Technological Transformation – Standing at the First Crossroads of a Career

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I graduated in 2014 and caught the last opportunity for master’s graduates to work at design institutes, where I was involved in organic chemical engineering design. Although it can be considered lucky, I started working during a downturn in the chemical industry. Leaving aside welfare benefits, I’ve had no work to do since after this year’s New Year’s holiday. I spent half a year learning on my own tools like Aspen and HTRI; most of those who started working at the same time as me do have some tasks to carry out, which makes me extremely anxious. If I continue to be idle like this, I’ll end up becoming useless. At that time, an opportunity arose: the company had an overseas gas storage project that required people with expertise in relevant processes to learn the necessary skills. I read the email and, without much thought, went to my supervisor to sign me up for it. A few days later, my supervisor said I would be sent to work on that project. I was happy at that moment, but also felt a bit complicated. The good thing is that there’s finally work to do, but the complication is that it involves long-term business trips, leaving behind family and home (I’m planning to get married next year) ； Secondly, this is not a traditional chemical engineering project; it is more related to drilling operations and geological design, representing a completely new challenge for me. But I feel this is an opportunity with more advantages than challenges; after all, a man should venture out and explore the world. After settling things at home and spending over a month studying drilling engineering knowledge, I got ready to set off. Writing this passage before leaving is, firstly, to commemorate my first professional choice ； Secondly, it’s to encourage my peers; if there’s a chance, they might want to give industries related to the chemical sector a try ； Thirdly, I hope the cold spell will pass soon, and wish everyone good success in their endeavors. Finally, it’s a message to my future self: The future belongs to you; you can do it.