I’m at a loss regarding the job position in autonomous control design – what should I do...
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I’m at a loss regarding the job position in autonomous control design. I’m a woman from a science and engineering background, and my IQ, EQ, and AQ are probably below average: L. I graduated from university in 2012 and joined the engineering department of a domestic DCS manufacturer, where I became a field configuration and debugging engineer. After starting work, I met an excellent mentor who taught me everything, from how to interact with others to how to allocate tasks and write configuration code, guiding me step by step. Looking back now, I am extremely grateful to the mentor who introduced me to this field. It was 12 years ago; I graduated and started working less than half a year later, and by then I could handle DCS configuration. Over a period of 2 years, from 2012 to 2014, I single-handedly completed the configuration, on-site commissioning, and on-site acceptance work for 3 denitration SCR projects (the owner’s acceptance reports and project documents for these 3 projects are still stored on my computer). A girl from the countryside who is determined to find a sense of security and establish herself in the big city of Beijing. The first two years after graduating were the most diligent ones of my life; I also met a great teacher and mentor, for whom I am deeply grateful. In 2014, for reasons that are hard to explain, I left the DCS manufacturer and joined the current environmental engineering company (of an EPC type), where my role was that of an automatic control design engineer. When I chose this job back in 2014, I thought that design work was really impressive and sophisticated, and that there would be no need for business trips. During the 14th and 15th years at the current environmental engineering company, the main tasks were: bidding, working in conjunction with DCS manufacturers, and handling some auxiliary tasks ； In 2016 and 2017, I went to the project construction sites from time to time, helping out on projects led by senior colleagues in the field of automatic control design. This year, at the age of 18, my company has new projects, and a senior colleague with great expertise recommended me to the department head as the lead person in charge of the automation aspects of these new projects:victory:. It was the first project in my life that I designed on my own, and I am extremely grateful to those who came before me :):hug:. At that time, I thought I would definitely be able to handle the design work well, and I didn’t think it would be difficult at all; with their guidance, there was nothing to fear {:1_90:}. But actually? Judging from my current mindset, the difficulty of design is really high :'(. From December 2017 to August 8, 2018, the construction drawings have been completed, and the equipment and materials required for the automation field have been purchased; now the next steps involve construction and commissioning... During these months of working on the automation-related tasks, I encountered various issues, which led me to think deeply about automation design. I developed a sense of awe and concern regarding this type of design, and I also felt confused about my career path.... As for working in automation design, I now believe that: 1. Designers need to have a wide range of knowledge. Petrochemical automatic control design manuals, construction manuals, design standards, manufacturing standards, DCS and PLC design specifications, CEMS specification standards, equipment and materials, industry books, manufacturer’s sample manuals…… There are numerous professional books that need to be studied page by page; it requires the ability to endure solitude and the patience to read through those dull texts. 2. Extra care is required. When it comes to being careful, tears of sadness fill one’s eyes…:'(…. 3. Extra, extra patience is required. There are changes in other technical data, changes in manufacturer information, and new requirements from the client... One needs patience when making revisions to the drawings for the first time, patience for the second time, and the same calmness and patience are required for the third, fourth times, and so on. 4. Be hardworking and willing to endure hardships; avoid being too active or having too many ideas. Having worked independently on my first project in the field of professional control system design over these past few months, I realize that I am unable to meet the requirements mentioned above. This has made me feel a deep sense of awe and fear regarding control system design work, and I believe that I am not suited for this type of work. It’s impossible to master such a wide range of knowledge on one’s own ； I’m afraid that errors might occur when verifying the data with each manufacturer, leading to the wrong equipment being ordered and causing financial losses for the company ； There is concern that the construction materials on site, along with the design of various small connectors, may be insufficient or incorrect, which could cause problems during construction ； Instrumentation equipment is very delicate; I was afraid that I might not take proper care of it during on-site installation and debugging, causing damage that would result in financial losses and delays in the project timeline... I was very