【2-year rookie】I want to switch from pipeline work to process engineering – is there any chance?
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I have been graduated for over 2 years now, working in a company that deals with piping design in 3D; to date, I have only worked on one major project. . . The university thesis focused on the process simulation of natural gas desulfurization, and after starting work, I also studied on my own the process simulation of natural gas treatment and downstream processing refrigeration. I don’t see much room for career advancement in my current company, so I’m thinking about changing jobs to work in process engineering. However: ① I use ChemCAD for process-related software (I’ve been using it ever since I was writing papers in college), and I only have a basic understanding of the mainstream software HYSYS. ②I have copied many P&IDs before, but I don’t know how to design them, nor do I really know how to select equipment, etc. In summary: the theory and simulation calculations for natural gas processing processes are satisfactory, 3D drawing and CAD drawing are also acceptable; everything else has not been explored. I want to learn some of the skills needed to be a process engineer, but I don’t have any opportunities at the moment; it’s also difficult to find a new job if I decide to change careers. Sigh. . . I’m worried – what do you all think is the best way for someone at my beginner level to plan their career development? :'(:'(:'(
It’s extremely rare to get the opportunity to work on process design in firms where process engineering and piping design are separated; it’s possible to do so in companies that handle both processes and piping. If one really wants to work in the field of process engineering, it’s still necessary to be proficient in the standard simulation software. If one can use ChemCAD well, then the rest isn’t difficult either. One also needs to understand conventional control methods, as well as equipment selection and related calculations – these are all essential tasks in process engineering
In many companies, the processes and piping systems are not separated; one needs to understand both processes and piping. Moreover, in my opinion, having an understanding of processes is also very helpful for working with piping systems.
Why do I think it’s still better not to change jobs right now? . . This broader environment. . There is no shortage of people who know how to do the work. . . I really hope they fire someone. . . Only top talents will be wanted. . The compensation won’t be particularly high either. . . Why don’t you wait a little longer? Wait until the overall situation eases a bit, and then consider it?
You’re right; the market conditions are really poor these days~~~ Either you need someone with over 5 years of experience, or a recent graduate. But I’ve heard recently that many companies are issuing tenders, so I guess there will be work available next year
Why change jobs? Don’t you see how many people in this industry are unemployed right now?
I’m not sure which one exactly, but I’ve heard about some renovation projects; after all, environmental regulations are now stricter. Also, on the street I heard people talking about an LNG project that’s undergoing bidding – it seems to be a rather large project