Kirill Isakov, Business Development Specialist and Senior Reservoir Engineer at OPC, recently attended Energy Club WA’s Next Generation school careers program to offer his expert career advice to students at Northam Senior High School.
Joined by John McKelvie, Principal Consultant at JMPO Consulting Pty Ltd, and Carrie McIntosh, Lead Environmental Consultant at Xodus Group, Kirill shared his personal career journey and offered insights into navigating the professional world.
During the presentation, Kirill shared five key skills he believes will serve students well in the future:
The power of adaptability.
One of the most important points he made was that careers are rarely linear.
“Whether it’s relocating to a new city, changing industries, or even moving countries, adaptability is crucial. Life will present you with opportunities that may not fit into your original plans, and being open to these changes can often lead to the most rewarding experiences.”
Lifelong learning.
Another key theme he emphasized was that learning doesn’t end after school.
“Whether it’s picking up new skills on the job or pursuing further education, staying curious and continuously expanding your knowledge is essential for success in any field. In an industry like energy, where technology and practices are constantly evolving, keeping your knowledge up to date is critical.”
Focus on skill building early.
“It’s really important to focus on skills development in the early stages of your career. The first decade of professional life is the time to learn from experienced mentors and immerse yourself in your chosen field.”
Strategy beyond planning.
“When discussing strategy, I wanted the students to understand that strategy isn’t just about having a plan. It’s about cultivating the right skills, mindset, and personal qualities to navigate life’s unpredictability. Successful strategies adapt to change and equip you with the tools to thrive, no matter the challenges.”
Networking: The key to long-term success.
“Finally, I spoke about the importance of building and nurturing professional relationships. Networking has been key in my own journey, and I wanted the students to understand that success is often a collective effort. Establishing and maintaining connections can open doors, provide guidance, and offer support throughout your career.”
Educating about Energy
Kirill joined OPC earlier this year and brings over 13 years experience in engineering, management, and technical product development.
After the event, he said:
“It was a true pleasure to share my career journey with the students at Northam Senior High School, alongside my Energy Club WA colleagues. I’m thankful for the opportunity to speak to the students, hoping to inspire and motivate them in their future career pursuits, possibly even in the energy industry.
What I realized during this volunteering is that we are genuinely needed. Young people often don’t fully understand how essential energy production and transportation are for our daily lives. We are truly helping them understand this.
I believe it’s our duty to continuously expand the list of schools we work with – this is incredibly important.”
To find out more about the Energy Club, click here.
Connect with Kirill on LinkedIn
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