I am Iboro Essien, and I hail from Obot Akara L.G.A. of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. I am a graduate in Physics and Electronics from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. I'm a member of the Institute of Management Specialists, UK, and also a Certified Management Trainer for the Nigerian Council of Management Development. I hold a progressive experience of 15 years as a Contracts and Procurement Manager in the oil and gas industry.

I'm a thriving industry leader, a diligent go-getter, and a great asset to the organization I'm working for. I'm working as the Contracts and Procurement Manager at Thompson & Grace Investments Limited and as an Engineering consultant at Trivax Energy Services Limited. I'm married, a father of three children, and work in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

I was drawn to the Master in Engineering Management programme at UniAthena because it offers a unique blend of technical and business skills that are essential for managing engineering projects and teams effectively. As someone who has always been fascinated by both engineering and business, this programme was the perfect fit for me. I believe that the programme's focus on leadership, strategy, and project management will help me develop the skills and knowledge I need to succeed in my future career goals.

In addition to the technical and business skills that I am learning in my Master's programme, I would like to continue developing my communication and interpersonal skills. I believe that effective communication is essential for success in any field, and I would like to improve my ability to communicate complex technical ideas to non-technical stakeholders. I would also like to learn more about emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, as I believe that these fields will have a significant impact on the future of engineering and business.
 

My next career steps are to gain hands-on experience in engineering management and project management roles. I hope to work for a company that values innovation and continuous learning and where I can apply the skills and knowledge I have gained from my Master's programme. Ultimately, I hope to take on leadership roles within an engineering or technology  company where I can make a significant impact on the organization's success.

My academic journey has prepared me by providing me with a strong foundation in engineering and business fundamentals. Through coursework and research projects, I have developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in any field. Additionally, my academic experiences have taught me how to manage my time effectively, work collaboratively with others, and communicate complex ideas effectively.
 

One challenging goal I accomplished was completing a soil remediation project in a highly contaminated area of the Ogoni community in Rivers State, Nigeria. This project involved working with a team of engineers, agricultural experts, and community stakeholders to achieve our goals. This project taught me the importance of collaboration, perseverance, and adaptability in achieving complex goals.

In my experience, personal attributes such as curiosity, adaptability, and resilience are essential for success in any field. The ability to ask questions, learn from others, and adapt to changing circumstances is critical for staying ahead of the curve and achieving one's goals. Additionally, the ability to bounce back from setbacks and stay focused on long-term goals is essential for success in a competitive and fast-paced environment.

One time I stepped outside my comfort zone and demonstrated leadership skills was when I organized a fundraising event for a local charity. This event involved coordinating with local businesses, recruiting volunteers, and planning and executing a variety of fundraising activities. Despite being initially intimidated by the scope of the project, I was able to step up and take charge, delegating tasks to others and keeping everyone motivated and on track. This experience taught me the importance of taking risks, pushing past my own limitations, and being willing to lead.

A book that I would recommend as a must-read for everyone is "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries. This book provides valuable insights into how to build successful startups and innovate in a rapidly changing world. The book's emphasis on experimentation, iteration, and continuous improvement can be applied not only to startups but also to any organization or individual looking to innovate and succeed in today's fast-paced world.

My dream job is to work as a senior manager or director in a leading engineering firm, where I can use my leadership and management skills to oversee the successful delivery of large-scale engineering projects.

For professionals just starting out in their careers, I would advise them to always be open to learning and seek new challenges. It is also essential to develop strong communication and leadership skills, as well as the ability to work well in teams. Finally, it is crucial to be proactive and take ownership of your career, seeking out opportunities for growth and development.