As a young energetic, full of confidence, fresh electrical engineering graduate,15 years back, I was asked this question. What is PLC?
After series of interview sessions with a lower member and the manager of a big name manufacturing company engineering department in Lagos, I was recommended for a final interview with the MD of the organization.
I walked into the office of the MD with confidence and highly optimistic of the outcome on the set date, with his secretary leading the way.
The MD is an Indian man in his 50’s I guess. He politely asked me to sit down on the chair opposite his table.
After he went through my CV for few minutes, he asks me series of question about my personal life, technical questions and job experiences, which I answered him with confidence. The last question he asks me is: What is PLC or what do you know about PLC? I answered him confidently as usual without thinking twice: Public Liability Company!
The man must be a professional poker player, because his emotion is well balanced and didn’t show any clue that my response to this particular question worth comedy of the year award! He calmly said “go on, tell me more about PLC”, and I said that’s all. He shook my hand and said he will get in touch with me, which he never did.
After like a year later, I discovered why he will never get in touch with me.
I was browsing through the job posting section of guardian newspaper one day and I saw a job posted by one engineering service company based in Port Harcourt searching for engineer and technician to recruit. I read through the job requirements and I saw this PLC of a thing again.
Knowledge about PLC is a must is one of the requirements boldly written. I wonder, is there any other meaning to the PLC I don’t know? I picked my phone and Google; what is PLC? My eyes suddenly open immediately the search page is open.
I laughed and laughed, remembering my last interview encounter .From that day on, I search and read every material about PLC I can lay my hand on, even though I have never have the opportunity to see or touch one physically then.
I got my first dream job because I was able to convince the interviewer that I know something about PLC, even when I have never touched or see one physically then!
Nigerian graduates must rise about their certificate to be able to add values to themselves or to anywhere they find themselves. As an engineering graduate of any level makes sure you are aware of what is going on in your choosing career path by constantly browsing job posting and have an idea of what and what requirements, so you can tailor your extra learning towards that. Read and learn everything about it to get the skills and knowledge needed. With time and effort, you will surely get the break to meet an organization that values your skills and experience.
Oyebola S.O
Ifelectric.