In this edition of Petrolink People we sit down with Binu Varghese, a real-time client support engineer based in the England. Binu has recently rejoined the company and move to the UK, so it is a good time to catch up.
What led you to work in real-time operations?
I have got the opportunity to work for this company through a friend of mine. I started working as a field support engineer because I had rig site experience in an oil company, but I got interested in real-time work while collaborating with the operations department during my assignments at different rigs. That led me to move into real-time operations.
What work falls under your remit as a client support engineer?
The client support engineer is the first point of contact who addresses the queries and concerns of the client. It is my job to make sure that the client’s experience with our services is the best of its kind. My primary responsibility is to deal with the issues the clients might be running into and resolve them by myself or escalating the inquiry to another team. I also take care of any new requests the client puts forward in terms of real-time services.
How has your career developed since joining the company?
I started my career with Petrolink in Saudi Arabia in 2012. I have got extensive training in the field taking care of real-time issues of our clients and setting up Petrolink systems at the rig sites. The company ensured that I had many opportunities to grow and become an expert in real-time operations which helped me develop my professional career. I left from Petrolink in 2020 having worked my way up to real-time team lead. But my Petrolink journey wasn’t over, I re-joined the company in the UK office and am working in the operations team.
Do you have any advice for someone just starting-out in operations?
Working in a real-time environment is a big jump for staff who are new to the environment. But all that is needed is a diligent attitude and an eagerness to learn new things. My advice to them to keep doing their good work with enthusiasm, and they will be an expert one day. Once they get used to it, I find they tend to enjoy it more than working as a traditional IT engineer.
What book influenced you the most and why?
I have read many books, so I have multiple favorites. If you ask me to choose one, I will go for Paulo Coelho’s most famous book ‘The Alchemist’, which has touched hearts around the world. The book is about a shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain – searching for treasure buried in the Pyramids. This is an inspiring story about following your dreams and living life to the fullest. This book gave me motivation in so many ways. It helped me not to worry about facing failure while trying out new things. I have tried different things which interest me and failed in many, but such books always helped me worry less and try more.
What is your favorite place you have visited?
I haven’t visited so many places. However, Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia was one of my favorite places as that’s where I started my journey with Petrolink. I took my first flight to there with so many dreams and aspirations. That place helped me have a better life.
What are you most looking forward to in 2022?
Now I am living in a new country I am looking forward to making my home in the UK and making the best of it. Also, I hope to grow with Petrolink and become an integral part of the company. I would like to enjoy my free time with my family and explore new places in this beautiful country.
