Embrace the Challenge: A Journey of Lifelong Learning

The Beginning: Speaking Up and Seizing Opportunities

Twenty-three years ago, in my final year of university, I stood at a crossroads. Imagine the pressure: juggling the weight of a crucial second-stage job interview and the impending final dissertation defense exam. It felt like balancing on a tightrope, with no safety net in sight. Fearful of failure, I chose to prioritize my exam, only to realize later that the interview was a missed golden opportunity.

After my exam, I sheepishly confessed to my professor about the clash, hoping for some empathetic advice. His response was a revelation. "You should have told me earlier," he said, "I could have rescheduled the exam." That moment was a turning point. It was as if a light bulb flickered to life above my head. Lesson learned: never hesitate to voice your problems. Sometimes, the solutions are simpler than you think.

This lesson echoed the wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi, who said, "Speak only if it improves upon the silence." My silence had cost me an opportunity, but it taught me to always seek the possibility of negotiation and never surrender without a fight.

Taking the Leap: From Mechanical to Piping Engineer

Graduation day came with its own set of anxieties and expectations. I attended my first job interview as graduate (even though have attend few interviews before graduation) for a mechanical engineer position, my heart pounding with anticipation. I aced it, and the recruiter was impressed. But here came the twist: the position available immediately was for a piping engineer.

Despite my lack of specific coursework in piping, I thought, "What the heck, it shouldn't be much different. The basics are the same, and I can learn fast." This moment felt like jumping off a cliff, trusting that I'd grow wings on the way down. I accepted the challenge on the spot. This decision was pivotal, setting the technical foundation for my career.

Reflecting on this, I am reminded of Eleanor Roosevelt's words: "Do one thing every day that scares you." Embracing challenges, even when you're not fully prepared, can lead to the most significant growth and unexpected paths.

The Grind: Rising Star and the Excel Engineer

Stepping into the corporate world, I was assigned the role of a proposal engineer in the piping discipline, which also included pipeline (onshore) preparation for tender proposal submission. Our working schedule was intense, earning us the nickname "Rising Stars," as we only left the office "when the stars had risen."

Despite the grueling hours, I found myself enjoying the process. Our daily work was an intricate dance of reading documents, specifications, terms and conditions, counting materials, and more. We were dubbed "Excel engineers" due to the extensive use of Excel in our tasks.

Although there wasn't much engineering analysis involved, the role taught me invaluable lessons. I delved deep into various international codes, standards, and specifications such as ASME, ANSI, ASTM, NACE, ISO, MSS, and BS. I learned the nuances of legal implications, the importance of clear demarcation, contract loopholes, and potential change order scopes. Crafting proposals became an art, where the choice of words could make or break a deal.

This period reminded me of the quote by Thomas Edison: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." The grind was real, but so were the opportunities hidden within it.

Stepping Out: From Proposal to Material Control Engineer

After a few years, I saw a new opportunity to move to a site for actual project execution. The only available position was as a material control engineer due to the previous engineer's resignation. At first, I was unsure about the role, but the prospect of real hands-on work excited me.

Upon arriving at the site, I realized my new responsibilities involved being stationed at the warehouse, controlling material receipt, and issuing materials to sub-contractors. This role involved even less engineering work. However, I embraced the challenge, learning how actual materials looked, the specifics required in descriptions to avoid mismatches, and the importance of detail to prevent wrong orders or issuances.

This experience was a steep learning curve, but it also proved to be highly beneficial. I developed a Microsoft Access database for material control, a skill that would later make the transition to Power BI seamless. This period reinforced the lesson: never stop learning. Expanding your knowledge beyond your current role can give you a competitive edge and open new doors.

One particular incident stands out as a testament to the value of these new skills. There was a significant dispute with one of our sub-contractors, who claimed they were unable to proceed with their work due to alleged material shortages. They submitted a claim demanding compensation, which could have led to substantial financial losses for our company.

In this high-stakes situation, my newly developed Microsoft Access database became an indispensable tool. The database allowed me to track every piece of material with meticulous detail, from its arrival at the warehouse to its issuance to the sub-contractors. I could pinpoint discrepancies, track orders, and verify deliveries with precision.

As the dispute escalated, I was able to extract detailed reports from the database, presenting a comprehensive record of all material transactions. Each line item was accounted for, with timestamps and corresponding documentation. This level of detail was crucial in countering the subcontractor's claims.

During the reconciliation meetings, I presented our records, demonstrating that all materials had been delivered as specified, and any delays or shortages were not due to our fault. The clarity and accuracy of the data were undeniable. The subcontractor's claims quickly unraveled under the weight of the evidence we provided.

This incident was more than just a victory in a contractual dispute; it was a powerful lesson in the importance of continuous learning and skill development. The ability to automate and streamline processes not only made my daily tasks more efficient but also provided a critical advantage in resolving conflicts.

The resolution of this dispute highlighted several key lessons:

1. Attention to Detail: Ensuring that material descriptions were specified with precision helped avoid mismatches and misunderstandings, preventing potential conflicts before they arose.
2. Data Management: Developing and maintaining a robust database was essential for tracking materials accurately. This skill later proved invaluable when transitioning to more advanced tools like Power BI.
3. Proactive Learning: Acquiring new skills and applying them proactively can provide significant advantages, especially in unexpected situations. My experience with Microsoft Access not only streamlined our material control processes but also fortified our position in contractual disputes.

This experience underscored the importance of versatility and adaptability in professional growth. As Albert Einstein once said, "Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death." By continuously learning and applying new skills, we can navigate challenges more effectively and turn potential setbacks into opportunities for growth.

