My name is Ali Nangiro. I am a dedicated professional working in the oil and gas industry, I am very resourceful and industrious. I chose the Master in Engineering Management programme at UniAthena because it offers the flexibility I need as a professional and provides globally recognized qualifications.

Particularly I’am interested in exploring how technology and innovation is reshaping the petroleum engineering industry. 

After completing my studies my goal is to move or advance into a more strategic managerial role as a Project Manager or Operations Head. I aspire to work together with executive teams where I can influence decisions in the field of petroleum engineering.

I use tools like digital calendars to stay organized. Balancing work with academic studies requires structure and commitment, paired with the unmatched flexibility offered by UniAthena, which plays an important role in making this balance feasible and contributing to a seamless academic experience.

In my previous role as an Assistant Project Manager in Training, I was responsible for ensuring that an oil tank was repaired and painted before client handover. This had to be completed under compressing timelines, with limited resources and high client expectations. I delivered the project within the agreed time frame. I learnt that to be a team player, effective communication and the willingness to go above and beyond my expected duties delivers results in a timely manner.

Success depends on paying attention to detail, having strong communication and problem-solving skills. Adaptability and team work is essential and vital in difficult moments or when handling challenging tasks. Leadership skills are necessary for handling pressure situations,finding solutions, and  meeting organizational targets.

Having trained as an Assistant Project Manager, I was expected to step in during my project manager’s absence. I was asked to take over as a team lead. I ensured that safety standards and procedures were strictly followed on-site. I placed strong emphasis on quality control to assure results and consistently promoted integrity and teamwork during toolbox talks.

I would recommend the book “a leader without a title” by Robin Sharma. It’s a timeless book that explains the fact that leadership is not about positions but disposition. The book inspires individuals to take responsibility, lead from wherever they are, and make a meaningful impact, regardless of their title or status. It also challenges the victim mentality. 

My dream job is to become an Operations Manager in a global petroleum engineering company. I am motivated by the challenge of optimizing large scale operations while ensuring safety, efficiency and sustainability. The chance to influence how we extract and utilize energy more responsibly is deeply meaningful to me.

I advise young professionals to stay open to innovation and embrace change, as the world continues to evolve rapidly through technological advancements. Build your technical skills as well as your leadership skills to be able to communicate effectively and plan accordingly. Keep learning always so that you are ready and prepared for future challenges.