Moving from design work to operations

[dean427]

Hi Guys

I am an undergrad Chemical Engineer about to put my first rung on the career ladder with a top oil and gas engineering design firm, however I am not sure I would like to do this for the entirety of my career.

I would like to experience a bit more operational site based work during my time (I have had a bit as an intern) so I am wondering if there are any engineers out there with experience moving between design work and site based roles and if you could share your experiences? How difficult is it typically... if at all possible?

Cheers

Dean

 

[Latexman]

I started out in Process Engineering and did that for 4 years. The operating department I supported liked me and offered me a Production Engineer position. I progressed in operations the next 5 years to Production Leader and them requested a transfer back into Process Engineering at a location close to family. It was not difficult, but I was working for one of the largest chemical companies in the world and they were all internal moves. It may be more difficult working for a design firm.


Good luck,
Latexman

 

[ffelini]

Hello Latexman!!

It's interesting your point but I guess the process is more related to production than design. Process and production are both related to manufacturing operations. Design is very different, it depends of what are you designing. Of course, the process and every operation step in a manufacturing company was designed in the beginning of the company and must change with every updated in the company.