Graduates overseas: my engineering job in China

My highest priority was looking for a good graduate programme in the automotive or aerospace manufacturing industries, but working abroad had great appeal. I felt that it would be a huge challenge and a good experience. If you are ever going to push yourself, coming out of university is a good time to do it.

I worked abroad for most of my first 18 months. For my first six months I was based mainly in the UK but also travelled to facilities in Denmark, Italy and the USA. I moved to France for the next six months. I had language training before I went out, but there’s nothing like living with a French family and long after-dinner discussions to improve your language abilities.

I have recently finished a six-month placement in China and will stay out here for at least another two years. I have spent more time away than I expected, but I am happy with my choices. I have the flexibility to go back to the UK, but the entire world is also available.

What projects have you been involved in?

My first project was with the OffHighway division, benchmarking steel processes at four sites in Europe and America to introduce a standardised approach. In France I worked in logistics for the automotive sector. Here in China, my first project was in a start-up facility in the east of the country. I recently moved south to an existing large manufacturing facility. We are improving processes and introducing a new working culture to radically change the business and bring it up to international standards.

How do you cope with time away from home?

It’s not easy being away. I miss my family and friends and all the events that go on at home. Using Skype means I can see people as well as talk to them and I am good at corresponding. The world has also become a much smaller place and I plan trips home every two to three months. It’s very important to embrace the place where you are: it is easier to form new friendships when you join in. Karaoke is really big here and I’m learning to play Mah-jong.

The language is the biggest challenge here in China. Mandarin is a tonal language – use the wrong intonation and you could end up calling your mother a horse! It’s also harder because you can’t easily learn to read and write. I’m looking forward to the day when I understand jokes in Mandarin.

What’s been one of your most exciting international project experiences?

We recently held a week-long event in one of the workshops to reduce the product changeover time on a production line. We had UK team members, Chinese operators, managers, and translators all working together. The effort and enthusiasm from the shop floor was amazing and has created motivation throughout the plant to do similar events.

Overall it’s exciting to be part of something that may have a significant influence globally. The eyes of the world are focused on Chinese manufacturing and there is a real will to make things happen.

In your opinion, what are the benefits of a job that requires ‘mobility’?

I’m learning about new places and cultures, but also about different ways of working. I’ve had more opportunity to work with people at all levels of the business and I’ve worked across a range of business areas. You learn the essential skills of adaptability and flexibility and see that there are many ways to achieve goals.

Personally, it has shown me what I am capable of and has given me the confidence to stretch myself. This isn’t where I thought I would be when I started, but I am proud of and excited by what I have achieved.

What tips would you give to an engineer considering a role that requires mobility?

You need to have the right attitude and not be afraid to try new things. The more you do it, the better you get. People are so welcoming – you just need to be welcoming back.

Divya’s travel toolkit

• an open mind
• language skills
• a good laptop
• Crunchy Nut cornflakes.

Divya Chandramohan is a site continuous improvement leader for GKN plc. She joined her employer’s international leadership development programme after graduating from Imperial College London with an MEng in aeronautical engineering and an MPhil industrial systems, manufacturing and management from Cambridge University.