Ravinder Pal Singh's Story
The Journey So Far:
Muddy,,full of dirty politics and management decisions being taken by people with pre-conceived ideas. Nevertheless,it is part of professionalism. If you do not get deeply involved and do not care much about it, you can survive or even enjoy watching it.
The Decisions That Matter
Leaving private job to join Army was one early decisions. Spent 21 years in Army in various types of jobs.Regimental,MES,BRO,Teaching etc.Leaving Army to join private job was another. Doing pretty well know. No regrets for any decision.
Career Profile:
I am head of EPC (Exection,procurement,construction) of 4-laning highway.Earlier I was Chief Project Manager on a State Highway under UPPWD. That was FIDIC based project funded by World Bank while present project is DBFOT i.e. designed, built, funded, operated and to be transferred by Concessionaire.
Degrees That Matter:
Construction management is one.Quality Audit may be another. Lesser known, less popular although.
Working Life Management:
Earn more and spend, take frequent short leave,spend on travel and keep up with family commitments.Never neglect your family, children,parents and enjoy doing that.
Done Differently:
I have been moving from private to Army (MES,,BRO)and to Highways later. Transmission line towers to building work, to highways. With hindsight, I would like to choose my field right at start, probably Highways !!
Plans For The Future:
Director in some execution or consultancy firm !!!
Prized Accomplishment(s):
What is lacking in all the organizations I have seen is 'SYSTEM. Today,most of organizations run as per ideas of one or two persons at top. I have tried to enforce system where ever I have gone, akin to ISO. The credit may not come to me personally, but that is how I like it.
Growth Strategy:
1. Not letting learning to get stagnated.2. constant endevour to get job with higher responsibility 3. Networking of friends in the profession.
Other Thoughts:
When you are graduate/post graduate in engineering,you expect to rise fast to upper echelons. At that stage managing becomes as important as your technical skills. Therefore, we,engineers, must take interest in developing,learning management alongside.That includes quality assurance,ISO,HR,Accountin
Required Reading:
Being in Highways Sector,I recommend civil engineers interested in Highways,must read MoRTH publication, Specifications for Bridges and Roads. This is basic authorized documents giving all technical inputs for roads and bridges construction.Available at Jamnagar House Delhi.
Advice For New Professionals:
Today, the fields are highly specialized. Students must realize their interest and choose the field right away. Apart from acedmic knowledge in that field, they must learn the design procedures, softwares and specifications followed in that field actually in projects. That is professionalism.
Role Model:
Narayan Murthy,,,,Shridharan,, excellent concept of using technical profession for uplifting of society without compromising.
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