Beyond the Call: Volunteering and Becoming a Field Engineer

At the site, I automated my work, creating spare time to volunteer as a field engineer. I verified drawings, sent technical queries to clients, and performed field changes when original engineering didn't suit site conditions. This proactive approach was a stepping-stone to becoming a full-fledged field engineer.

My willingness to go beyond my assigned duties paid off. It equipped me with the skills and experience needed for field engineering. This phase taught me that learning and growth don't stop at your job description. As Confucius said, "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." Persistence and a willingness to learn can take you far.

The Challenge: Leading an Offshore Pipeline Project

Returning to the main office, I was presented with a new challenge: leading an offshore pipeline project. With no prior experience and limited resources, I immersed myself in learning. Unlike today, where information is just a click away, online references were scarce at the time. The internet was not the vast repository of knowledge it is now, and finding specialized information required a more hands-on approach.

The Art of Manual Learning

To tackle this challenge, I relied on books and borrowed resources. I spent countless hours in libraries, poring over technical manuals and engineering texts. I remember my first offshore pipeline engineering book by A. H. Mousselli. This book became my bible, a treasure trove of knowledge that I devoured page by page. After then only I learned from various offshore pipeline book masters.

The process of manually gathering information was akin to mining for gold. It required patience, persistence, and a keen eye for detail. I had to sift through piles of documents, cross-referencing data, and piecing together information like a complex puzzle. This method of learning, although time-consuming, taught me invaluable skills in research and critical thinking.

Mentorship and Peer Learning

In addition to self-study, I sought mentorship from experienced colleagues. I reached out to seniors, eager to learn from their expertise. These interactions were a blend of formal and informal learning. Lunchtime discussions, after-hours meetings, and impromptu brainstorming sessions became my classroom.

This period reminded me of a quote by Isaac Newton: "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." The wisdom and insights shared by my mentors were instrumental in my growth. They provided practical knowledge that complemented my theoretical understanding.

Learning Through Teaching

Concurrently managing tight deadlines and mentoring my team, I discovered the power of learning through teaching. With a limited pool of resources, I had to be innovative. I began creating my own training materials, breaking down complex concepts into simpler, digestible parts. Teaching others forced me to master the material thoroughly, as I had to anticipate questions and explain concepts clearly.

This experience marked the beginning of my journey as a coach, mentor, and trainer. It was reminiscent of Aristotle's wisdom: "Teaching is the highest form of understanding." By teaching others, I deepened my own understanding and honed my skills.

One of the most memorable moments was conducting a training session on subsea pipeline installation techniques. I used a combination of diagrams, physical models, and real-life case studies to illustrate the process. Watching my team grasp the concepts and apply them in practice was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced the idea that knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied.

Overcoming Challenges with Innovation

The lack of readily available online resources meant that we had to be innovative in our approach. For instance, we designed makeshift models using everyday materials to simulate pipeline behavior under different conditions. These hands-on experiments provided practical insights that theoretical study alone couldn't offer.

We also developed a culture of continuous improvement. After each project milestone, we conducted detailed reviews, documenting lessons learned and best practices. These reviews became a valuable resource for future projects, creating a repository of collective knowledge that could be referenced by the entire team.

The Impact of Manual Learning

The manual learning process, while arduous, had a profound impact on my professional development. It taught me to be resourceful, patient, and meticulous. The skills I acquired during this period became the foundation for my future endeavors. It also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the value of hard-earned knowledge.

Looking back, I'm reminded of a quote by Albert Einstein: "Learning is not a product of schooling but the lifelong attempt to acquire it." The effort I put into learning manually, despite the challenges, paid off in ways I couldn't have imagined. It prepared me for the complexities of the offshore pipeline project and set the stage for my subsequent achievements.

Breaking Boundaries: Overseas Assignment and Specialization

My offshore pipeline experience paved the way for an overseas job opportunity. Despite being promoted to a permanent position with perks at my previous company, I chose the contract position abroad. My mantra was simple: no risk, no gain. This move honed my specialty in offshore pipelines, exposing me to new technologies and advanced analyses.

Taking the leap into an overseas assignment felt like stepping into the unknown, but it was a calculated risk. It was a chance to push my boundaries and grow in ways I hadn't imagined. As Helen Keller once said, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."

Persistence and Mastery: Securing a Specialist Position

At the end of my first contract, I faced a crucial assessment and aced it, exceeding the requirements. During contract renewal negotiations, I was initially offered the same position. However, I knew my worth and persisted for a specialist role. I was ready to risk it all, confident in my cutting-edge skills. Fortunately, my persistence paid off.

This phase of my career was a testament to the power of persistence. As Calvin Coolidge famously stated, "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

Embrace the Challenge

Reflecting on my journey, I'm reminded of Winston Churchill's words: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." My career has been a series of challenges, each one a stepping-stone to the next. Lifelong learning, stepping out of my comfort zone, and persistently pursuing my goals have been the constants.

Don't be afraid to express your interests, take on challenges, and push your boundaries. Each step, no matter how small, contributes to your growth and prepares you for the next big leap. As Albert Einstein said, "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."

Conclusion

Steve Jobs once said, "You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards." Embrace every opportunity, challenge, and learning experience. Speak up, persist, and never stop learning. The dots will eventually connect, leading you to places you never imagined.

In sharing my journey, I hope to inspire you to take up challenges, push your boundaries, and embrace lifelong learning. Remember, the only limits are the ones you set for yourself. So go ahead, take that leap of faith, and see where the journey takes you.