Could everyone please give me some advice?
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Hello everyone! I am a technician at a listed company (my title is engineer, but it doesn’t seem to be of much use). I graduated in biotechnology in 2004 and have been working as a technician at a pharmaceutical and chemical company ever since. My main duties usually involve process management as well as the improvement and enhancement of processes. I have also been involved in some engineering projects: in 2007, I was in charge of the construction of a sewage treatment plant for the company, with a cost of over 5 million; the design was done by the Environmental Protection Bureau, while I was responsible for the construction, installation, and operation of the facility. In 2008, I handled the renovation of two production lines for the company, worth 8 million; I was responsible for all aspects, including the design of the plans, the positioning and installation of the equipment, as well as the commissioning of the systems. Last year I passed the basic exam for registered chemical engineers; this year I want to take the professional exam. I have the following questions: 1. My major isn’t relevant, and I also lack experience in design firms or engineering design companies. Even if I pass the exam, will there be any organizations willing to hire me? I’m 31 now. To be honest, my skills in chemical engineering design aren’t very good – my CAD skills are not as good as those of professionals, and I’m still learning how to use simulation software like Aspen and Pro/2. I can calculate things related to fluid energy, heat transfer, and mass transfer. I really enjoy working in chemical engineering design, but I’m not sure if there’s a future in this field or if there’s demand for such skills Is it too late to enter that industry now? ? Dear friends, please help me analyze this situation. (My boss told me that there is no future in working in engineering, but there is a future in working in process development.) Thank you!
Firstly, it’s commendable that LZ has mastered the basics at the age of 30. Secondly, without relevant design experience, the field of injection molding can be quite challenging. Thirdly, even if you pass the professional assessments, there will still be companies willing to hire you, but you might have to start working in smaller firms, as larger design companies have no reason to hire someone like you when they can get fresh graduates instead; fresh graduates are easier to train. Lastly, engineering and manufacturing are closely related. Additionally, it should be noted that if LZ decides to work in a design firm, she needs to be prepared for the fact that she will be considered a newcomer there, and newcomers generally receive low salaries. It’s said that it’s best to enter a design firm when young, as expenses are lower and there’s no need to support a family. After gaining a few years of design experience, by the time one reaches middle age, earnings improve significantly. But if you start now, you still need to be prepared for this, and it’s possible that you won’t be as quick to get up to speed as fresh graduates.
I don’t quite understand this thing! It’s not that it’s difficult to pass the certification exam; it’s mainly as mentioned on the second floor – age-related issues inevitably lead to corresponding social and family problems. Instead of changing careers after 30, it’s better to work in engineering for a few more years; becoming an expert in that field is also a good option. Designs are in demand these days due to the investment boom over the past few years, but no one can guarantee that this expansion of production capacity will continue. In a few years, those design firms that lack the necessary capabilities and do not have the ability to conduct ongoing research and development will face significant survival pressures. Looking back, during our university days, IT was a highly attractive field. These days, among the kids who study computer science, 6 out of 10 struggle to find good jobs. Now many new factories are being built, but after 5 or 8 years, they won’t start many new projects anymore; instead, they will focus on technical upgrades and the like. By that time, as an engineering expert, you will also have a say, because you will be an expert who truly understands your factory. In fact, whether it’s engineering or craftsmanship, as long as you do it well, its value will increase. Don’t be too short-sighted, and don’t just follow the crowd! Getting a certificate and acquiring some knowledge is a good thing. But relying on a certificate to change jobs, especially in order to achieve what others call a high income, is a bit hasty. I’m old enough now to set career goals; keeping changing jobs will result in heavy losses. Find a job you like, one that you can do well and that will earn you respect from others – then your value will be recognized!