Steven Uwajeh, 31, is the Human Resource Account Manager, Shallow Offshore and Pipelines Asset at Shell Nigeria. He speaks about the intricacies of his job
How did you develop the interest in your career?
It was a happy accident. For a long time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was literally in science class because all the smartest students were there but when it came to the choice of career to either become an engineer or a doctor, I didn’t think I had sufficient empathy to be a doctor. I think many intelligent doctors shouldn’t be doctors and I didn’t want to add to the growing numbers of that. At the same time, I knew I didn’t care so much about designs but I chose economics because it seemed stress-free. Overtime, I developed interest in development economics. I cared about how it could improve people’s welfare and that stirred the interest in people’s development.
What is your educational qualification?
I have a Bachelor in Economics from Covenant University, Ota, and a Master in Management from the Instituto de Empresa Business School, Madrid.
What is your job description?
I like to say that I am a people’s engineer. Engineers design things to have maximum impact; so, I am a person who likes to get the best out of human resources, and human beings are the infinite resource. Every day, we discover more and as human beings, we need to be motivated to deliver more. I am always thinking of how best to motivate people, develop and upskill them so that they can deliver the best for themselves and for the organisation. I am also responsible for people who are offshore and those who manage the entire pipeline network for Shell in Nigeria.
How did you climb the corporate ladder so early?
I don’t think I have climbed the corporate ladder early, especially when you look at some individuals like the president of France and some other great people who are extremely young. I am 31, and I don’t think I have climbed high enough. However, I was able to move round my career very quickly because of clear interest, hard work and focus. Every time I see something new, even if I am on my current job, I stretch my hands and try to add value. Fortunately, one or two persons saw that value and they pulled me up into that space.
What is the most challenging part of your job and how do you surmount it?
The most challenging aspect of my job is getting people to understand what needs to be done and why, especially when you are trying to make them change from what they have always known. I fix it by meeting people at their own corner such as observing people and finding out what they understand because we are all chosen from the inside. As such, the best way to teach a child is to speak in a language they will understand. If a child likes apples and you are trying to teach the child addition, it is better to teach the child using apples. Stick to what interests people and see how it ties back to the change you want them to make because at the end of the day, the changes you should be making should be good for them and the organisation.
What are your future plans and goals?
My mid-term future plans are to be more involved in corporate social responsibility. I believe the beauty of the private sector is that it doesn’t have the hindrance of public sector bureaucracy which sometimes is necessary for audit trail and accountability. Working with the private sector to see how we can develop our community and ensuring that the development is sustainable are things I want to put my head into. Also, having done consulting work in the past and with my understanding of people, I think I am in a better place to deliver optimal value.
What attitude do you think that youths should have towards work?
I believe youths should respect and see their work as a reflection of themselves. If you have accepted a job, even if it pays a salary you are not happy with, you accepted it; so, you should do the work honourably. You should also be sure to leave your mark on it so that when you are no longer on that job, people would know something changed, and not for the better. The fundamental thing most people will tell you is to work hard but I think it sounds like back-breaking work. Do the kind of work that will represent you.
Who are your role models?
I have three of them. I won’t call myself super religious but I like Jesus Christ, David and Bill Gates. Jesus Christ was a man who has continued to change the world two thousand years after even without formal authority. He commanded so much power and leadership. He never wrote anything with his own hands, yet his massage remains true. David is someone who was extremely passionate about everything, whether in good times or bad times. He lived a very full and humble life. When he made mistakes, he tried to use his entire energy to correct them and this teaches that when you fall, just stand and keep moving. Then, Bill Gates has done so much with his foundation and tends to look for interesting ways to solve some of the world’s problems.
How would you advise people who want to excel in their careers?
I will tell anyone who cares to do very well to find out what they are good at. For instance, I like singing but I am not that good at singing but there are other things I like doing and I am good at doing them. When you find out what you like doing, try and find a job that does that for you. But if you are not so fortunate to do what you love, I would suggest that in whatever you do, try to find out how you can be happy and thrive with it. There is always an opportunity to do whatever you like doing in any type of job because that is what keeps you going and excited.
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