Career choice: Instrument design? Process design? Sales?
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I majored in process control and spent three years working in the field of instrumentation at chemical plants. My responsibilities included working with field instruments, PLCs, and DCS systems; I was able to write simple PLC programs as well as add point loops to DCS systems. . . Coming from a background in mechanical engineering, I have of course studied and been exposed to both stationary and moving machinery. Yet I always feel that a factory isn’t the right place for me; I want to leave, but I’m not sure which career would be suitable for me. There’s a lot to learn about factory work, but most of it remains at a superficial level. Once, during an interview for a project-related position, the manager said I was too young. I knew he meant that I didn’t have enough knowledge yet – it’s because I haven’t had the chance to work in such roles yet. It’s frustrating! I first thought of starting from scratch and finding a field suitable for me, such as instrument design, but I’m not sure what else I lack Always depressed and unfulfilled, yet troubled all day long! I hope to receive sincere advice from those who have more experience and seniors – suggestions regarding a career, or indications of what else I should learn in that field. Please share whatever you think is relevant; I would be extremely grateful for your guidance!
I work at a factory of Sinopec in Shanghai. Everyone on the internet says that state-owned enterprises are good, but I don’t think so; the benefits are indeed proper, yet the salaries are too low. It might be due to differences in positions. What do others think?
Instrument engineers are needed everywhere. Three years is indeed a bit short, but if you learn a lot during those three years, it’s not that short after all. If there are any expansion or new construction projects in your area. You will learn a lot, and from start to finish. I think that if a instrumentation engineer is skilled, they should do well working outside. Foreign companies hire many senior instrument engineers. The instruments I see now are all from abroad.
Instrument engineers are needed everywhere. Three years is indeed a bit short, but if you learn a lot during those three years, it’s not that short after all. If there are any expansion or new construction projects in your area. You will learn a lot, and from start to finish. I think that if a instrumentation engineer is skilled, they should do well working outside. Foreign companies hire many senior instrument engineers. The instruments I see now are all from abroad.
I think being an instrumentation technician is also a good option; tasks involve PLCs and various types of instrument control, there’s a lot to learn, and the salary is good. With a specific craft, the range of employment is limited; one can only work in that field going forward. In contrast, the field of instrumentation offers a much wider range of opportunities.