I’ve been in chemical engineering design for less than two years and I feel lost; do those with more experience have any good advice?
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I attended an inferior undergraduate university, and for my postgraduate studies I went to East China University of Science and Technology. I used to be very enthusiastic about the chemical engineering field, but after more than a year of working on design tasks and dealing with the demanding work related to piping, I have become somewhat lost as to what my career should entail! I’m pursuing certifications to improve myself; I’ll take the Power Engineer exam this year, and I think I’ll pass it! Most people tell me that the design industry is the same everywhere, but I still want to ask everyone: how should those who are just starting out in the workplace plan for their future?
There shouldn’t be much significant progress before the age of 40
Working in design or the chemical industry is more or less the same; without innovation, that’s what happens. If this resource is utilized well for tasks such as organizational leadership, it might be better. A few years ago, there were people in a similar state of confusion; they said that those working in mechanics had nothing much to do, spending their days endlessly drawing diagrams. If one is working in the field of machinery, can they achieve something similar to what the Swiss and Germans do – creating bearings with minimal friction, and mechanical watches with such high precision that they reach the level of artistic excellence? Speaking of tabulation, its purpose is to release the stored mechanical energy in a uniform manner in order to achieve timing functions. It involves the material of the metal and the precision of processing. Reasonable structure, comprehensive functions, minimal size, and elegance,,,,,. If it’s in the chemical industry, the scope is even broader. ，，，，。 If it is limited only to jars and containers, and designs are created according to the user’s requirements, then this limitation is quite small. That’s why innovation is needed now; only through innovation can things be put to use. I don’t have any formal education; at my workplace I was considered a laborer, responsible for making minor repairs and adjustments – things from before the 1980s. I worked until retirement, doing some useful tasks, and I feel satisfied and content about that experience. I really envy those who have access to educational resources. As for planning, while doing well in the present, find what suits oneself. As long as you have the necessary foundation, it depends on whether fate provides you with a platform to show it off. It can’t stand on the stage during the performance and play a minor role; in that case, it’s better to be a spectator. (Talking nonsense just because I’m idle: lol)
”Before graduating from graduate school, one imagines that after graduation, one will be like an office worker in a TV drama – having a private office, wearing a white coat and gold-rimmed glasses. Sunlight will stream in through large floor-to-ceiling windows, there will be comfortable chairs, a spacious desk, a bright computer monitor. One can drink coffee, move the mouse, sign documents and review reports in comfort, and then drive home in ease at the appropriate time. . . . . ” Under no circumstances should you bring the virtual scenes from movies and TV shows into real life, as that would cause a serious imbalance. As a recent graduate who has just started working, you should adopt a humble attitude and a proper mindset, strive to complete each task with speed and excellence, and seize every fleeting opportunity to show your true self. ”To become a good cook, one must first learn to be an efficient helper. ”
I’m holding on because I don’t know what to do next
I’m still a long way from turning 40. Should I just go through the motions day after day? That would be too boring
I haven’t even dared to think about having a separate office. In the design industry, I imagine such an office to be something upscale and luxurious. But as a struggling contractor, not only do I have to act like a servant in front of the clients, but I also face a lot of criticism from other professionals in the industry – there’s really nothing good about it at all! Also, the design experience is too fragmented; how can one integrate and summarize it in order to achieve a qualitative improvement over the years?
The path from design to project management to consulting might be a promising route for the design industry! I’m still in the early stages of design; it feels like I’m doing menial tasks. After working for over a year, sometimes I think there’s been no real progress at all! I kind of want to make a change, but I’m not sure what into
Having such thoughts shows that you have matured; take advantage of your passion and change careers soon. With this line of work, you can’t earn any money, no matter how hard you try.
Where should I switch to? I’ve studied chemical engineering for seven years and really love it; should I use my qualification to move into power generation or gas engineering?