Ahead of Oil Workers’ Day, we are telling the stories of colleagues who have been with the company for more than twenty years.
Oleksandr Ushchenko joined the company in 2007, starting out as a breathing apparatus technician at the blowout safety base. Today, he works as an Operations Manager.
His story covers his first impressions of working in the field, his daily routine, advice for young professionals and what helps him recharge outside work.
On his career path
“When I first started working on drilling operations, I was fascinated by absolutely everything. I wanted to understand how each process worked and why it was done that way. So after college, I decided not to stop there and continued my studies at the University of Oil and Gas.”
On professional growth
“I joined UKRNAFTA as a breathing apparatus technician, then became a platoon commander and later a unit commander. I spent almost 18 years working in blowout safety. That work has had a major impact on my life.”
On responsibility for people
“First and foremost, I am responsible for the people working in challenging conditions, and I have to ensure they have proper and safe working conditions. I am also responsible for production, well operations and crude oil treatment.”
On his daily routine
“My working day starts at around seven in the morning. I review reports, followed by conference calls, planning, meetings and decisions on production and projects. Some days there are seven or eight meetings, as well as countless emails that need to be dealt with.”
On his advice to young professionals
“Don’t be afraid to fulfil your potential, and never stop learning, because no matter how long you have been working, there is always something new to discover. But the most important thing is to love what you do. Then you will keep developing, putting forward new ideas and achieving results.”
On what helps him recharge
“Sport and nature are the best ways for me to recharge. I really enjoy cycling with my children — we used to go out for rides almost every week. I also enjoy reading and try to make time for my family.”
