engineering degree was pretty ordinary, and so was the difficulty level of the GATE exam. With a relatively modest number of graduates, the competitiveness did not seem too high. And yet, despite this mediocre journey, I find myself in a position to share my experiences and offer advice to aspiring engineers like myself.

Professional Experiences: A Whirlwind of Opportunities and Challenges

Professionally, my path has been quite enriching, though not without its challenges. I have had opportunities to work in various industries, including oil and gas, refineries, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and specific plant technologies. The key has been to not limit my exposure to a single industry. Over the years, I have switched between different companies and found that each experience brought something new to the table, both in terms of knowledge and job satisfaction.

The Turning Points and Decisions

There was a time when I strayed away from my initial dreams of becoming a fashion designer due to financial constraints. This decision, while difficult, allowed me to stay involved in studies and pursue a career in chemical engineering. I managed to secure a decent degree with honors and a placement letter. Initially, I hesitated to accept the offer from the first company because I believed there was more to explore in the field.

Passion for the subject brought me to guest lecturing opportunities, where I discovered my own potential as a chemical engineer. This helped me realize that with more focused efforts, I could excel in my chosen field. In 2008, I began my professional journey as a GET (Graduate Engineer Trainee) at Tractebel Engineers and Constructors Pvt. Ltd. in Delhi. Throughout the years, I worked with different companies and gained valuable experience, often doubling my salary annually.

The Challenge in the Oil and Gas Industry

Unfortunately, in 2012, the oil and gas industry faced a significant slowdown. Given my primary exposure to oil and gas companies, I was faced with considerable pressure. The landscape shifted with fewer new projects, companies cutting down on manpower, and stagnant salary increments. Despite these challenges, I managed to persevere and maintain my job, though I felt a sense of dissatisfaction with my current position.

Advice to Future Chemical Engineers

I aim to share my experiences with the next generation of chemical engineers. My advice is clear: do not confine your career path to just one industry. Keep exploring and diversifying your resume. The field of chemical engineering offers a multitude of opportunities, both in India and abroad. You can work in refineries, petrochemical plants, pharmaceuticals, and specialized plant technologies. The initial years of your career should focus on gaining comprehensive exposure and not settling into a comfortable zone.

In conclusion, while my journey has been a mix of mediocrity and success, it has been filled with valuable lessons and experiences. I hope my story serves as an inspiration and guidance for those looking to carve out a path in the field of chemical engineering.