“It is good to be flexible - sometimes career opportunities are presented to you and you’re unsure of what will happen in the future,” says Ali Parvizi, Traction Sales Manager for ABB Motion in Australia and New Zealand. “But by taking a calculated risk, you can gain a very interesting and rewarding experience.” Ali is sharing these thoughts based on his own first-hand journey where he took a risk and moved his entire life for his career!
After studying mechanical engineering and earning his PhD from the University of Tehran in Iran, Ali worked as an assistant professor and the Head of Design and Development at a large industrial group. His experience working with trains and rail vehicles has made him an expert in the field. He’s been able to combine his teaching and industry experience to win over some influential customers and those that are typically tough to break through.
Ali’s expertise also gave him the opportunity to make a significant life change – he relocated from Iran to Australia in 2018. While the transition was challenging at first, he appreciates the support he received from ABB. “ABB helped me a lot while getting started in a new country,” he reflects. “I have a supportive manager who has given me a lot of career opportunities and room to embark on new initiatives to develop the Traction business here, whilst working hand-in-hand with the customers.”
When asked what stands out about ABB, he points to the technology and the talented workforce. “Every couple of months, we receive a new tech innovation or development that we can share with customers. One of the projects that I am working on at the moment involves the first-time development of such a revolutionary solution – not only in ABB but also in the world. It’s going to help deliver more energy efficient operations in the rail and mining sector.” Ali has recognized the positive influences that can be achieved by approaching his work with a powerful synergy between technology and talented people. Together, these are the things that help ABB deliver the best solutions to meet each customer’s individual needs.
“ABB enables a continuous opportunity to try new roles, take on new responsibilities, meet colleagues from different countries, and learn about cultures of the world. If you’re the type of person who is always driven to learn new things, ABB really fosters that desire and actually, rewards it. I believe this is an immense added value of working at a truly global company,” says Ali.