What to say when you don’t know the answer?

1."I don't have that information off the top of my head, but I'm confident in my
ability to find the answer. Would it be acceptable if I follow up with you after
the interview?"
2."That's an interesting question. I don't have a precise answer at the
moment, but I would approach it by [mentioning a logical thought process or
approach]."
3."I'm not familiar with that particular aspect, but I'm a quick learner. Given
the opportunity, I would thoroughly research and understand it to provide a
comprehensive response."
4."I haven't encountered that scenario before, but I believe it would require
[mention a relevant skill or expertise]. I can delve deeper into this topic and
provide a more informed answer if given the chance."
5."I apologize, but I don't have the exact figures or statistics you're asking for.
However, I'm skilled at data analysis and interpretation. Given the necessary
data, I would be able to analyze it and present meaningful insights."
Why Aker and why this graduate program?
Firstly I would say the 2030 mission put forward by Aker to become a digitally driven engineering and predictive project execution company
aligns with my motives behind coming to the united kingdom and pursuing my masters in control systems, it was when I realized the importance
of digital transformation in the industry and the positive impacts it brings on the developing sustainability and accelerating to net-zero. So I really
believe Aker is a best place for me to learn and develop
Being a person who is resilient to good changes, I am very much into the digital transformation taking place in the construction industry, I have
researched and learned a lot about how the digital twins which creates a virtual replica of things like a power plant or even an entire grid and
allowing providers to model different scenarios make better decisions and improve efficiencies. And from what I have learned about Aker I
strongly believe the fundamental value that Aker solutions give to digitalization has raised the company from the small workshop in Norway to a
leading global energy provider. Like the digital transformation program EMPOWER, software's like the JUST ECO and app farm. I really want to
assist in the development of such strong innovations coming in the industry.
Also I would like to mention the strong growth in energy transition which I read in the company q3 results in the fields of CO2 and hydrogen
value chain, offshore winds and integrated energy systems
At a personal level from an IET perspective, I believe that Aker would not only support my developments for becoming a chartered engineer but
also allow me to use my skillsets in new areas and assist in exciting projects and not only on technical engineering focus but also commercial,
marketing and supply chain fields
And learning about projects like Subsea Substation, for the transmission of floating wind to deliver clean energy to the world triggered me to go
back in the construction grounds and get hands-on experience working such smart projects
it would be a good opportunity to engage with people from just varied backgrounds ,get out of my comfort zone and associate with the group of
professors, engineers and contractors to power the changes in the energy industry.
ALL this would say Aker Solutions fitted very well with my profile and this is a company where I want my long-term career to be within
I want to work for Aker Solutions because I was inspired after learning about the integrated solutions, products and services the company offers
to the global energy industry. Parallelly, enabling low-carbon oil and gas production and developing renewable solutions to meet future energy
needs. it would be my privilege to contribute smart ideas and work on the initiatives combining digital solutions and predictable project
execution, accelerating the country’s ambition to be net-zero.
Q2. Tell me a time when you faced adversity and how you felt before, during and after?
Q2. Example for teamwork (use STAR: Situation, Task, Action Result and Lesson learnt)
With the pre-requisite knowledge from an Electrical and electronics Engineering undergraduate degree, it was a big challenge to take up the Relocation Project of APTIV
CS supervising the Electrical installations for my previous company. This was a time when I faced continuous setbacks
During the first months of my job, I was keen to make a positive impact quickly. As it was a huge construction project, my manager was always busy with the
documentation part of the package. Leaving me with a team of 18 technical staffs and I remember one-fourth of them had the field experience more than my age.
So, at the start I understood managing staff more experienced than me will be an unsettling situation, during some of the early team meetings every time I was trying to
contribute my suggestions, a long-serving foreman of the team would cut across me and he appeared to dismiss my ideas and the others started to support him. Initially,
I put this down to me just me being a new member of the team or being very much insecure about the things I don’t know.
But once this happened in front of the client’s supervisor. I really felt shattered. So, the task was to bounce back without challenging or offending them.
On the way back, I thought it is better I had to face this situation so early in my career because I was just 21 at that time and became confident to handle it, reaching
home I took a paper and pointed out some of my mistakes in my supervision and I was able to make an action plan from the next day onwards in my approach towards
them:
• I stopped micromanaging things which I used to do before and stayed in my lane.
• Instead of assigning works in a bossy way, I started asking questions like – I know you’ve dealt with this before. How should we handle it?? incorporating their
suggestion.
• I felt getting to know your team is an important part of being an effective manager this helped me build a strong rapport with them. I remember going to buy a cake to
celebrate a foreman’s birthday
All these baby steps led me to gain respect among the team, it was slow process but things became very smooth later on.
And then when I got a chance to deliver a short speech at the opening ceremony, I gave all the credit of the project’s completion to my team. This really made me feel
like a mighty leader to be honest.
As a result, my team able to commission the electrical distribution system with a 2500A ABB close transition ATS WHICH WAS First of its kind in South India. The project
was completed on time and within the budget.
and later when I was assigned to another project, they were all cheered up to work with me. I am very proud to say I made a few leaders within my company.
Being in the construction industry is an endless battle between pleasing the client and facing external challenges. The years of pandemic had been strange for everyone,
yet we ploughed through many pitfalls throughout the course of the project keeping the site running smoothly, safely, within schedule, and on budget., and Today I can
proudly say Leela Powered APTIV CS, Kochi!
1. Describe a time when you considered safety and others not?
2. Tell me a time when you noticed health and safety risk that no one else had noticed?

