Considering Careers: From mechanical engineering to supply chain management

By Eunie Jeong

Mr. Harendra Saksena is the head of Supply Chain Services (Asia) at Johnson Electric Hong Kong. He started his career as a mechanical engineer in car manufacturing, developing automotive components in emerging markets. After joining Johnson Electric, which serves automotive industries, he expanded his career toward supply chain management. He now leads the procurement function, production, development, and distribution of the company’s goods, such as motor systems. 

In supply chain management, you need thorough knowledge of your own field (mechanical engineering) but also of software, trends, etc. Does this come from experience or particular paths you need to take?

It all comes from experience and willingness to learn, as there are no rules. One must be innovative and understand industries such as steel, plastics, specialty chemicals, and semiconductors, along with all-new innovative applications in passenger cars. Software is also a vital component of the automotive application, so one must know the strict development guidelines for data integrity and passenger safety.

You currently have shifted your role from car manufacturing to more management and research based. How has your previous experience been valuable to your current position?

Previous roles still [make] us think out of the box. When I worked for companies like Toyota, Daewoo Motors Korea, and Siemens Automotive, it was a great learning opportunity that now helps me in the leadership role of Johnson Electric. Like before, one needs to think outside the box, such as when there is a semiconductor crisis or commodity inflation. 

Being in a leadership role, how do you effectively manage your team?

It is essential to keep colleagues and the team motivated. The workload is a vital determiner of this. As a team leader, one should recognise both their strengths and interests. If tasks are around these two, it always results in better performance, though it is crucial to face unknown territories and excel in them too. 

Your role involves keeping in with market trends, software innovation, etc. Is this a challenge? How do you adapt?

Learning is always essential and is never-ending. Staying close to the latest technologies and methods is necessary. Therefore, investing at least some time to learn every week is essential; something new around your strengths and interests, or even your weaknesses. I am a member of several organizations. Stay close to publications, journals, and people to keep up in the dynamic environment. 

The companies you work for heavily emphasize innovation. Would you say people wanting to be labelled as “innovators” need to worry about being out of ideas?

Innovation and being innovative [are] a must for any organization to survive. It is also a good idea to remain globally connected in communities of experts. By doing so, one will never run out of ideas. 

I quote famous words from [Apple’s] co-founder, Steve Jobs. “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.”

Is long term prospects for mechanical engineering usually to do with moving towards management and research?

It depends on the individual, interests, and strengths. Usually, one either moves towards a leadership position, such as management. However, they also can become a deep-expert in their field. It all depends on whether individuals work better with others and have strong leadership skills, or rather would like to do it alone. 

However, social skills are essential in any case because it takes [them] to connect with various people. However, those with engineering backgrounds can also excel in various areas, broadening out to finance controllers, business managers, lawyers, 

What motivated you to choose STEM? What advice would you give to students who have interest in STEM, but choose engineering as merely the “popular” choice?

I was influenced by my father, a mechanical engineer, who [remains] my role model. With [the] STEM stream, I was aware of what the future [would look] like, and it motivated me. However, times will change much faster in the coming decades. With the advent of Artificial intelligence (AI) and its use in data analytics, many roles in engineering and other fields [are disappearing]. 

If someone chooses STEM, they will be close to engineering one way or the other. However, one can sense the reality by spending a day on the job you aim for (if possible). 

Would you say what you major in as a uni student has a heavy impact on what careers you can take later on? Or does STEM have a broader choice to branch out from?

University is where you learn the basics of STEM, so if you are looking towards several similar career directions, [that] helps. [It] is becoming much easier to transition [between] career paths, so even if you don’t quite know what career you will choose, starting with STEM is still good. However, do try to start exploring earlier to decide what career you want.

Would you say that for most STEM jobs, software knowledge and coding are becoming increasingly necessary?

Not necessarily. While this can be essential in some paths, coding and software writing are only one of the career directions out of STEM; many other exciting opportunities will require other skills. 

As a foreigner working internationally, did you face any prejudice? How did you navigate it?

Working or studying outside [your] native country or home will always present challenging situations. However, I firmly believe you will always find opportunities in such settings. You will become multicultural, and it is an opportunity for growth. You are soaking into the new culture, understanding the habits, customs, and language, and enjoying the food. However, the most important thing is to not worry too much about what others think but to stay bold and not compromise. 

Any final suggestions for having a successful and happy career?

Be a lifelong learner. Be genuine. Integrity is paramount.