I have just switched to the process engineering field; there’s still a long way to go. I hope experienced colleagues can offer me some guidance

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This post was last edited by Desert Fish on 2018-2-26 at 11:50. Dear friends, let me provide a brief background first: I am female and graduated with a master’s degree in chemical engineering from a 211 university in 2008, specializing in chemical engineering simulation software. After graduating, I went to Shanghai and joined a private design firm; I could have joined the Shanghai Chemical Research Institute as well, but it was said that there were better career prospects in design firms, so I chose a private one. I started working on process pipelines (I didn’t get the chance to work on actual process design, as smaller firms don’t separate these tasks). I have worked in private, foreign-owned, and state-owned design firms; during the first 6–7 years, I handled a variety of tasks, including preliminary simulations for process packages, equipment layout, piping work, modifying PID drawings after completion, preparing minor MOCs and cost estimates for contractors, and handling inspections related to pressure vessels. During that time, I got married, had a child, and took a break of over a year. I went through many hardships on my way here; I had always wanted to switch to working in process engineering, but I didn’t have the opportunity because I really disliked working with pipelines. I felt that if I couldn’t switch to process engineering, I would give up on changing careers. Finally, the opportunity came nine years after I graduated – in the second half of 2007, I started working at a well-known multinational company on process design for tank farm projects (this was the second person who was kind to me in my life; I’m grateful that they chose me for the interview, trusted me, and gave me this rare opportunity. The first such person was my graduate supervisor; out of two girls, she chose me over the other girl who had been working on research projects with her since undergraduate times. The reason was that my undergraduate major was Chemical Engineering and Process Technology, while hers was Polymer Materials; my field of study was more relevant to the project. I’m thankful that life brought me such an honest and upright supervisor). It was my first project related purely to process engineering, and I handled it as the leader – I was so happy that I almost cried. Finally, I got to do what I loved. These past six months or so have been very fulfilling; I kept learning and improving my skills. Every night, on the way back in the bus, I would think or read books. With the continuous guidance from experienced colleagues, I’ve gained a lot. I’ve gone through all the calculations outlined in the HG20570 standards, which has helped me strengthen my fundamental skills (with the exception of calculations related to heat exchangers, which I’ve always done manually). I’ve persisted for over 9 years, facing many challenges along the way. Even when the pipeline industry was more prosperous than the process engineering field in previous years, I never gave up my passion for process engineering. I enjoy doing calculations, running simulations, and providing requirements to various other specialties; I also appreciate the sense of achievement that comes from being in a field that plays a key role in engineering projects. My advantage is that I have worked both in the process package phase and with the downstream construction teams; I have a fairly good understanding of the entire project process as I have seen many such projects. There are not many engineers who understand both the processes and piping systems. The disadvantage is that one has just started working in this process, or rather, in this process system, and lacks practical experience. The previous tank farm project has been completed; I am currently providing technical support for commissioning work at the client’s company. With some free time available, I have organized and compiled various materials from before, including the standards commonly used in the process engineering field, important standards from related fields, as well as common calculation software. If anyone in the group has already compiled such materials, they can share them as well, so that we can together improve and complete this collection. Apart from organizing the fragments of my own work at hand, my remaining career plan is to focus on pure craftsmanship; I don’t want to get involved in anything else. It’s fortunate to be able to concentrate on doing what one loves, and to have a job that one enjoys. Are there any experts in the industry in this group who could offer some advice on what to do going forward, and how to delve deeper into learning? There are also those norms or learning experiences that can be shared. There are many talented people, but not many who can recognize their abilities. Having the guidance of an expert can help one avoid many detours. Thank you for your valuable advice! For newcomers, what I want to share is that if you have a dream, hold on to it – there’s still a chance it might come true by accident!