Arif Ali Mohammad is a civil engineer working in Saudi Arabia. He began working with Bechtel in 2017 after graduating from Princeton College of Engineering and Technology at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
What was your first exposure with engineering?
My first exposure to engineering was when I was 13 years old in 8th Standard. I remember that day when my teachers took us for the tour to Rolling Stock overhauling facility (Indian Rail Depot) located in the neighboring district. They explained the mechanism of rail and wheel interference, which stuck in my head as I did not forget till now, which has influenced me to adopt engineering. It really gives me a happiness that a minor incident made to plan/think, and here I am currently an engineer.
What’s the coolest part of your job?
I work on transportation projects, specifically railways. The coolest part of my job is communicating with stakeholders, sharing technical notes, and adopting best suited solutions to make clients happy.
It’s 2042 – how has the profession reimagined the possible?
The traditional engineering aspects will last but the infrastructure technology might revolve more towards environmental and sustainability recycle aspects.
What makes you proud to be an engineer?
I am very proud to be an engineer because the designs I make turn into reality. While working in Riyadh, I got a chance to work on the designs and as-builts of track and civil works like viaducts, tunnels, grading, and stations and depots. I learned so many new things, which helped me improve my technical skills. I have also learned new software for innovative processes to improve productivity.
Why should today’s students consider an engineering career?
By pursuing a career in engineering, you open the potential to make meaningful contributions to individuals and communities locally, nationally, and beyond. Engineers play an essential role in pushing the boundaries of applied science, solving technical problems that enable construction, manufacturing, and numerous other areas to reach new heights. This field is at the leading edge of innovation and plays a significant role in shaping society and its future.
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