Success stories often start with a vision and a relentless pursuit of one’s passion. Frane Ćalušić‘s journey from mechanical engineering to his current role as a Development Engineer at IMI Hydronic Engineering is a testament to his dedication and determination. In this article, we delve into his career trajectory, experiences, and aspirations. And all of that as part of the BTS stories powered by StorsenDigital.
Frane’s career in the world of engineering took root during his college years when he began his professional journey at Tromont, a company that offered him his first taste of the engineering industry beyond textbooks and lectures. Working closely with the assembly manager, he acquired fundamental knowledge about production processes and the intricacies of engineering in a real-world setting.
After completing his college education, Frane paused to focus on defending his master’s thesis. This brief hiatus allowed him to consolidate his academic accomplishments before embarking on a job search in Zagreb, Croatia. It was in Zagreb that he crossed paths with Yazaki Europe Limited, a company specializing in automotive connectors design and production. Over the course of approximately 1 year and 7 months at Yazaki, Frane immersed himself in the world of automotive connectors and plastics, working alongside colleagues and team leaders who were true experts in their field. This experience was instrumental in laying the foundation for his future successes.
Frane’s journey took an exciting turn when he received a message on LinkedIn from a recruiter, inviting him to apply for a position at IMI Hydronic Engineering. The job description immediately captured his attention, promising an opportunity to explore a new field that aligned with his Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) knowledge acquired during his college years using Ansys.
Evolution of Skills
Frane’s professional evolution is a testament to his adaptability and commitment to continuous improvement. His proficiency in 3D modeling and programming has grown steadily over the years. While he dabbled in 3D modeling during his college coursework, it was at Yazaki Europe Limited that his skills truly flourished. Working on intricate and minuscule connectors with complex geometries honed his 3D modeling skills and prepared him for the challenges that lay ahead.
In terms of programming, Frane’s journey began in high school but didn’t initially ignite his passion. It wasn’t until his second year of college that he rediscovered programming. His curiosity led him to Python, a programming language renowned for its accessibility and straightforward syntax, especially for beginners. Through small projects, online courses, and dedication, Frane honed his programming abilities, laying a strong foundation for his current role.
Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Changing Field
In the ever-evolving landscape of IT and engineering, staying updated with the latest technological advancements and best practices is paramount. Frane keeps his knowledge fresh by regularly reading relevant blogs and publications, actively participating in online communities like GitHub and Stack Overflow, and engaging in personal projects that challenge him to apply his expertise.
He acknowledges that continuous learning is not just a personal goal but also a value upheld by his current employer, IMI Hydronic Engineering.
Professional Development
While Frane didn’t enroll in formal 3D modeling courses, his practical experience served as a robust teacher. For programming, he invested in courses like “100 Days of Python” on Udemy and enrolled in an Algebra Python Developer course. However, the bulk of his programming expertise came from hands-on project work.
Future Opportunities and Challenges
As a Development Engineer, Frane sees the convergence of mechanical engineering and information technology as the catalyst for shaping the future of the industry. This amalgamation opens up exciting opportunities for making systems smarter and more efficient, utilizing data for predictive maintenance, testing designs in the virtual realm, and employing automation for various tasks. However, this fusion also presents the challenge of bridging the gap between two distinct skill sets while ensuring the security of systems against cyber threats.
Mentoring and Guiding the Next Generation
Frane’s approach to mentoring less experienced engineers revolves around allowing them to explore their interests, fostering a culture of continuous learning, setting clear career milestones, and emphasizing the development of soft skills such as communication and teamwork.
Long-Term Aspirations
Frane’s career goals are a reflection of his commitment to growth. He aims to continue evolving as an engineer, staying abreast of the latest technologies, including AI. Eventually, as he accumulates more experience, he aspires to delve into management, honing leadership and financial skills.
Frane Ćalušić’s journey is a testament to the potential that lies within the realm of engineering and the power of continuous learning. As he navigates the ever-changing landscape of technology and industry, his story serves as an inspiration for those aspiring to forge their own paths to success. His dedication, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of knowledge are the building blocks of a promising career that holds the potential to shape the future of engineering and IT.
