From upstream to downstream of the project. Gaining a tangible sense of reward from providing technical support to the entire project lifecycle.

From the job of constructing a client’s plant and handing it over, to roles covering the entire project as an business owner, from project development to operation. T.T says that his job change drastically broadened his perspective. He talked about the pleasure of working on renewable energy projects as a technical advisor side by side with Mitsui & Co. and about the mindset needed to build a successful career by leveraging his engineering background.

From construction and handover to everything from upstream to downstream. A new world was revealed through a job change.

For nearly ten years after graduating from college, I built my career at an engineering company that undertook integrated contracting of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC). I was fortunate to have had many opportunities and was able to engage in tasks in all phases from design to procurement, construction, and commissioning. However, as a contractor, the project was considered complete once we finished and delivered the plant, and there was no opportunity to be involved in the operation phase. I sought the opportunity to be more deeply involved with the entire project lifecycle, from upstream to downstream, covering project development, construction, and the subsequent operation. Therefore, I decided to switch my career and join Mitsui & Co. Power & Infrastructure Development Ltd. in October 2022.

As a result, the job change from the contractor side to the business owner side broadened my perspective more than I had anticipated. For example, as a construction contractor, the goal is to complete a project according to the client’s request, and the focus is solely on that. In contrast, on the business owner side, it is necessary to consider raw material procurement, product offtake, and financial aspects, offering a different perspective even while handling the same construction project. In addition to project management, we have opportunities to be involved in various business feasibility study across different phases, including development, construction, and operation projects.

Diverse projects tackled side by side with Mitsui & Co..

I am currently assigned to a renewable energy and decarbonization-related project that covers diverse aspects, including solar power, wind power, biogas, green hydrogen production, and methanol generation. I work on multiple projects simultaneously and take several overseas business trips each year. Destinations include Northern Europe, South America, the United States, and Southeast Asia—diverse locations depending on the projects.

Basically, we work side by side with the Mitsui & Co., so our office is located within the head office. We are mainly in charge of technical and project management aspects, and we respond flexibly to situations while maintaining close coordination to ensure maximum outcomes.

One of our main tasks is to take the lead as a technical advisor when technical discussions are required with affiliated companies of Mitsui & Co., partners, and potential investee companies. We provide support to help them understand technical information correctly and make proper decisions. We are required to explore in detail, from a technical advisor’s perspective, whether there are any potential risks and to make decisions that take into account contract details and the circumstances surrounding the project.

Because of the recent decarbonization trend, we have an increasing number of opportunities to work with ventures own new technology that are somewhat difficult for major companies to handle. While these new technologies are novel, they lack track records, which call for careful risk assessment. Therefore, we often visit their worksites and discuss directly with their engineers face to face.

An especially memorable case I worked on was the investment in a construction project that I was assigned to in my first year at this company. I was able to be involved in a wide range of steps from due diligence to contract negotiations. In addition to conducting technical assessments, I was allowed to attend the final negotiation, and I was also present at the signing ceremony. It was tough work because we discussed contract conditions from morning until evening every day, but I felt a great sense of accomplishment for the entire process, including the celebration at the end with both companies.

Business mindset required especially from engineers.

I am from the design department and had no prior experience as a project manager. Today, however, I work on various projects while taking a leadership role in them from time to time.

What makes this company unique is that, although it is a subsidiary, it operates as an integral part of Mitsui & Co.. The collaboration structure is flexible, and we work as generalists in the positive sense. Therefore, I feel that we are expected to have a sense of balance and a business mindset, rather than a perfectionist attitude as engineers. I believe my prior experience negotiating with various stakeholders, along with my sensibility toward the relationship between technical specifications and commercial aspects, is working positively for me.

Seek new experiences through secondments and other opportunities while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

I work half the time through teleworking and half the time at the office. The level of busyness varies depending on number of requests from Mitsui & Co.. I think this environment reflects the culture of “okay to rest when you can,” making it easy for employees to take their holiday leaves. As a result, I autonomously maintain a good balance and prioritize spending time with my family in my private life.

The appeal of this company is that employees can be involved in various types of projects, so I have no particular preference for working on a specific product category in my future career. Working on various kinds of projects has helped me gain knowledge and experience, so I want to have more hands-on experience in future projects to deepen my experience. The company offers opportunities for secondments to operating companies, so I would like to take advantage of such opportunities in the near future.

I would like to achieve further growth by taking on new challenges on the business owner side, effectively utilizing my experience gained at the engineering company and leveraging the knowledge I gained through various projects as my strength.