CTCI - Challenging, Trustworthy, Creative, Inspiring

— Swapnil Mahajan, Senior Process Engineer, Process Engineering Dept., CTCI Corporation, Group Engineering Business

Could you briefly tell us about yourself?

My name is Swapnil Mahajan. I have completed my Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering and have more than 8 years of hands-on experience in Detail Engineering activities such as pump hydraulics, equipment design, developing PFDs and P&IDs and Safety Studies like HAZID, HAZOP, SIL, Dispersion Analysis and QRA. I joined CTCI in June 2018. Currently I am assigned to MEG Project jointly executed by CTCI and McDermott, in Southern U.S. along Gulf Coast.

What made you join CTCI?

After working as a Process Engineer for 7.5 years with Toyo Engineering India Pvt. Limited Mumbai, I felt the need to search for an overseas opportunity in order to get global exposure and to hone my professional skills. Meanwhile, my friend Mr. Anil Aware referred me to CTCI. Being in an EPC firm, I knew CTCI very well. I immediately applied for the opening and got selected as Senior Engineer in Process Engineering Department. My first overseas job opportunity with an EPC contractor like CTCI is a dream come true.  

Could you give us some examples of the foreign culture and people that impress you during your stay (when being relocated)?

For the first time in my life, I left my home country for work. While coming to Taiwan, I was very nervous and tensed, as my friends and colleagues scared me that how you would live in a country where language is the major barrier for communication. However, when I arrived in Taiwan, the scenario was completely different. I met people who were very fluent in English. I have stayed in Taiwan for only six months, but I feel that I have been living here for years. Taiwanese people are very kind, generous, disciplined and very understanding. 

How do you get rid of work stress?

Working in an EPC culture means you need to meet the project schedule and deadlines for milestone activities. Many times, you need to go the extra mile to achieve the target and meet the deadline. While doing this, you are overstretched beyond your capacity and might be under mental as well as physical stress. To relieve stress, I choose to go to a swimming pool, spa and occasionally to hot springs. This helps me to stay calm, relax, fight tiredness and rejuvenate myself so that I can give my best while doing my work. Taiwan is surrounded by heavenly natural and environmental beauty. Travelling to scenic places is another way to get rid of work stress. Taiwan has many scenic places to visit with rich heritage and culture. Lover’s Bridge (Fisherman’s Wharf) at Tamsui near my apartment is a good place to visit at night. Usually I go here during weekends. Dolphin Watching Boat Cruise is another leisure activity that reduces stress. I saw Dolphins for the very first time in my life that too in their natural habitat. It was an amazing experience.  Truly, HEAVEN LIES HERE!!!

Could you share some interesting experience you had when working in CTCI?

The working culture of my previous organization and CTCI is very different. Initially I found it difficult to adjust to the working environment. But my Indian friends, my Lead Engineer and colleagues of CRISP Project helped and supported me a lot to adapt to the CTCI culture. We are challenging our limits to achieve the goals. Clients consider us trustworthy of handling major assignments. We do our work in a creative way with something new each time. We always inspire others by setting a benchmark in quality and craftsmanship. The title itself explains all about CTCI. In a very short period, I easily got fit in the environment here. Now I feel that I am an inseparable part of CTCI Family.