People and projects from around the PETROFAC world

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AS THE PANDEMIC DEEPENED AND IMPACTED OUR INDUSTRY, AROUND 100 OF OUR MID-CAREER TALENT ACROSS THE BUSINESS WERE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO EXTEND THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND BOOST THEIR CAREER PROSPECTS. WE SPEAK TO FOUR OF THOSE WHO OPTED TO TAKE A YEAR AWAY FROM WORK TO STUDY FOR A MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT – A PROGRAMME TAILORED SPECIFICALLY FOR PETROFAC BY THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT

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PEOPLE

PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 2022

I was surprised I still had it in me... I didn’t think I’d have the patience or ability to pursue further education again. But this programme is so relevant to today’s energy industry. It was a chance to re-energise my learning curve, which had become flat in recent years, and gain the edge to advance my career. I actively pursued the opportunity.

It also meant I could spend a year at home in Beirut with my wife and three children... After 14 years working away from home, it was great to be back to support them through this difficult time. It took away the worry of trying to see them during lockdowns and travel restrictions. Instead, we did our home schooling together.

It was a diverse course with a strong array of topics... from contract management to strategy. Some were familiar to me, yet still enriching; others, like financial accounting and renewable energy, were enlightening and may open new doors for me in the future.

I was sceptical at first about virtual learning... and I did miss going to classes and networking on campus. But the way the online course was structured and delivered was excellent. Its pace, the interface with the faculty, the way the teaching staff listened to us when we raised concerns – it all made for an exceptional experience.

I’ve returned to Petrofac a better employee... The programme has improved my day-to-day activity as well as my management of the bigger picture. When you can step back and look at things from a theoretical standpoint, you can pinpoint where improvements can be made.

I graduated with top grades... I felt compelled to return to Abu Dhabi and see the project through to completion. After this, I expect my career path to change, sideways into renewables, perhaps, or into operational management. But eventually I want to be at the decision-making table.

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ANTONIOS ELHADDAD
Antonios Elhaddad joined Petrofac 14 years ago, straight after graduating from the American University of Beirut in mechanical engineering. Before his master’s, he was working as a construction manager in Abu Dhabi on a project that slowed down as the pandemic gathered pace.

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CONGCONG GE
Congcong Ge came to Petrofac in 2013 with bachelor and master’s Degrees in Chemical Engineering from China. She joined the supply chain department as an expediting engineer after being a graduate process engineer for three years. She is midway through the Petrofac Master’s programme.

I’d been in the industry for eight years... I was no longer a junior engineer – but I felt that my management skills had become outdated and my communication skills needed to be improved. An MBA had been on my to-do list for some time and I thought this programme would provide me with the tools and theoretical knowledge to do my job more efficiently.

My mother had been stuck with me in the UAE for 18 months... due to the travel restrictions and China’s quarantine policy and she was homesick for China. She was also unwell and was hospitalised for a month. I was at a crossroads; either continue the job and sacrifice family life or give up the job. The programme gave me a perfect third choice, which I actively pursued.

The virtual programme is so flexible... and enables us to study any time and anywhere. I’ve spent the study time in China, while also taking care of my mother. There were a lot of distractions at first – my husband wanting to go out, my mother calling me to help her cook – but I slowly adjusted, acquired the necessary discipline and got used to the fast pace of study. The virtual study group also went very well and gave me chances to learn from others.

There are many issues with the internet connections in China... and most VPN is disabled. It meant I was behind in the classes due to difficulties accessing the materials. However, the professors and my classmates did so much to bridge these gaps and help facilitate my study.

I found the finance engineering and lean engineering particularly interesting... There are lots of new technical terms to learn in financial engineering. It’s helped me understand about cash flow and payment cycle in contracts and project assignment. It was tough for me when I started to study lean engineering; there was so much to read and weekly essays to write. The professor was so patient and walked me through the first two essays in person, so I was able to manage the rest myself. The methodology provided by lean engineering has upgraded my management skills for post order delivery management.

The master’s programme will bring a better me back to Petrofac... It’s helping me upgrade my project management knowledge and enhance my technical writing, reporting and communication skills which, in turn, will improve my work  efficiency.

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BRYAN RODRIGUEZ DELGADO
Bryan Rodriguez Delgado’s first degree in mechanical engineering was from Oklahoma State University in the US. He joined Petrofac directly afterwards in 2015. Before starting his Master’s, he was part of the process team in the UAE’s Commissioning Department.

I had put myself forward for the course... I’d spoken to colleagues who had been part of the first cohort and had recommended it. I wanted the education for me and my career. It did take a bit of persuading to get my managers to support my application, largely because of the short-term inconvenience my absence would cause on site.

The loss of income was the hardest part for me... It’s a big sacrifice to give up a good salary for a year and go back to living like a student. It was a major consideration, but I believe it will pay off in the longer term.

The programme started just as my apartment came up for renewal... It meant I could do some travelling after so long in lockdown and do my studying along the way. I’m currently staying with my uncle in Dubai, but have also spent time in Lebanon, Spain, Panama and the US. It doesn’t really make any difference where you are.

I found virtual learning quite challenging, though... I think I would find it easier to concentrate in a real classroom. Having to complete assignments and investigations to deadlines after so many years was also tough to get used to.

I think it will be easier to advance in my career... after I graduate in June. I’m keen to move into renewable energy; I didn’t know too much about it before, but the course has given me good grounding in this area.

I’ve already learnt so much I can take back to Petrofac... to improve the way we do things. I think it’s important that employees have these opportunities to keep learning about new approaches in our industry. It’s how you bring about  change and build success.

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LARINA DSOUZA
Larina Dsouza was among the first cohort of the Petrofac Master’s Programme and has returned to her job as a process safety engineer in the UAE. She joined Petrofac following an internship in 2013, having previously graduated in chemical engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Dubai.

This was a second chance that came at the right time... I didn’t want to do an MBA straight after my technical degrees, but, three years on, I felt ready to return to academic study in a management course. I nominated myself for the programme because I thought it would be a great way to enhance my career.  

So much of the content was new to me as an engineer... especially all the management modules, such as planning, finance and scheduling. They have helped me approach my job in a different way, planning things better and so getting things done faster. I was more familiar with the content related to renewables, having spent seven years working on offshore wind projects. I also developed an interest in programming!

I found studying at home in Dubai was more relaxed... than being on campus – especially as I didn’t have to fit it in around my job. Virtual learning took a while to get used to but, actually, it wasn’t so different to learning in a physical space.

You could ask all your questions in the same way... you would if the tutor was in the same room. Information was on your screen, just as it would be in a lecture hall or classroom. You had group discussions and carried out group activities and assignments. I even spent an all-nighter with a group for one of our projects! Except for campus life, I don’t think I missed out on anything.

I’ve now returned to my previous job... as I still want to progress on the engineering side and improve my technical knowledge before taking on management roles.

The Master’s helped me get through the pandemic in a positive way... I’d  recommend it to anyone with an engineering background, whether or not they want to stay in engineering or go into wider management. The course encompasses both.

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If you have any comments or contributions,
contact petrofacts.editorial@petrofac.com