Gabriela Vanegas is a chemical engineer who joined Techint Engineering and Construction in October 2018. From her beginnings in the company in Ecuador to her current challenge in Mexico, she has developed a professional career full of teachings and growth.

Graduated in Chemical Engineering from the Central University of Ecuador and with a master's degree from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, Gabriela Vanegas began her career at Techint Engineering and Construction in October 2018, in the technical area of Process Engineering, in Campo Auca. The experience she gained during this time led her to work in the Commissioning and Start-up area at Dos Bocas Refinery in Mexico.

A year and a half after her arrival at the company and thanks to the rotation offered by the Young Professionals program, she had her first opportunity in the operational area. “I learned to be more empathetic, to work as a team and to integrate all the parts for the project to work properly. I understood that it is not just a matter of engineering, it is an integral task that requires collaboration between various disciplines,” Gabriela shares.

Working in other countries

Soon after, her good performance allowed her to be considered for a position in Colombia, where she participated in the pre-commissioning of Campo Pendare. There, she faced the challenge of coordinating teams in a highly complex environment, an experience that enriched her vision and skills. “My boss was María Arias, who patiently taught me everything I now know about pre-commissioning,” she says.

The engineer assures that “Pendare was a great challenge”, where she worked in diverse teams and managed larger scale projects. This learning was crucial when she was offered to join the Cogeneration plant at the Dos Bocas Refinery, one of the largest projects in her career to date. Her arrival in Mexico coincided with a period of intensive training in leadership and networking.

Gabriela stresses that her time in that country has been fundamental to her professional development. “The difference in the scale of the projects and the need to integrate various specialties have allowed me to grow in soft and technical skills. Here the challenge is greater, but so is the opportunity to learn and grow,” he says.

Despite being far from her hometown, the engineer believes that her international experience could provide her with a differential value when she returns to Ecuador. “I have learned to see projects in an integral way, considering not only the technical aspects, but also management and teamwork,” she explains.

Future projects

The young woman wants to continue contributing and participating in large works and developing her leadership skills. “I want to continue learning and expanding my horizon to bring more value to any project in which I participate,” she says with conviction.

Gabriela Vanegas is a clear example of how global experience can enrich one's career, providing a broad perspective and bringing valuable skills that can make a significant difference in the industry.

“You can set a goal, but it will change as you go along the way. Don't be afraid, expand your comfort zone, take a little risk and ask questions,” points out Gabriela enthusiastically.