Shogo and Sae: Innovating Together

You both are working on an impactful project – could you share a bit about the Alu-5 project with us?

Sae: Sure! The Alu-5 project is about building Evonik's first fumed alumina plant in Asia to meet the region's growing demand. Evonik is constructing the plant to reduce its environmental footprint and enhance its positive impact. Working with a diverse team on the ongoing Alu-5 project has had the biggest influence on my career so far. Through this project, I've connected with many inspiring individuals who have helped me grow my skills and expertise. It has not only deepened my engineering knowledge but also helped me envision a clearer career path.

Shogo: The Alu-5 project is a big project for me as well. I’ve learned a lot about process knowledge, regulatory requirements, and the importance of safety.

You are working very closely together – what makes you a good team?

Shogo: We both love design and process engineering, share the same academic background, and started our careers around the same time, between 2016 and 2018. Apart from that, we have quite different characteristics and often approach problems differently. However, we work through these differences and complement each other well. We are both honest and respectful, which brings out the best in us!

Take us through a normal day!

We usually drive to work and arrive by 7:30 am. Our day starts with a team meeting at 8 am, where we receive requests from our production colleagues. We all have lunch together in the cafeteria's large hall. We also enjoy a 20-minute nap after lunch to recharge for the afternoon!

Why do you think Evonik has been a good choice for advancing your career?

Shogo: We see many opportunities at a large company like Evonik to develop our careers quickly. We also appreciate the benefits and diversity we experience here. For example, working with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds enriches our work culture, allowing us to share ideas openly and experience our managers as open-minded.

Sae: This flexibility is crucial for our team, and it's a very important factor in our field. We are happy to use the training opportunities and learning platforms to expand our knowledge. At Evonik, no one is left alone in the effort to create a better society.