Taking advantage of the educational opportunities the Government provides, Eritreans have been excelling in many fields of study. Exemplary citizens who contribute to the development of their country have been evolving over the years. Our guest, Efrem Ghirmay, a 30-yearold exemplary engineer and caterpillar machinery technician at Eritrean Equipment PLC (Eri Equip), shares his experience with us.
Please run us through a brief introduction to your educational journey.
Born and raised in Asmara, I studied elementary, junior, and high school at Dembe Sembel School. After joining Sawa Military Center in the 24th round, I won a Zagre award (an award given to high school graduates with high marks in Sawa) and went to Mai Nefhi College of Science and Technology. After spending five years in college, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2017. I have been working as an engineer ever since.
Let’s dive into your work experience. How did it start?
Shortly after I finished my first year in college in 2012, I joined Sembel Wood and Metal Works to learn about lathe machines, milling machines, and CNC machines (computer numeric control). In 2016, during my 4th year in college, I joined the Eritrean Air Force as an intern technician. In addition, I went to Bisha for ten days as an intern during my 5th year, which was part of my education. After I graduated in 2017, I joined Eritrean Equipment PLC (Eri Equip) as a caterpillar machinery technician. And I’ve been working there ever since.
As part of your fieldwork, you have worked in mining companies like Bisha and Zara. Tell us more about this.
The first time I went to Bisha was during my 5th year in college as an intern mechanical engineer for practical training and overall introduction to machines. It was my first time interacting with people from different parts of the world in a work environment. After my internship in Bisha and one year of experience in Asmara, I started going out more on fieldwork in Bisha, Zara, and Segen Company. It was a time when I applied what I learned on the ground and a time when I got out of my comfort zone. With 12-hour shifts, the workload was heavy, but much of the knowledge I gained was from my field trips to Zara, mainly due to the continuous growth in taking responsibility.
What was the experience of the fieldwork like, and what impact did it have on you?
It helped me get out of my comfort zone and actually understand how everything operates and how people work together. A valuable lesson from my internship was the importance of time management and interpersonal relationships in the workplace, especially as an engineer. I encountered some challenges as a beginner, especially when working with foreigners. The biggest challenge was communication as people from different parts of the world have different accents, making it challenging to communicate smoothly. In addition, adapting to a new environment, different and strict sets of rules, harsh climatic conditions, and various and prolonged working hours are challenges that need time to be overcome. Apart from that, I learned a lot through that exposure, especially in expanding my critical thinking, problem solving, and detailed approach to every step I take while working.
What’s your long-term goal in the engineering field?
If the opportunity presents itself, I aim to study for a master’s degree in my career and field of work. With my master’s degree, I intend to contribute even more to the development of my country. I am lucky to be a part of this beautiful society where endless educational advantages are provided. I’m grateful to be an engineer working for my country and contributing with the small amount of knowledge I have so far. My fellow engineers and I are striving to contribute to the government that allowed us to reach this point in our lives with the knowledge and experience we have so far.
As a career-driven person contributing to your homeland, what advice do you have for those striving to achieve excellence in their fields?
Both my parents were freedom fighters who completed their studies later after Eritrea’s independence. My father graduated with great distinction, earning a BA in management, and my mother graduated with a BA in law. Both of my parents had a strong passion for education, and thus, my driving motto since I was a child was education. With that driving force in mind, my love for education came to light. At the end of the day, even if you lose everything, no one can take away your knowledge from your mind. So, students should invest more of their time and energy into the education. In addition to this fundamental principle, dedication, commitment, and consistency are essential to get you to where you want to get.
Is there anything you’d like to add, Efrem?
The government of Eritrea has done an extraordinary job of providing education without payment that every citizen has access to. For me, it is beyond excellence to give your nationals free educational opportunities. In addition to that, there are vocational schools that give people opportunities to have careers.
I’m grateful for the opportunities we, the Eritrean youth, have been given to study in college. We know that the more educated you are, the more difference you can make. So, I hope the opportunity for a Master’s Degree will arise soon for me that I can make more difference in whatever I do.
Thank you. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
+ There are no comments
Add yours