My bumpy career path

　　I have been working since October 1988, a total of 25 years. My career path has been challenging, with many experiences beyond words. However, at each workplace, I dedicated myself to my work, striving for excellence and utilizing my skills to enhance my professional expertise. My goal has always been to contribute positively to my company and leave no regrets. I'll share my work experiences over these past two decades; I hope you won't find this too verbose.
　　1. In October 1988, I joined Jinan Magnesium Carbon Brick Factory with enthusiasm, assigned to the physical testing laboratory. There were around 40 employees, and only 3 in the lab including myself. I learned physical testing and pressure resistance of magnesium carbon bricks from Mr. Liu (currently the director of the research institute). After about two weeks, due to personal reasons, I left. My first job ended prematurely.
　　2. In January 1989, I joined the technical department of Jinan No. 2 Textile Machinery Factory as a draftsman. Later, it merged with Jinan No. 1 Machine Tool Factory, forming the Jinan No. 1 Machine Tool Factory's Third Component Factory. With the help of the technical department staff, I developed a keen interest in design and drafting. I learned to draft tunnel dryers for new products. I also participated in the partial design and installation and commissioning of high-speed twisting machines and cable cleaning tanks for Suncun Dongzheng Cable Factory, and the design and installation of box dryers for Zibo Wantongda Towel Factory. Further, I designed a box dyeing machine and yarn winding machine for a dyeing factory in Hebei and designed a hand-cranked spiral lift to solve gearbox adjustment problems.
　　3. After Jinan No. 2 Textile Machinery Factory declared bankruptcy in April 1999, I was employed by Jinan Tianchen Machinery Co., Ltd. in July, responsible for drafting, document management, and ISO9001 quality management system certification. I participated in the partial design of CNC four-corner welders, chamfering machines, and automatic lines for plastic window welding. My work received positive feedback from the technical department leadership.
　　4. During the bankruptcy of No.2 Textile Machinery Factory, seeing the district government’s inaction regarding compensation or asset disposal, employees collectively petitioned the Licheng District Government and the city government. Under pressure from higher authorities, in June 2001, the original Jinan No. 2 Textile Machinery Factory was acquired by Jinan Panlongshan Cement Company, forming Jinan Panlongshan Machinery Company. I was invited back to the technical department to take charge of design. Having received the most votes in the company leadership election, I was persuaded to return and contribute. Seeing their confidence in the company's development, I left Tianchen and became a supervisor. I was confident in doing my job well and contributing, designing a wood panel splicing machine and a magnesium carbon brick milling machine with hired engineers. But, I soon felt it was a transitional phase (I won't elaborate on the reasons). In February 2002, seeing no prospects for development, I left the company with paid leave.
　　5. In April 2002, I accepted an invitation to return to Tianchen's technical development department, participating in the drafting of automated parking system equipment. To standardize product management, the company's information center required digitization of all old drawings. I undertook this task, using CAD software to digitize drawings and review those of other designers. In mid-August, due to my mother-in-law's knee fracture requiring care, and my child's school start date, I resigned again.
　　6. In early September 2002, Jinan Magnesium Carbon Brick Co., Ltd. recruited designers, so I joined their design department, using CAD to create mold drawings and design drawings for steelmaking converters, electric furnaces, ladles, and LF furnaces. In my third month, Mr. Lü, the chief engineer, tasked me with preparing the application for a provincial-level technology center. Following the requirements, I successfully completed the application process, and it was approved in 2004. I also handled applications for high-tech enterprises, Shandong provincial brand names, and Torch Plan applications for large-crystal magnesium carbon bricks, low-carbon micro-expansion magnesium carbon bricks, and provincial, city, and district science and technology progress awards.
　　With the growth of the steel industry and market demand, since 2003, our company has received numerous bids from steel companies across China. Sales personnel actively sought business, and we designed more than 500 furnace types in China, as well as Japanese converters, electric furnaces, ladles, American 300-ton converters, Australian converters, and more than 30 ladles from Russia. I actively supported workshop equipment modifications and designed molds for new products. To reduce the workload and improve efficiency for mold workers, I redesigned brick shapes in 2009, changing the molding dimensions to mold dimensions (from flat laying to side laying), unifying brick types for easier emergency response. I also worked with the technical service department to design inner and outer platforms for dead furnace bottoms and brick-supporting trays for live furnace bottoms, resolving brick laying issues.
　　I've been at the magnesium carbon brick factory for over 10 years now, returning to my original workplace, perhaps by fate, to this progressive and developing Jinan Magnesium Carbon Brick Factory.
I will strive to do my job well until retirement.
　　You might think my career has been quite bumpy. Life isn't always smooth sailing. It's about perspective. Let me share my thoughts on how to navigate life and make it more fulfilling.
　　First, adapt to the needs of societal development through continuous learning and knowledge updates. Modern society changes rapidly, requiring constant learning and exchange to remain relevant. Take every opportunity for training and technical exchange.
　　Time is unlimited, but I want to maximize it. Beyond design, I aim to strengthen other skills. Competition is fierce; only by mastering more knowledge and reflecting on gains and losses can we fully utilize our strengths, adapting to societal needs and laying a solid foundation for efficiently completing our work.
　　I'd like to share some of my experience: In May 2000, each technician in Tianchen's technology department received a computer. We were required to use AutoCAD for computer-aided design and drawing, promoting its use in our work. This completely replaced the cumbersome drawing boards and pencils, making drawing incredibly easy and efficient. The company decided to provide training for all technicians, allocating one hour each day for classroom learning. I spent nearly two months fully mastering the essentials of CAD drawing and practiced in my spare time, working early and late, and foregoing lunch breaks. I diligently learned each command, making me proficient in my later work. This is how I achieved my current success. I hope you don't mind me sharing this!
　　At the end of 2005, Jinan Panlongshan Cement Company was ordered to shut down by the municipal government (our Jinan Panlongshan Machinery Company belonged to the cement company). After we were laid off and sent to the re-employment center, although I had self-taught some computer skills, there were still gaps in my knowledge. To keep up with societal development, I enrolled in computer application training at the re-employment center and obtained a nationally recognized certificate. Learning should be a lifelong pursuit; quick adaptation is key to avoiding obsolescence.
　　In March 2011, to meet the company's needs, I enrolled in training for the national Level 2 Constructor certification. I made full use of my free time to study hard, and obtained the certificate in October 2012, making a small contribution to the company.
　　The above summarizes my 25 years in technical work. Through learning from books, practice, and others, combined with my own analysis and reflection, I have made significant gains and progress. However, achievements and shortcomings coexist, and experience and lessons learned go hand in hand. I will continue to strive, overcome my shortcomings, summarize my experiences, learn from my lessons, and do my best in my work to contribute to the development of the magnesia-carbon brick factory!

Yang Sijuan, Researcher
2013.11.12