I remember an instance while I was working in my previous company, I noticed the team who were doing the
exhaust pipe installation works - As diesel fuel burns it creates toxic gases which need to be vented safely by the
exhaust system. This is a network of pipes that channels exhaust gases
I noticed that they were installing a T bend from a diesel generator to the exhaust header. I understood it would
result in back pressure in the line and rise in engine temperature inside the acoustic cabin. I suddenly ringed up
supervisor who was not available on-site at that time. I was so happy that he acknowledged it was a mistake and
instructed him team to change it to a mitre bend.
A Mitre bend is a bend that is made by cutting pipe ends at an angle and joining the pipe ends.
three pipes cut at 22.5 degrees will give a 90-degree mitre bend.
I got an appreciation from my project manager which I still hold as a small feather in my cap
Safety is one of Aker Solution’s core value core vale. Safety in the sense it is not just being safe from hazards that
you may encounter in a construction site or by dealing with high voltages it can also include other aspects of
your life such as mental health.
If I get thru the process. I am very sure I will be a keen observer always looking forward to safety concerns at the
work premises.
Q5. Ethics and how important are they for you?

As someone who values having a good work ethic, I would say it means being a goal-oriented person. By focusing on my
personal goals and those of my team, I find that I can stay focused and motivated. Another part of having a good work ethic is
realizing how my actions affect others.
Another thing I would like to add which I learned from my father was to have the sympathy to think and act like the client,
understanding their problems and the processes involved within their office or industry.
I was once assigned to work for maintenance for a moulding machine. The manager sends us in I later realized it would disrupt
the smooth working of the conveyers in the production line so I went back to the plant manager and let him know about this.
But he was concerned that he had to meet the production requirements and the machine has to be commissioned the next
day. But I assured I will stay with my team and work overnight to keep the process running.
Somehow, this small action of mine reached the plant owners ears and he sent me a thank you note later that day and
assigned their night supervisor to bring us dinner. This a moment which I still cherish

I would like to mention an instance during my college days while doing the electrical installations at a factory, I have laid cables
in factory floor with my own hands when the subcontractor didn’t show up and the deadlines were near. Also, I remember
doing welding with the safety googles at my site. I really enjoy doing all this rough and tough job.
Open to criticism and treasure feedback which I feel very optimistic about and that is another ethical trait I find in myself and I
am very proud of.
Q6. What do you do to create and maintain your contact network

I always felt proud when I had given chances to represent my previous company in several professional organizations such as
rotary, business network international and builders’ association India. Even though I wasn’t much sound to talk and discuss
technical matters but I was very keen to listen to people on their ideas on business development, marketing and upcoming
projects which has helped me in building business relations and partnership-marking.
I was also interested in passing referral and connecting business owners to each other who could collaborate and do
businesses
I remember an instance where I had a chance to work with my previous company’s sister concern which was a panel board
manufacturing firm where I had to attend meetings with product development manager from ABB for attaining the system
integrator franchise for their IEC panel. Our discussions led from the standards of manufacturing to sharing ideas and also
personal chit-chats. Further, I was able to build a strong rapport with the manager and// later when he changed his job to
Larsen and turbo, he called me with a proposal to become system integrator for Larsen&Turbo’s IEC panel, which was called
Enersys. so Our company was able to acquire that also. And I was fortunate to play a small part in attaining both these
achievements.
Reading about Schneider electric, one among most exciting feature of the company is numerous collaboration it has made with
other company from large-scale MNC’S to medium and small-scale industry across this country and beyond. I would truly
appreciate working with a company with such an exposure and influence on the energy market. And if I get through this
process and secure a full-time job I would happy to speak for Schneider electric in conferences and meetings.
Q7. Explain about a time when you have shown innovational creativity?

