"We are unfolding our dream on the world stage in Korea's first overseas expansion nucler power project"

by Manager Hwang Hye-jin (UAE Nuclear Power Plant Construction Site)

Q1. Please tell us about your job

The Barakah Nuclear Energy Project in the UAE is Korea's first nuclear project to go global. I often find it hard to believe that I am actually still here, working on the construction site of a nuclear power plant in the UAE. I am in charge of mechanical construction on site. The main role is to manage the installation of machinery on the construction site in accordance with the design drawings. This includes scheduling, materials, equipment, safety management, and quality inspection for on-site operations.

Q2. What competencies do you need most in your job? 

I believe that there are two competencies required: "attention to detail" and "friendly communication skills." The first is the ability to thoroughly check the staffing, materials, equipment, safety, etc. and prepare for the planned construction to be carried out flawlessly. For example, before the start of construction, it is necessary to check whether there are enough manpower, whether the necessary materials and equipment are ready, whether there are any other disruptions on the site, and take measures in advance as much as possible, so the habit of checking thoroughly beforehand is essential for the job. 

The second is "friendly communication skills". No matter how thoroughly you check ahead of time, unexpected problems often arise on site due to various other factors. In such a situation, it is essential to communicate with various stakeholders such as the client, subcontractors, and other departments to solve the problem. In fact, during an on-site air conditioner replacement project, a 170-ton crane used by the mechanical team occupied a road that was supposed to be used by the civil engineering team. It was my role to seek concessions and compromises, and after persuasion and dialogue between the departments, we rescheduled the work so that the mechanical team could use the equipment during the morning as much as possible and the civil team could work in the afternoon.

Q3. How did you prepare for joining the company? 

I did an internship abroad related to nuclear energy at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland for six months. I worked on connecting and automating the uncertainty quantification process of MELCOR, a nuclear safety analysis code. The experience allowed me to deepen my expertise in nuclear energy and develop my global skills by working with other international researchers.

To prepare for employment, I read a lot of books on plant engineering, and interviewing with current employees and watching YouTube and blog interviews helped me understand the job I'd be working in better. I learned what the construction, project control management, process, and quality teams do in the field, and what the quotation, sales, and other teams do in the HQ, and even thought about my future direction after joining the company. 

Q4. Is there a corporate culture or system at HDEC that you would like to share? 

I would like to boast of the “close-knit organization atmosphere between seniors and juniors”. The seniors guided the new employees well, so I was able to adapt to the unfamiliar overseas sites without any difficulties. For example, I once mentioned that I wanted to eat shaved ice for dessert while working at an overseas site, and my seniors remembered and sent me a shaved ice gifticon during my vacation. Also, on the day before I went to the domestic site for the first time as an intern, my supervisor drove me from Busan to Uljin so that I could move around easily. If I were to welcome a junior employee in the future, I would like to give back the attention and care I received from my seniors.

Q5. Do you have any advice for juniors who want to work at HDEC?

Hyundai E&C is a stage where you can unfold your dreams. The main reason I joined Hyundai E&C was because I wanted to work overseas. Working at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant Project in the UAE, I was able to fulfill both my goal of working abroad and my dream of becoming a nuclear engineering major. I advise that you organize your thoughts before applying to Hyundai E&C. It is important to clarify your goals and values so that you can convey your sincerity to the interviewer and feel confident. If you think about what competencies you want to appeal to the company and whether your values are aligned with the company's vision, your efforts will be fruitful. All the best to you, juniors!