Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Mohammed Shaban Alhadi Bennaji came from Libya several years ago to study at the RUDN Engineering Academy in the Oil and Gas Engineering program. This year, he graduated from the university and now works as an engineer-technologist at GEOTEK. In honor of the professional holiday – Oil and Gas Industry Workers' Day, which is celebrated in Russia annually on September 7, Mohammed told why his specialty will not remain in the past, how he sees the future of the profession in 10 years, and what career goals he sets for himself.
What was the decisive factor in choosing RUDN and Russia to get an education in Oil and Gas Engineering? How did the international environment of the university help you adapt to a new country?
I chose RUDN because of the high level of education and practice-oriented training of specialists in this field. Russia is one of the world's leading countries in hydrocarbon production and processing, and it was important for me to study in a place where the industry has rich experience and traditions. In addition, at RUDN I saw a unique opportunity not only to get a profession, but also to develop in an international environment.
The international atmosphere of the university really helped me adapt. There are students from dozens of countries studying here, and thanks to this, I immediately felt like part of a big family. Communicating with guys from different cultures helped me settle in faster, improve my language skills, and learn how to work in a multicultural team.
How do the knowledge and skills acquired at RUDN help you in your work?
The knowledge and skills I received at RUDN University help me in my work because the training here was always focused not only on theory, but also on solving real production problems, where we learned to analyze data, look for technical solutions and work in a team. The teachers-mentors made a great contribution: they shared their experience and motivated me to apply knowledge in practice.
A particularly memorable stage for me was my internship at Tatneft. There I was able to see how modern oil production and refining technologies work, got acquainted with the corporate culture of a large oil company and consolidated the skills I had acquired at the university. This experience allowed me to better understand what competencies are in demand in the industry and gave me confidence in my choice of profession.
You just graduated from university and are already working as an engineer-technologist. Tell us how you got into GEOTECH?
Since I had already completed an internship during my studies and participated in production projects, I was able to prove myself. Thanks to this, after graduating from the university, I was offered a job as an engineer-technologist at OOO GEOTEK. I apply the knowledge I received at RUDN in my daily tasks: from analyzing the properties of formations and selecting technologies to calculating equipment operating modes. Courses in drilling and field development gave me a good foundation, which now helps me participate in the preparation of technological solutions for specific objects. The ability to work with modern software products, which we mastered at the university, turned out to be very valuable – today it is part of my daily work.
In what company projects are you personally involved, what is interesting about them? And what do you like most about your work?
I am currently involved in projects related to the optimization of technological processes during drilling and well development. This is especially interesting for me because each facility is unique: you have to look for solutions that take into account the geological features of the field and specific production conditions. This is not just performing standard tasks, but a constant search and application of knowledge in practice. What I like most about my work is the feeling of real benefit: seeing how your calculations and proposals are implemented in production and help improve efficiency. In addition, working in a team of professionals motivates you to continue learning and developing in your profession.
How does your international education and understanding of different cultures help you in your work in the oil and gas industry?
International education at RUDN University gave me not only professional knowledge, but also experience in communicating with people from different countries and cultures. In the oil and gas industry, this is especially important because projects are often implemented in international teams and require the ability to find a common language with colleagues, partners and customers. This helps to avoid misunderstandings, build trusting relationships and work more effectively in a team. For example, when specialists from different regions participate in a project, I can quickly establish communication and adapt to the work style. This is a quality that, in my opinion, is valued no less than technical training.
What was the most interesting or difficult technological challenge you faced while working for the company? And how did you overcome it?
One of the most interesting and at the same time difficult challenges for me was working with an unstable formation, where complications arose during drilling. It was necessary to find a solution that would minimize risks and maintain the efficiency of work. I relied on the knowledge gained at the university, consulted with more experienced colleagues and analyzed different technology options. As a result, it was possible to propose optimization of the flushing mode and select the appropriate solution composition, which helped stabilize the process. For me, this was a valuable experience – I understood how theory and practice are combined and how important it is to be able to quickly make decisions in real conditions.
Have you encountered any stereotypes about your profession? If so, which ones?
Yes, I have encountered some stereotypes. For example, many people think that working in the oil and gas industry is limited to heavy physical labor at the fields. In fact, this is a high-tech industry where a lot depends on engineering calculations, the use of digital solutions and modern technologies. Another stereotype is that the oil and gas industry is not developing and will soon “become a thing of the past.” In practice, we see the active implementation of innovations, environmentally friendly technologies and a transition to more rational use of resources. It is important for me to destroy such ideas with my own example.
How do you think the profession of an engineer-technologist will change in the next 10 years? What new technologies will be most in demand?
In the next 10 years, the engineering profession will become more digital: we will work with big data, digital twins and automation systems. More and more attention will be paid to environmental technologies, such as carbon capture and energy efficiency. The engineer of the future will have to combine classical knowledge with skills in the field of digitalization and sustainable development.
The profession of an engineer-technologist is being transformed from a classic specialist into a hybrid professional, combining:
engineering expertise; digital skills (AI, IIoT, modeling); environmental literacy; cyber resilience.
What advice would you give to applicants from other countries who are considering RUDN and a career in the oil and gas sector? What should they pay attention to from the very beginning? And what advice would you give to students who are already studying?
I would advise applicants from other countries not to be afraid of choosing RUDN: here you will receive a quality education and will be able to study in an international environment, which is very helpful for adaptation. The main thing is to be open to new knowledge from the very beginning, not to be shy about asking questions to teachers and actively participate in student life, because this is what helps you quickly feel like a part of the university. And for students who are already studying, I would recommend making the most of all opportunities: practices, internships, research projects. The sooner you start applying knowledge in practice and developing professional contacts, the easier the transition from student life to a career in the oil and gas industry will be.
What does a professional holiday mean to you?
It has a special meaning for me, because I feel like I am part of a large and very important industry. It is not only a reason to congratulate colleagues, but also an opportunity to realize that we contribute to the development of the economy and energy security of the country. For me personally, it is also an incentive to move forward, improve and be worthy of the title of engineer in the oil and gas sector.
What are your career goals for the future?
My career goals are related to continuous professional growth and deepening in modern technologies of the oil and gas industry. I want to develop not only as an engineer-technologist, but also as a specialist capable of managing projects and implementing innovations. In the future, I see myself working on international projects where it is possible to combine the experience and technologies of Russia and Libya. I believe that such projects allow us to exchange best practices, strengthen cooperation and make a real contribution to the development of the industry at the global level.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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