An innovative idea is match between a problem and solution. During my previous work I had always faced
difficulty with……interpreting the single line diagrams and schematics of an industry when it comes to updating
or addition of loads. And the maintenance team of client’s cared very less about this it was because they didn’t
have easy access to a computer and all they used to do is scribble on the big A0 sized drawing at the substation.
So, every time we have an additional work or new project to be done at the site, It becomes very hard for us to
tackle the down streams of different sources.
I was once called by the client’s plant manager and he addressed this issue to me. To solve this problem, I
brought up a concept of a installing a QR code on each distribution boards. Once it was scanned it goes to the
latest SLD drawing and a database which showed the whole electrical distribution of the process industry from
main feeders to the smallest workstation light switches which allowed them to read and overwrite the additions
and amends they did at site using their mobile phones. It was a very hard and tiring job, but the maintenance
team was very supportive. and I STARTED WORKING with them as A TEAM
made them aware of the advantages, delegated them work to collect data from their areas of expertise, and by
working extra hours and overnight I was able to complete collect the sufficient data and build the database. and
I felt proud I played a small part in digitalizing a simple process. And received many appreciations also.
On my next project, I improvised my idea a bit more by adding our company’s trademark and motto below the
QR code as a small marketing technique which bagged me special bonus award during the next office meeting.
 Q8. Explain a time when you had to deal with a change?
Q8. When did you and a team produce an innovative concept and what challenges did you face?

Being a person with a growth mindset I always looked forward to opportunities to learn and develop……I also gave importance
to embrace the innovative changes coming across me. I would like to state an instance where I had a chance to collaborate
with my previous firm’s sister company which panel board manufacturing firm
So, I had to design a mobile substation design for my project. Due to the complexity in design our project manager came up
with an idea of changing the substation design drawings to be done in 3D cad drawing on Revit instead of 2D and later move on
to the automation part, I was excited at first because it felt like building a miniature digital twin of what is going to be executed
on-site, But the process was really challenging as we had to go on-site several times to take the physical measurements of the
substation premise and the area allotted for the cable bed, to draw the cable routes. it was really tough to distinguish and
create models for each size cables to be laid comparing to the 2D approach which was just a simple colored line in AutoCAD.
But later I realized the advantages of developing such a design –

• In the operations POV, I would say we recorded reduced no of corrections. Because from the digital mock-up, it was very
clear to say whether there was any obstruction causing while opening and closing the door, or if there is enough space for a
person to operate on the breakers, enough spacing between the walls and the panel boards, because all these parameters
were to be checked and satisfied to meet electrical inspectorate standards,
• Talking about health and safety, we were able to place the emergency exit doors and the firefighting extinguishers at the right
place for easy access for the maintenance team.
This was also a moment when I realized the power of digitalization and to become resilient to good changes that comes across
in life.
Q9. What skills do you have to excel in this role?

Talking about the technical skills I possess to shine at SSE would be designing and interpreting a single line diagram, substation design, drawing schematics, creating
documentation, developing the Bill of materials as per the site requirement, cable schedules. I would like to say I am all-rounder because I have worked from the estimation part
to the commissioning for medium-scale industrial projects. Self-taught knowledge and practice in implementing control logics using Ladder logic in DCS and PLC.
As In my current master’s course I have modules like Industrial automation, signal processing which are very relevant to the digital transformation happening in the industry. I
am sure I can assist in digitalizing a process within the construction or FEED development and contribute innovative ideas and solutions to problems. control wiring for DOL,
STAR - DELTA AND VFD motor starters - holding and latching circuits
My long-term vision is to build knowledge on energy management business, leveraging digitalization platforms supporting clients in developing an industrial metaverse which
uses digital twins and simulation with 3D Models, real time operations and AI to build high performing power plants or process plants to enable constant product design
development and manufacturing, predict risks and demand, enable better decision making and improve efficiency parameters.
hands on experience on PLC wiring in control panel for crusher units with the PLC wiring diagram know hoe to read and interpret the diagram so I can easily familiarize with the
notations, symbols, ferule no or tag names in the drawings given to me
Also, I regularly update my project progress with photos and thoughts on LinkedIn and other social media websites contributing to a small share of marketing also. Also, I would
like to mention I am good photographer and can put creative contents in these social media sites.
“I am a positive and committed person who enjoys working with other people to complete challenging tasks that help to make a difference. Although I am young, I have a
mindset that tells me I will only achieve my life goals and aspirations if I work hard.
I have the ability to focus on building positive relationships with work colleagues, customers and clients to which I give very much importance.
I also have the desire to continually learn and develop by listening to and applying the information and knowledge that others are willing to pass on to me.”
Also, I have set of powerful habits that challenges me which include hitting the gym at 5AM - four days a week, and practicing kathas and kumite on mornings, I would like to
add I am karate black belt 2nd dan holder.
Q10. Tell me a little about yourself.