scared, truly terrified. Many other ideas have emerged in my mind. I want to take the postgraduate entrance exam and continue my studies ； I want to open a tutoring class so that I can be with children and lead a free and happy life ； Want to do promotion at an educational institution ； I want to work as a headhunter in the environmental protection industry ； I’m looking for a job that isn’t too technical, where the tasks vary from day to day – different from what I do today versus what I’ll do tomorrow – so that I can gain small improvements and experiences every day, and find joy and little happiness in my work. But I’m not sure what suits me or what skills I have… Q: Have you seniors ever been in a situation like this, feeling unsure? On the one hand, I feel that one should pursue a job and lifestyle that are free and of interest to oneself ； On the other hand, I feel that one should work diligently and with dedication in whatever field one is in, just as our ancestors did; should carry out one’s current job thoroughly and responsibly, strive for promotions based on seniority, or retire in a peaceful manner. Choosing the former should be filled with obstacles from all around, one’s own hesitations, and uncertainties about the future ； Choosing the latter means continuing to suppress one’s resistance until retirement. Sigh, thinking about retiring at 65 means there really won’t be much left. What do everyone think about this issue? The conflict between my true feelings and the nature of my work has become increasingly apparent, leading to this sense of confusion and uncertainty about what to do. No one can tell you where to go; you have to find it on your own.
On August 8, 2018, it took 2 hours to write down these fragmented words... By putting them down and expressing them out loud, maybe I can get a good night’s sleep at least tonight.
Control system design seems straightforward in theory, but it’s difficult in practice – at least at the beginning. Everyone who works on control system design experiences this: the more they work on it, the more they realize how little they know, and the less confident they become, just like you right now. Actually, if you really want to do it, with two more projects plus on-site training, it won’t be that scary. The main issue is that you don’t have experience working in the field or in maintenance, so you’re unfamiliar with instruments. Since DCS is only related to instruments, but you haven’t actually dealt with their internal and external characteristics, that’s why you feel scared. But there’s no need to be afraid at all, because after design, there are still two stages of verification and review, and those people are experienced professionals who will identify most of the problems. It’s rare for there to be no issues in design; if problems arise, just find ways to solve them – there’s no need to worry too much. I’m not sure if it’s to your taste, just for your reference.
Control system design seems straightforward in theory, but it’s difficult in practice – at least at the beginning. Everyone who works on control system design experiences this: the more they work on it, the more they realize how little they know, and the less confident they become, just like you right now. Actually, if you really want to do it, with two more projects plus on-site training, it won’t be that scary. The main issue is that you don’t have experience working in the field or in maintenance, and you’re not familiar with instruments. Since DCS is only related to instruments, but you haven’t actually dealt with their internal and external characteristics, that’s why you feel scared. But there’s really no need to be afraid. That’s saying it too easily; I can’t do it either. Hey, why is it so difficult? ? 、
I just started working at a chemical company and don’t know anything yet; I’m now beginning to learn how to read PID diagrams of process flows. One word is hard. It’s really not easy to learn
In the end, it still depends on following one’s own heart
The more I work in design, the more I realize there is so much I need to know. In environmental engineering, the project scale is relatively small; if you work at an oil and chemical engineering design firm, each project involves different processes, and you also have to manage a team to handle all the various aspects of the project – there are many things to worry about. Every execution is a challenge; strive to learn and adapt to evolving trends, and soon you will become an expert in the industry who is remembered. To develop good automatic control systems, one must have a thorough understanding of the relevant processes.
Feeling lost means you have reached a relatively high level. I graduated in the same year as you; I work in the chemical industry, and it seems like half of those six years have been wasted. I often feel at a loss, not knowing what direction to take. You’re different; you’re able to bear this pressure and keep moving forward. In that way, you’ll reach heights that others cannot attain. It’s difficult for you, but it’s equally difficult for others, right? I have faith in you
The hardest times are the times closest to success! You just need to hold on a little longer.
Could someone please help me answer this question: https://bbs.hcbbs.com/thread-2037132-1-1.html. Thank you in advance; I need an accurate answer.
You saying that has left me confused.