Oct 13, 2023
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to us about your experience in EIPGRID. Let’s start with a short introduction.
My name is Doniyor, I am a 28 year old guy from Uzbekistan, and I’ve been living in Seoul for about 8 years now. I graduated from HUFS, and during my studies I worked as an assistant to research professor and secretary general as a chief coordinator for a year before moving to EIPGRID in 2020 as a Business Development Manager.
It seems you adjusted to Korean life well as you decided to stay after graduation. What brought you to EIP in the first place?
While I was working for the university, I was thinking about growing professionally and finding a bigger opportunity which motivated me to look for a job in a Korean company. I found interesting opportunities and while I got several offers, EIPGRID was a company operating in the energy domain, focusing on digitalization and renewable energy, an industry quite new to me. As the world is transitioning toward renewable energy, I knew that I didn’t want to miss an opportunity to gain valuable experience in this market and decided to get into the energy field for the long run.
When you hear “energy”, you think?
Hmm, "Energy?" I think, not only power generation but also the driving force behind every human, progress and innovation. Everything is energy.
For our readers wondering about how it looks like working for a Korean company as a foreigner, would you share about your typical workday in EIPGRID?
When I arrive at the office, my first tasks of the day are usually some routine tasks from my existing projects, which is monitoring and analyzing the energy operation of my accounts from the previous day. If there are any potential errors or anomalies, I start troubleshooting them with the team. Then throughout the day I work on project documentation and have meetings with partners/clients regarding the existing projects or new business opportunities. I am the most energized during those meetings because we discuss ideas on how we can win a project or make it done, share our takes on the proposal and then take action. And lastly, in business development research is crucial - so I dedicate a big chunk of my time doing market research and making plans for new business and partnership opportunities.
Wow, that seems like a very hectic schedule! Could you summarize all that in just 3 words?
Innovation, Collaboration, Growth.
You are in charge of the Asian market. What is unique about this market compared to the rest of the world?
Participation in the energy market is quite a new concept in Asia. I would say that it’s an emerging market as most countries are currently just trying out the Demand Response, and are making plans to expand the market to Distributed Energy Resource Management and Virtual Power Plant, where all of the resources can be interconnected for various benefits for both the grid and end-users.
And what would be the biggest challenge of your role?
That would be navigating the challenges of the energy industry, especially in the context of rapid technological advancements and shifting market dynamics. It requires staying ahead of trends and adapting quickly, so constant market research and analysis is needed.
You worked as a business developer for 3 years now - in your opinion, what makes a good business developer in your opinion?
In business development there is a lot of communication, so you need to have strong interpersonal skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to identify and seize opportunities. Deeply understanding the industry is also crucial, but nothing tops good communication in this job.
Have you always known that you wanted to do business? What did you want to become when you were little?
Not business necessarily, but I always knew I wanted to be a leader, whether it is in the company or government.
I’m getting a feeling I’m talking to a future president of Uzbekistan…
Maybe you are!
Ok, Mr.President. What do you think is the best part of being a Business Developer?
Creating existing opportunities and playing a crucial role in forming new partnerships, which is honestly a constant challenge in this job, but also a huge motivation to learn and grow as an individual. If you’re someone who likes excitement of whether you will close the deal or not, or if you like winning in general, then this job is for you.
Are all of your projects this cool mix of excitement and challenge? Tell us about a project you’re working on at the moment that keeps you energized?
It's exciting to be part of a team that's making a positive impact on the environment through renewable energy technologies. One of these projects is currently under operation in Malaysia with a local utility. We connected distributed energy resources and operated them with our special AI algorithm to maximize the incentives for participants and benefits for the grid. Another project worth mentioning is the commercial operation in Thailand, where we designed a system for the local distributor that operates 3,000 participants with 45 MW installed capacity that achieves optimum energy consumption reduction goals for grid balancing.
While being so busy with your work, what are some productivity tricks that help you stay focused?
I usually prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance so I could focus on what matters in the short/mid/long term. And a coffee in the morning is a must.
What is the best part of working in EIP?
The best part of working at EIPGRID is the work atmosphere and the flexible company culture. Not to mention the fact that we're a community energy service provider, and it feels amazing to be a part of something bigger than business - we provide a meaningful service to the world. We also have many benefits and perks in the company - my favorite one is the napping area and in-house massage service. This helps everyone relax and refresh mid-work.
3 things you can’t work without?
I’m always glued to my laptop, cellphone, and most importantly, reliable internet - as most of my communications are with clients and partners scattered across Asia.
What would you say to people interested in applying for EIP?
Eagerness to learn and grow is important in EIPGRID. This is a company where you have a lot of freedom, but it comes with responsibility. And to people just starting their career, be ready for the challenge and embrace the learning process - nothing helps you grow more than dealing with the unknown. And lastly, never underestimate the power of networking and collaboration. Best of luck to those interested in working with EIPGRID while pursuing a career in this exciting field.
You came all the way from Uzbekistan and we are lucky to have you here in EIP. Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Doniyor!
The pleasure is all mine.