First of all, thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed today, I am Thomas Eldho and I am currently pursuing my post
graduate degree, Master’s in advanced control and systems engineering with industrial management at the university of
Sheffield.
I have an Undergraduate degree in bachelor of technology – Electrical and electronics Engineering from SRM University, India
The motive behind pursuing a master’s was when I realized the importance of digital transformation taking place in the
industry, and the positive impacts it brings in developing a sustainable environment and accelerating to net-zero targets.
I have over a year experience working as a site manager at a renowned firm in India, supervising the electrical installations,
substation designs for commercial projects and process industries.
My undergraduate degree and previous job experience has built me into results driven, safety focused professional Electrical
engineer, I love working with other people on challenging tasks
My interests other than the technical focus are football, martial arts, music mixing and business and technology studies.
Ans I am looking forward to getting to know everybody and more about Schneider electric as the group interview process
develops.
Q11. What are your long-term career plans?

I see myself working on the energy management team of Schneider electric working on building an electrical
metaverse combining the digital twins and using simulation software to optimize energy consumption and better
fault analysis contributing to a better a sustainable environment. Parallelly, I will be expanding my contact
network associating with global companies to explore on the new technologies and to expand the business.
Q13. Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses.
STRENGTHS
Apart from my technical and management skills,
Open to criticism – every single person in the whole site was elder than me and as I remember my team members, some of the
foreman’s had experience than my age so it was an unsettling task to deal with all these. There were several situations I made mistakes, I
was criticized, engaged in minor disputes but I would like to mention I am results driven person all this time I would be looking forward
to………… and definitely after a while was able to build a strong rapport with all of them and they still keep in touch, asks about my well
being and of course have learned a lot from there even though they were my subordinates.
Urge to learn about new technologies - my motive behind coming to the United Kingdom
WEAKNESS
Feeling low and lack of self-confidence under pressure – relocation project, dismantled, transported to the new premises, section
managers with competing priorities and I was instructed to charge the machines within two hours of its delivery so my no day was the
same during that time. I have to arrange a team every time when a set machine came leaving behind other works
So, there were change of plans, change of priorities but sometimes I really feel low for a minute but I had my own ways to bounce back
from these setbacks I would just get out of the site and sit in silent place reading all the appreciations and thank you notes I have received
before
Sometimes I have felt I am bit attention seeking and I crave for appreciation
Q17. What circumstances led you to apply for this position?
A. Pursue higher education, left to check on better and challenging opportunities
B. The motive behind this was, after reading a lot of articles and attending seminars I realized the importance of digital
transformation and the pros of the same in building a sustainable environment by risk identification, increasing the
efficiency optimized solutions etc., I am doing my course in Advanced control and systems engineering. haven’t had
much exposure to that with my previous employer.
C. I always dreamt of the exposure working for a corporate company leading in the energy industry
Q25. What do you enjoy about working in customer service? What do you dislike or find challenging?
1. Networking, proud to represent the company
2. Being in the construction industry is challenging
3. my strong communication skills, my analytical and technical abilities, and my love of training. I have a file full of
customer compliments on both my knowledge and my patient, step-by-step approach.
4. Along with the strengths I just mentioned, I'd say my biggest asset is my willingness to go the extra step in any situation.
I won't just stop when the specific requirements are met; I'll help a customer understand why the issue happened so
they can avoid it in the future.
5. While I love customer service, my goal now is to get back into direct accounting work where I can use my skills and
abilities to help build a well-run, strategic, and technically sound accounting department that adds value to an
organization.”
Q27. What tools or habits do you use to keep organized?

