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| How did you go about getting your current job? |
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Following the completion of my degree, with a break of one year, I applied for a job as Mechanical Engineer to a few companies. In the case of my current Employer, I sent my CV in response to job advertisements in college and on graduate web-sites. I was then invited for two rounds of interviews, as a result of which I received a letter with the much desired job offer.
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| Describe a typical day? |
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I currently work on a project, which is the installation of a complete new cement production line. The equipment to be procured, installed and commissioned range from simple belt conveyors to mills, kiln, homogenising and cooling systems. Every day would be structured depending on the tasks that need to be completed to contribute to the team's common goal, which is the completion of the project on time, within budget, safely and with adequate level of quality.
The tasks could range from resolving simple organisational issues on site to liasing between Designers, Contractors, Suppliers and other departments within the organisation.
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| What are the main tasks and responsibilities? |
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My main tasks and responsibilities consist of planning, organising, monitoring, problem solving based on the understanding of the design requirements, set up goals and capabilities of suppliers and contractors. For example, if there is a disagreement between the supplier of an expensive piece of machinery and the independent quality control company, hired by ourselves, understanding the technical aspects of the machine, its purpose, the fabrication process would be crutial in resolving the issue.
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| What are the main challenges? |
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There is always a steep learning curve in this industry, and it can get a bit overwhelming at times. Having said that, I have always found support from colleagues and management.
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| What's cool? |
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What I enjoy most in my job is the sense of achievement from seeing the results of hard work in the form of the project completion examples of this would be seeing new systems in operation and fulfilling its purpose.
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| What's not so cool? |
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I do not enjoy having to deal with increasing amount of paperwork. But I understand that it is only a matter of getting used to it, dealing with it efficiently. On numerous occasions the project and myself have benefited from it.
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| What particular skills do you bring to your workplace? |
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I would say that, although there are technical aspects to the job, the most important skills are communication skills, ability to motivate, ability to systemise your work and other interpersonal skills.
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