Discover how to leverage plant engineering expertise into a fulfilling new career post-retirement with practical steps and advice.

Use of Digital Smart Controller's Diagnostics for mechanical assets of operating plant (Control Valve, On-Off valves, Safety shut down valves etc.,) can bring real Value message to improve plant availability. Just a simple example of data continuously provided by Digital Instrument like travel accumulator and cycle counter can provide an average excursion per cycle to compute control utilization of control valve and using the run time displayed by Digital device on valve to find out age. knowing control utilization and age of control valve, makes diagnostics interpretation based on HART alerts provided by Digital Valve controller to make corrective action faster and increase plant availability.

Consider participating in industry codes & standards development. This will ensure you stay up to date on the latest methods, technology, and practices.

Here's how you can transition into a new career after retiring from plant engineering.

Retiring from a career in plant engineering doesn't mean the end of your professional journey. With your rich experience in managing complex systems, ensuring efficiency, and problem-solving, you're well-equipped to transition into a new career. Whether you're considering consulting, education, or starting your own business, your skills are transferable and valuable. This article will guide you through the steps to leverage your background in plant engineering for a fulfilling post-retirement career.

1 Assess Skills

Begin by taking stock of your skills and experience. As a plant engineer, you're adept at project management, maintenance strategies, and optimizing operations. These competencies are highly sought after in various industries. Reflect on your career highlights and consider how these skills could apply to different roles or sectors. For instance, your problem-solving abilities could be a perfect fit for a consultancy role, where you can advise companies on improving their processes.

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Riyaz Ali

Senior Director at Emerson Automation Solution
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Use of Digital Smart Controller's Diagnostics for mechanical assets of operating plant (Control Valve, On-Off valves, Safety shut down valves etc.,) can bring real Value message to improve plant availability. Just a simple example of data continuously provided by Digital Instrument like travel accumulator and cycle counter can provide an average excursion per cycle to compute control utilization of control valve and using the run time displayed by Digital device on valve to find out age. knowing control utilization and age of control valve, makes diagnostics interpretation based on HART alerts provided by Digital Valve controller to make corrective action faster and increase plant availability.

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Engr. OBIAKOR Obinna Samuel B.ENG, R.ENGR, IAENG, MNSE

Electrical Engineering Lead at Elcrest Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited
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Consider gaining relevant certifications, leveraging transferable skills, networking within the industry, seeking mentorship, and exploring opportunities for part-time or freelance work to ease into the transition smoothly.

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Eng. Eliud. M. Muli, PE, MIEK, EPRA A1.

Professional Electrical Engineer/Project Manager Core competencies are in power system design in HV,MV,LV & ELV, protection, automation& control systems astound team leader, testing and commissioning.
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Leveraging your skills gained in plant engineering to perform and execute duties in new areas like mentorship, consultation and propelling self employment opportunities could be a strategy in smooth transition.

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2 Explore Options

Next, explore the different career paths available to you. Consulting is a natural progression for many retired engineers, allowing you to share expertise on a flexible basis. Alternatively, teaching at a vocational school or community college can be rewarding, as you pass on knowledge to the next generation of engineers. Consider also the burgeoning field of sustainability – your skills in optimizing resource use could be invaluable in helping organizations become more environmentally friendly.

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3 Upgrade Skills

In some cases, you may need to upgrade your skills or acquire new ones to transition into your desired field. This could involve taking courses in the latest engineering software, learning about new regulations in your industry, or even getting certified in project management. Local community colleges, online courses, and professional workshops can provide the education needed to bridge any skill gaps and make you a more competitive candidate.

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Kelly Schupp

Global Advisor, Static Equipment
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Consider participating in industry codes & standards development. This will ensure you stay up to date on the latest methods, technology, and practices.

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4 Network Actively

Networking is crucial when transitioning into a new career. Utilize your existing connections within the plant engineering industry and attend industry events to meet potential employers or collaborators. Join professional associations, online forums, and social media groups related to your new career interest. These can be valuable resources for job opportunities and can provide insights into industry trends and demands.

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Eng. Eliud. M. Muli, PE, MIEK, EPRA A1.

Professional Electrical Engineer/Project Manager Core competencies are in power system design in HV,MV,LV & ELV, protection, automation& control systems astound team leader, testing and commissioning.
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Utilizing networking and creating new networks takes time to yield but is a sure sure way of accelerated smooth transition. Positioning strategically within your networks is also key.

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5 Build a Brand

As you make this transition, it's important to build a personal brand that reflects your new career direction. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight the skills and experiences that are relevant to your new field. Consider creating a professional website or blog to showcase your expertise and thought leadership. This online presence can help you stand out to potential employers or clients who are looking for someone with your unique background.

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Eng. Eliud. M. Muli, PE, MIEK, EPRA A1.

Professional Electrical Engineer/Project Manager Core competencies are in power system design in HV,MV,LV & ELV, protection, automation& control systems astound team leader, testing and commissioning.
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Based on your skill set and your abilities its quite important to evaluate the existing opportunities were you can build your personal brand and explore such opportunities together with skill improvement to suit best in the transition.

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6 Start Small

Finally, consider starting small as you transition into your new career. This could mean taking on part-time work, freelance projects, or volunteer roles related to your new field of interest. These opportunities allow you to gain experience, build your portfolio, and confirm that this new path is the right fit for you. Starting small also reduces the risk as you establish yourself in a new industry.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dave Ritter

Retired from Oil and Gas Energy Sector after 36 Years of Service in that Industry.
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What a career person does away from his daily responsibilities can Greatly influence his performance. I used to coach minor boys softball where my son played. I learned patience especially with dealing with the parents. Also, to exceed in any career you need to have people skills. You may have the Best in educational skills but if you cannot explain or relate your ideas or thoughts to others it is useless. Dealing with people of different ages and backgrounds forces you to look at things in a different way. Also, go out and Volunteer for different Agencies. You will learn to have compassion. Education teaches you to look at things differently but Life skills allows you to deal with people from all walks of Life.

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Here's how you can transition into a new career after retiring from plant engineering.

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1 Assess Skills

2 Explore Options

3 Upgrade Skills

4 Network Actively

5 Build a Brand

6 Start Small

7 Here’s what else to consider

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