1. “I’m a very punctual and organized person. I like to use Excel to create project schedules, my personal and
professional expense sheet and my phone calendar keeps me on track.”
2. I am a person who give importance to the health so I always maintain a proper sleep cycle to wake up early;
makes me feel I am already ahead of everyone else and gives me time do my morning prayer and further
workout session and plan my day.
3. Before going to bed I write down my objectives for the next and think about what I am grateful, and this is
something I can’t follow daily but It has significantly improved my mental well being
4. Also, I try to read at-least 20 pages of books and articles on business strategies, innovative technologies like
AI and Block chain.
Q28. Explain your approach to completing multiple assignments in a work day.
As soon as I get to work, I record the assignments I need to complete and list them in order of highest to lowest priority based on the due dates.
This helps me manage my workflow and keeps me on track with what I need to get done for that day.
Since some of my tasks at the projects can take longer than others, I communicate with clients about their expectations for completion. I use the
client's input to help me organize my most urgent tasks and to set deadlines for myself for completing projects.
Then, I create a document to share with my team lead so they know which tasks I'm working through and which tasks I'm moving toward the end
of the week.
And I always concentrate on the main 2-3 tasks of the day leaving the rest to my subordinates. This because when I prioritize my work this way, I
still have room for any changes in priorities while maintaining a healthy balance between my work and personal life.
This helps keep me from getting overwhelmed, and I can revaluate my expectations about my deadlines
Q29. Tell us about a mistake you’ve made on the job and what you learned from it.

While working on my previous, one day I was informed that two breakers in a distribution panel was overheating
due to the overload. I wanted it to be checked and I send two experienced trainees with an MFM to check the
current ratings and while they were checking they put the screw driver into the insulation of live wires and it led
to minor short circuit. They came running to me. TBH, my immediate instinct was to run and hide but before that
the substation supervisor was at my doorstep, I started defending myself saying that the maintenance team
connected additional loads on the breaker which led to an overheating at the first place. he didn’t buy that and
my manager was called and now I was answerable to the plant manager from the client side. As the situation
escalated that gave me a moment of self-reflection—instead going to him and arguing on the additional
connections done I politely introduced myself and explained my error. This was a time when I realized how
bitter is the truth you should have the guts to admit and apologize and get it resolved as soon as possible
Q30. How do you manage your stress?
Starred message of client appreciation, thank you meeting of the project
As My first major project was a relocation project, which is a whole manufacturing industry with over 1000 machines which was running live at a place was
to be dismantled, transported and re-installed at a new premises and this had to be done without interrupting the production needs. It was an automotive
manufacturing industry having products ranging from tool and dye to electric car charging units. Clients from Maruti to Maserati --So, the process had to be
planned and executed very carefully
I was instructed to set the machines up running in two hours after the delivery from the old plant - where I had to be ready with the team leaving behind
whatever work they were doing other than that. So, there was always a sudden change of priorities and within the client’s side there were minor disputes
among the plant managers of each section who were all competing with competing priorities –So definitely it was an unsettling task to find balance
between pleasing them and meeting the deadlines.
But, I followed some steps to make myself ready for the day and they were
As soon as I get to work, I record the assignments I need to complete and list them in order of priorities. Since some of my tasks at the projects can take
longer than others, I communicate with the client and learn about their expectations for completion. I use the client's input to help me organize my most
urgent tasks and to set deadlines for myself for completing projects. And I always concentrate on the main 2-3 tasks for the day which I was best at doing
leaving the rest to my other team members. I did this because// when I prioritize my work this way, I still have room for any changes in priorities while
maintaining a healthy balance between my work and personal life. All this baby steps have helped to run the site smoothly, gain value for time and
acceptance among the plant manager and further following them I was able to complete the project on time and within the budget.
So, during all this pressure situation, I always looked forward to the contentment or the satisfaction I would have at the completion of the project and I
would picture the moment shaking hands with all of them after the project. And I am very happy that this really came into reality after the project’s
completion.
They were all nice people by heart and I have learned a lot from and I maintain good contact with them.
Q30. Tell us about your ideal work environment or organizational culture.
On my POV, And above work-like balance, I am a person who believe transparency is a critical part of a company's overall
success, this by communicating openly to my managers and subordinates. about the upcoming deadlines, billing schedules etc.,
This value or work ethic has always helped me to build trust between my colleagues, lower job-related stress and in better risk
identification and smooth project execution.
Learned from my previous boss – Even an apprentice or a trainee to the project lead should have the same answer as a
solution to problem the client or customer is addressing and this can only be implemented if the whole team is educated with
the what is going on and through training programs and practical experience.
"From the research I've conducted, it appears your company operates in a collaborative environment that fosters professional
advancement. I prefer working in a group where team members can encourage each other and share their ideas. I also enjoy
working for a company where I know I can continue to grow my skills both personally and professionally."
Q35. Tell us about the toughest negotiation you’ve been a part of. What was your role in that negotiation?

