Ismail Egemen Koçak: In two years of studying at Politech, I found real friends.

Tell us about your job in Senegal.

First of all, I'd like to start my words by thanking you for allowing me a chance for such an interview. I'm actually very happy and excited to answer the questions. I started working at the Senegal Combined Cycle Power Plant project in November 2023 as a project and centerline engineer responsible for the assembly of key elements such as gas turbines, steam turbines and auxiliary equipment, and generators. I was then transferred to the newly created commissioning department as the installation of the turbines was almost completed. And now I'm working with General Electric experts in the field to make sure we're performing all phases of turbine commissioning correctly, accurately and efficiently.

What specific challenges did you face during the project? How did you overcome them?

Actually this is the first time I have ever been to the African continent and my second experience abroad like living away from my home country from Turkey. Despite the fact that Senegal is one of the most developed countries in the entire African region, and certainly in West Africa, it is not an easy place to live.

It was also difficult to get used to the climate and the intensive work schedule with a day off once in two weeks.  I work mainly with documents, and some of them, especially pipeline fabrication drawings, are not very easy to interpret. They have their own logic, their own documentation system. So it takes some time to get used to it. Gradually you get used to the place, you have to put up with the climate, which is very different from Turkey. And also you keep working, you get to know the documentation, you get used to the system. You also get support from consultants. And all of this combined makes your life easier.

How do you manage to overcome language and cultural differences working in an international team?

The main contractor of the project I work for is a Turkish company, so most of the people working here are Turks. Senegalese people speak mainly the local language called Wolof and French. And French is not a very popular language among Turkish people. So sometimes it can be difficult to find a common language with people. Despite cultural differences, everyone works in harmony, works very efficiently, and together we are building the most powerful power plant in Senegal.

What inspires you most about the project?

In fact, there are several positive aspects of working on such a project. Getting to know different people from the country where I have never been before. I like that a lot. But the most important thing is that after a busy, hard day, even though you're working a very intense schedule, it's very nice to feel that you have contributed to the energy transition in the world, as well as contributing to the development of the region. Senegal certainly deserves more.

When this project is fully completed, a quarter of the available power will be produced by this particular power plant. The more available power, the better industry will develop, which means development of the country, development of society, more employment opportunities for people. And all this will have an overall positive impact on people's lives. In addition, it will be one of the most powerful power plants in West Africa and will become a case study for other countries.

What are your impressions of studying in Russia?

I like Russia a lot. I call it my second home. I still remember the time I spent in Russia with joy. I have very good memories of my classes, teachers, classmates.

In two years of studying at Politech, I found real friends. I still communicate with many of my classmates. When I go to Ankara in Turkey for vacations they come to visit me, thankfully. I also still keep in touch with classmates from Rwanda, Iran. I am glad to see their successes in the energy sector.

Who are some of your favorite teachers?

The best teacher I can easily put forward, the legendary Professor Ekaterina Kitanina. I take pride in studying in her classes, and writing my master's thesis under her supervision. I also remember the legendary Natalia Agafonova. Her class was unprecedented, her skills, her attitude was unmatched. I learned a lot of things from her with due respect to her glorious memory.

What subjects did you find most relevant to your career?

I studied a lot of great subjects, they really help you understand the theoretical basis of the equipment you will be working on daily basis. I really liked the classes taught by Ekaterina Kitanina - Numerical Methods, Thermohydraulics. Natalia Agafonova's course on modeling processes in steam generation was one of my favorite courses. The course on thermal power plants by Irina Anikina was useful and still is useful to understand the principles of a thermal power plant.

One more thing: the rather intensive schedule at the Institute of Energy taught me to prioritize my work, to adjust my schedule to meet deadlines. This is a very useful skill when you start working as a professional in a company.

What challenges have you faced during your graduate studies?

If we talk about difficulties, they are mostly related to my studies, to the courses I took. But the longer you study, the more you cooperate with other people, other students, and overcome difficulties.

The main problem was the Russian language. Unlike many of my friends from the institute, I did not study at the preparatory department. And without it, without a minimum knowledge of Russian, especially at the beginning of my master's studies, it was not easy. It was not easy to cope with everyday life, to interact with people. But I continued to study on my own. And over time it became easier and much more enjoyable.

What did you like most about St. Petersburg??

St. Petersburg is a popular tourist city, but I mostly like the places that are a bit further away from the sights - simple quiet green so-called “ sleeping districts” around the Politech campus, Sosnovka Park, Forestry Academy Park, Politech Park, Rzhevsky Park and many others. I really miss the greenery outside the window when you just get on an train and go to the nearest lakes - for example, to Kavgolovo. St. Petersburg reminds me of my hometown Ankara. Of course, Istanbul is the most popular city in Turkey, but life in Ankara is more modest, calm, comfortable. I think the same about Moscow and St. Petersburg. It seems to me that Saint Petersburg is much more comfortable to live in, it is quieter, calmer, cozier and more beautiful.

How do you see your future in the energy sector? 

Actually, I've been right now very happy with working with turbines. I'd like to work in one of the OEM manufacturers, for General Electric. Also, I'd like to continue my career working abroad.

Egemen, thank you very much for your time and sharing your interesting story. We wish you further success in your career, fulfillment of all your professional plans and happiness!