Finding the Right Career: A Traveler's Journey as an Engineer

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the world while earning your paycheck? For many, this dream is made possible through strategic career choices, particularly in engineering fields. In this article, we delve into the experiences of a seasoned engineer who, through deliberate choices, made extensive travel a reality through a career in industrial automation. We'll also explore other options, such as civil engineering, that can provide similar opportunities.

Industrial Automation: A World-Class Career

An extensive career in industrial automation has allowed for nearly a decade of travel. Across 90 countries on three continents, this line of work has not only been fulfilling but also financially rewarding. The author has shared their experiences, emphasizing the importance of deliberate career choices in achieving a balance between professional and personal goals.

The journey in industrial automation begins with initial customer visits to discuss plans and assess capabilities. These visits can range from one to five business trips, followed by a period of engineering work, FAT (Factory Authorization Test), and finally the installation and startup phases. For the author, the latter involved long, sometimes stressful, periods on-site but also offered weekends for exploration and personal growth.

Why Industrial Automation?

Most automation installations are significant in scale, often costing millions of dollars. This necessitates a meticulous and prolonged process involving multiple steps, including initial planning, engineering, testing, and installation. While the latter stages can be particularly challenging, they offer opportunities for extensive travel, allowing the engineer to explore various parts of the world.

The author emphasizes that such travel is not limited to a single country or region. Through experience in multiple companies, they have gained insight into how nearly anything and everything is made, from mining and refining to loading and transportation. This diverse experience has opened doors to exploring various regions of North and South America, Europe, Asia, and even the ends of Africa, albeit with limited central African exploration.

Exploring Civil Engineering as an Alternative

For those considering a similar career path, civil engineering offers exciting opportunities for travel and world exploration. A unique experience shared by the author involves meeting a fellow engineer who was working in a mine in Africa. After six weeks of work, this engineer was sent for two weeks of vacation anywhere he desired.

Civil engineering, with its wide range of projects, makes it possible to find roles in virtually any part of the globe. This flexibility can lead to diverse experiences and abundant travel opportunities. Whether working on infrastructure projects in remote areas or urban development in bustling cities, civil engineers have the chance to see the world and work on impactful projects.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

While the author has remained in the field of industrial automation, they have moved into senior management roles, which now offer less travel but higher compensation. For those still seeking the balance of travel and career development, civil engineering presents a compelling alternative. Additionally, many engineering fields provide opportunities for travel, making this a rewarding path for those with a passion for exploration.

In conclusion, a career in engineering, particularly industrial automation and civil engineering, can be a gateway to a world of travel and personal growth. By choosing the right path, professionals can turn their dreams of global exploration into a reality.