I recently was part of a complex negotiation in my position as a site manager at my previous firm. I was
responsible for negotiating the terms regarding the contract deadline with the General Manager Global Real
Estate and Facilities. India & ASEAN Countries. The negotiation involved several plant managers, MEP Project
managers with competing priorities. I had to find a way to meet the needs of all parties involved while also
making sure that the project was completed on time and within the given budget. What made the negotiation
complex was as the project was held amidst the pandemic there was concern regarding the procurement of
different long lead items that required careful planning and coordination. Also, confident suppliers and there
were machines to be brought from other countries to ensure smooth delivery. Ultimately, we were able to come
to an agreement that satisfied everyone, which led to the project being completed successfully.
Q36. Your skills and experience may be reasonable fit for the needs of this job. That is also true of numerous
other candidates. What else can you tell us about yourself—work related or not—that might put your
candidacy over the top, if we are talking to other candidates with similar skillsets?

Loyalty towards the company, I have always tried to never put my supervisor or the procurement team or my juniors under
pressure and they also have supported me in several situations, so throughout the project we had a strong rapport and
transparency on what to tell the client and to tackle complex situations. I have also tried my best to rectify any complaints or
delay beforehand it was escalated. I can say I had the enthusiasm to work at the site as if I was the owner or the landlord.
Subcontractor didn’t show up and control cable pulling through the factory, welding, drilling, Distribution board wiring
Network is your Net worth – Global Digital Offering & Microgrid Applications Leader at ABB and Smart Power Division
President
Even-though Slow learner and small hands but I have big vision
Q37. Describe a time when you learned a new skill and describe the steps you took to make sure you were
successful. What was the outcome?
I would say the new skills I learned would be the control wiring and automation for an electrical system, I have Self-taught
knowledge and practice in implementing control logics using Ladder logic in DCS and PLC The motive behind that was when I
realized the importance of digital transformation. i.e. to integrate the software and hardware parts of the project and to easily
troubleshoot problems using the existing simulation programs. And I understood that the automation team was always the
face of the project and the one-point contact from the client. My previous company use to subcontract this work to another
party, so I was eager learn this and implement it on our sites.
So, I asked my senior engineer to recommend me to a renowned company who did the automation works and I promised him I
will not lag behind my regular daily schedules at site. He got me a chance to work with them. But I never thought their job was
this difficult as most of their work was during the night. This was because they were only able to access the power distribution
systems of an industry while the plant was at shutdown and this really disrupted my sleep cycle because night, I was working
on this and morning I had to go to my site/// giving me a little time to rest. But within the period of two months, I was able to
commission 5 projects with them and I became proficient on it. And further during the commissioning of my own project and it
was a time when covid casualties were at the peak, due to this The ABB automation informed that they will not be able to
commute to the site. This really put me in a dilemma. But we took this as a challenge, we planned to do it in-house, I called in
the team. I was very happy that I was able to assist them in the whole process. The ABB team supported us online and after a
lot of trial and error we were able to commission them ourselves. The outcome would be the confidence that I gained after
learning the skill to stand up front to run these activities and make it successful.
Q37. Describe a time when you learned a new skill and describe the steps you took to make sure you were
successful. What was the outcome?
I want to work for my favorite grocer. My friends and family here does the shopping at ALDI, and I am a firm believer that with everything’s going on in the world and
our economy, your business model and focus on discount prices will only grow in popularity. ALDI will grow even bigger, and I’d love to play my part on your success
story, as an enthusiastic and hardworking member of your team. That’s why I want to work for you, and not for just any random store in this area.
I simply like everything about this company. The working environment at ALDI, I believe it will be entirely different to the warehouse job I used to have, ALDI is a
happy place where happy people come in to buy the grocery, I am always ready to serve them no matter who they are or what they do and I would like to add I am good
at mathematics and I love the subject so it will be great opportunity for me to earn some money while doing what I love.
Another reason would be the store location. I live in a block just ten minutes walk away from here. Before I used to commute to work two hours daily, which I consider a
huge loss of time, especially when I have my academic life also to go in line. Now I’d like to work close to my home, and for a reputable company where job security is an
obvious thing. In my eyes ALDI personifies such a company, and I cannot wait to join your team.
