Name: Ishan katariya
Branch: Civil Engineering
Company: Indian Oil Corporation Limited
Position: Trainee (posted at Vadinar, Gujarat)
1. What is your schedule-like on a normal day?
I am currently posted at Vadinar which has two Single Point Mooring (SPM) systems that are operated here to unload the crude oil received from tankers including very Large Crude oil Carriers (VLCCs) with offshore pipelines. There are three major divisions in the organisation i.e. marketing, refining and pipelining. I am in pipelining branch. It is onsite duty. My work starts at 9 in the morning and continues till 5:30 in the evening. There is also one hour lunch break in between.
It encompasses supervision of the projects that have been commissioned. Mostly, I have to be present on the sites and supervise the activities of the staff engaged in construction. I have to ensure on a daily basis that the work on the construction site is in sync with the design/map. I have to coordinate with the contractors and sort out any problem that arises. There are also meetings with seniors that have to be attended but not daily. It is only when a problem occurs during construction that a meeting is called and the problem is discussed. For ex, if a cable gets damaged during digging, it has to be reported.
2. On a scale of 10, rate your satisfaction level from the job?
Ten on ten is not possible but I will give at least eight. Better say eight and half. I strongly feel that my job deserves it. It is pretty rewarding.
3. Three things you like and hate about your job?
Well, IOC pays you a handsome package even during the training period. It is a well known name in the petroleum sector. The company has got “Maharatna” status. It feels great to be part of such an organisation. Since oil pipelines are an important segment of the infrastructure, we have to work hard to ensure that everything functions properly. This gives me a sense of responsibility and pride.
Till now I have not had any bad experience mainly because my superiors are good. I think I am lucky. It may not be the same with everyone. Being a PSU there is a sort of relaxation in the work environment here, which should not be. It may adversely affect your competence.
4. What options/prospects do you see in this particular field?
I feel the prospects are quite bright. With time you can reach up to higher levels of position in the organisation. In Indian Oil, the promotions and increments are fixed. You get yearly increments and promotions are time bound.
5. Anything you would like to share with engineering aspirants who are in class 12th?
I feel engineering is all about practical knowledge. Those who want to pursue it must have a scientific bent of mind. They should enjoy the practical component of learning. I feel only 5-10% of what one studies is utilised in the job. The rest one learns on the sites. Therefore, students coming into this field should always be ready to learn.
In my view, a good college is as important as the branch. Students must weigh their options keeping both things in mind and choose the best.