This article focuses on the career of a Nigerian engineer. Wigo David Chinwendu is a graduate petroleum engineer and an aspiring data scientist. He has experience on well test engineering and data collection as well as sales and marketing.

Nigerian Petroleum Engineer and aspiring Data Scientist

Background

Did science interest you as a child?
Yes, as a child, science interested me.
Did you help a family member to fix or repair things? Can you give an example?
Yes, I helped family members to fix and repair things. For example, I fixed switches and lamp holders in my family home. As well, I was involved in repairing and servicing our home generator.
Was there anyone in your family who guided you towards science and engineering?
Yes, my parents guided me towards science and engineering, motivating and educating me on different aspects of engineering, the importance of engineering and how it impacts our daily life.
Why did you decide to study petroleum engineering rather than a different type of engineering?
I decided to study petroleum engineering because I had the zeal to learn about oil and gas. For example, how it is produced, the drilling process and the processes involved in refining.
Which engineers influenced you?
My head of department and project supervisor influenced me positively due to their knowledge, passion and experiences both in the field and in the classroom.

Nigerian Well Test Work for Aftrac Limited

You have worked for Aftrac Limited on well testing. Which different types of work did you do?
I worked for Aftrac Limited on well testing. So, I did a variety of jobs ranging from maintenance of well test equipment, inventory of equipment, pressure testing of equipment, priming and painting of equipment, taking minutes of the toolbox meeting, pre job and post job meetings, operation of air compressor and carrying out safety talks.
How much of your work was hands-on and how much collating data?
Part of my work involved collating data through the choke manifold and pressure gauges to know the pressure of the well. This is later documented and sent to the client.
What three key skills did you develop while working on well test?
I developed so many skills while working on well test. Key soft skills were: motivation, critical thinking, and communication. Key hard skills were interpreting data, research, and making presentations.
How did you adjust to working long hours and offshore? What advice would you give to someone who is just starting this type of work?
I learnt to adjust because I was given training and orientations on how to work for long hours and offshore. My advice to someone who is just starting is to abide by the rules of the job, be ambitious, humble and be hardworking.
Was your role ever uncomfortable because of heat, cramped spaces, bad lighting, noise etc? How did you personally deal with this?
My role was always uncomfortable because of heat, cramped spaces, and bad lighting. I dealt with it by referencing the series of training courses I had before starting the job.

Nigerian sales and marketing work

You also have experience with sales and marketing. What did this work involve? How did it complement your oil and gas experience?
This work involves targeting the audience on the company’s product and services by promoting the company’s brand, building good relationships with customers and clients, conducting market research to determine what customers want and how to satisfy them. It compliments my oil and gas experience in such a way that I have the skills to market the company’s products and build good relationships with customers and clients.
How did working in sales and marketing improve your communication skills?
It improved my communication skills rapidly so that I could build relationships faster.

The future

How do you keep yourself up to date with engineering as it changes?
I keep myself up to date with engineering as it changes by attending seminars, conferences, and workshops, and undergoing new engineering skills training.
Where would you like your career to be in ten years?
In the next ten years, I see myself working in the United States in one of the multinationals. As well, I would like to set up a private engineering firm both in the United States and my home country in order to empower youths and reduce unemployment and poverty rate.
How do you see the future of the oil and gas industry in Africa?
I see the future of oil and gas in Africa developing with time and with inventions of new models, skills and equipment.

Further reading

Seven Tips for visiting Nigeria as a Field Engineer

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