Why did you choose to study at university?
REPEAT THE QUESTION
Firstly, Myself Thomas Eldho, I took an undergraduate degree in Bachelor of technology electrical and electronics engineering from SRM university India holding a first class
I am currently pursuing my master’s in advanced control and systems engineering with industrial management at the University of Sheffield
Firstly, I would say the 2030 mission put forward by Aker to become a digitally driven predictable project execution company aligns with my motives behind coming to the
United Kingdom and pursuing my masters majoring in control systems, it was when I realized the importance of digital transformation in the industry and the positive impacts it
brings on the developing sustainability and accelerating the energy transition, that was something which my previous company couldn’t offer as it was in the developing stage I
couldn’t take up bigger challenges in the field.
and I really think we are in the middle of an exciting transition taking place in the industry. From what I have learned the energy companies in the United Kingdom are
competing against each other in terms of the new energy trends such as digitalization, advancing in renewables and distributed energy at the same time when they are planning
to become a whole system associating this is something that really excites me to learn and work here.
All this summed up to set my mind to pursue an additional degree which could get me to be a part of this digital transformation happening in the industry. and I really believe
Aker is a best place for me to learn and develop my skills to take up bigger challenges and power the changes. Thank you!
What about this role attracted you to apply?
REPEAT THE QUESTION
Being a person who is resilient to good changes, I am very much into the digital transformation taking place in the construction
industry. My long-term vision is to build knowledge on energy management business, leveraging digitalization platforms supporting
clients in developing an industrial metaverse which uses digital twins and simulation with 3D Models, real time operations and AI to
build high performing power plants or process plants to enable constant product design development and manufacturing, predict
risks and demand, enable better decision making and improve efficiency parameters.
And from what I have learned about Aker I strongly believe the fundamental value that Aker solutions give to digitalization has
raised the company from the small workshop in Norway to a leading global energy solutions provider. – developing the digital
transformation program EMPOWER, software's like the JUST ECO and app farm. I really want to assist in the development of such
strong innovations coming in the industry.
Also, I would like to mention the strong growth in energy transition that Aker gained which I read in the company q3 results in the
fields of CO2 and hydrogen value chain, offshore winds and integrated energy systems that is something which attracted me to
apply for this position.
Also, learning about projects like Subsea Substation, for the transmission of floating wind to deliver clean energy triggered me to go
back in the construction grounds and get hands-on experience working such smart projects.
Also, while reading the job description, I understood the Aker is looking for graduate who are particularly interested in digital
transformation, sustainability, and the energy transition to renewables.
And I believe that my vision, experience, education make me a strong candidate for this position.
What value can you bring to Aker solutions?
REPEAT THE QUESTION
Talking about the technical skills I possess to add value would be to support in better project execution. I would like to say I am all-rounder because I
have worked from the estimation to commissioning processes of electrical distribution systems for medium-scale industrial projects. With this
experience believe I can keep track on the technical, financial and supply chain developments happening in a project.
I have self -learned knowledge and practice in P&ID and implementing ladder logics in DCS and PLC. This skill allowed me to integrate the hardware
and software parts of projects and troubleshoot problems with existing programs.
As In my current master’s course I have modules like Industrial automation, signal processing which are very relevant to the digital transformation
happening in the industry. I am sure I can assist in digitalizing a process within the construction or FEED development and contribute innovative ideas
and solutions to problems.
And above work-like balance, I am a person who believe transparency is a critical part of a company's overall success, this by communicating openly to
my managers and subordinates. about the upcoming deadlines, billing schedules etc., This value or work ethic has always helped me to build trust
between my colleagues, lower job-related stress and in better risk identification and smooth project execution.
Also, I regularly update my project progress with photos and thoughts on LinkedIn and other social media websites contributing to a small share of
marketing also. Also, I would like to mention I am good photographer and can put creative contents in these social media sites.
Taking about my personable skills that can add value to the firms, I am a positive and committed person who enjoys working with other people to
complete challenging tasks that help to make a difference.
Although I am young, I have a mindset that tells me I will only achieve my life goals and aspirations if I work hard. And I have a growth mindset being
resilient to the good changes coming across life
I focus on building positive relationships with work colleagues, customers and clients to which I give importance very much.
I also have the desire to continually learn and develop by listening to and applying the information and knowledge that others are willing to pass on to
me. Thank you!
How do you describe success?
REPEAT THE QUESTION
To me, success means giving my best effort to each task I’m working on and striving to learn and improve steadily.
I’ve taken this approach in my personal life, such as in sports, or while hitting the gym and I would like to mention I
am karate 2nd dan black belt holder, and while doing all these challenging activities I feel accomplished in getting
better and confident every day.
I also think that success means being patient and planning for the long-term and Professional success takes time, and
so it’s important to bring a high level of effort every day, not just the days when you feel like it. I would like to say I
am a results-driven person because during all these difficult or stressful situations I had went through in my previous
projects. I always found happiness in the small milestones I achieved during the course, and I always looked forward
to the content or satisfaction I would get at the project’s completion. I used to fancy myself shaking hands with the
clients or the plant owner during the hand-over meeting and I am very proud to say all this manifests of mine came
to reality at the end.
Adding to that, being a successful person means being someone my team can count on for that consistent effort.
And success means that I can look back after each project or each year and see that I’ve improved, too.
On the other side, speaking very personally the most beautiful moments in my life where the small milestones I
achieved that made my parents and grandparents proud. Thank you!
Tell me a situation when you were particularly proud of your achievements?
REPEAT THE QUESTION
With the pre-requisite knowledge from an Electrical and electronics Engineering undergraduate degree, it was a big challenge to take up the
Relocation Project of APTIV CS supervising the Electrical installations for my previous company. This was a time when I came out of my comfort zone
accomplished something big.
It was a relocation project, which is a whole manufacturing industry with over 1000 machines which was running live at a place was to be dismantled,
transported and re-installed at a new premises and this had to be done without interrupting the production needs. It was an automotive
manufacturing industry having products ranging from tool and dye to electric car charging units. Clients from Maruti to Maserati --So, the process had
to be planned and executed very carefully
Being in the construction industry is an endless battle between pleasing the client and facing external challenges.
there was always a sudden change of priorities and within the client’s side there were minor disputes among the plant managers of each section who
were all competing with their own priorities
As it was a huge construction project, my manager was always busy with the documentation part of the package. Leaving me with a team of 18
technical staffs and I remember one-fourth of them had the field experience more than my age.
So, at the start I understood managing staff more experienced than me will be an unsettling situation,
I thought it is better I had to face this situation so early in my career because I was just 21 at that time and became confident to handle it. Further, I
made a lot of improvisations through the course of the project in my daily activities and approach towards workers and client managers to overcome
all these setbacks I faced.
It was also during the years of pandemic which had been strange for everyone, like it really affected the supply chain and procurement fields of the
business also, yet we ploughed through many pitfalls throughout the course of the project keeping the site running smoothly, safely, within schedule,
and on budget., and Today I can proudly say Leela, it is my previous firms name Powered APTIV CS, Kochi
As a result, my team able to commission the electrical distribution system with a 2500A ABB close transition ATS WHICH WAS First of its kind in South
India. And I am really proud about it. Thank you1
Would you hope to get from working at Aker Solutions?
REPEAT THE QUESTION
As I mentioned earlier, I really think we are middle of an exciting energy transition taking place in the
industry and with my aspirations to become a digital twin developer for energy projects I strongly believe
Aker is the right place for me to learn and develop my skills in that area.
At a personal level from an IET perspective, I believe that Aker would not only support my developments
for becoming a chartered engineer but also allow me to use my skillsets in new areas and assist in
exciting projects which are not only on technical engineering focus but also commercial, marketing and
supply chain fields
it would be a good opportunity to engage with people from just varied backgrounds, get out of my
comfort zone and associate with the group of industry engineers and contractors to power the changes in
the energy industry.
And lastly, after reading the job description, I strongly believe this position will give me work-life balance
and financial stability doing what I love and what I always wanted to do.
Parallelly, I believe I will be able to expand my contact network associating with people for global
companies to explore on the new technologies and help to expand the business.
All this would say Aker Solutions fitted very well with my profile and this is a company where I want my
long-term career to be within