A sharp turn in his life was made by the finalist of the IEK Electricians Championship 2024, Rinat Badyrtenov, suddenly leaving the job he had devoted many years to. He changed his profession and became an electrical installer. About his experience, Rinat told us specifically for our blog.
By first education, Rinat is an electrician. By second — a railway construction engineer, graduated from the Ural State University of Railway Transport. He worked at the "Uralzheldorproekt" design and survey institute in the track and stations department, executing orders from Russian Railways for the design of railway track capital repairs. He started there immediately after receiving his diploma and worked for 19 years.
"In childhood, many dream of a toy railway, in youth — of the romance of steel highways. That's probably how it turned out for me," — explains Rinat Badyrtenov why he didn't immediately go to work in his first field.
But everything ends sometime, and after years of working in one place, he felt — it was time to change something. While pondering this thought, circumstances developed in such a way that he had to leave the institute "into nowhere." Now he recalls that without the help and support of his relatives, he wouldn't have managed.
"I left without finding myself a new job, without creating a safety net," — says Rinat.
His relatives suggested where to move next: his parents were building a house at that time and, remembering Rinat's first education, suggested he do the electrical work.
So began his career as an electrical installer. After leaving the design institute, Rinat Badyrtenov posted advertisements for his services on job search websites and social networks. Along the way, he met Alexey Polomoshnov, the head of the Yekaterinburg Union of Electrical Installers. He found a large number of orders precisely with his help, for which he is grateful.
"I never refused any work, took on everything, as I felt the support of the Union of Electrical Installers and experienced colleagues behind me, knew that I wouldn't be abandoned in a difficult situation and they would help solve any questions related to electricity," — says Rinat. "I tried not to miss events organized by the Union, electrical companies, and suppliers to make new acquaintances and improve my education level."
Gradually, he gained experience, earned a reputation in professional circles and among clients, and now gets sincere pleasure from what he does.
"I completely devote myself to work and put my soul into it. I see the effect: clients are satisfied, appreciate my work and its result. That's the most important thing," — says Rinat.
Over time, Rinat Badyrtenov developed his own approach to electrical installation. He loves order and neatness in everything, so each of his projects is not only functional but also aesthetic — wire to wire.
Currently, Rinat is mastering a new competency — he manages electrical installation work at his brother's construction firm. He admits that after assembling electrical panels in apartments and houses, at first it was a bit scary to implement power supply projects at large industrial facilities, but thanks to the experience of colleagues, a responsible approach to work, discipline, and his brother's support, he overcame his doubts and, as usual, is not going to refuse work.
"Since I quit and started moving in a different direction, life has become colorful. Diverse work, constant movement, new acquaintances, I never would have thought that life could be so interesting," — shares Rinat Badyrtenov.
The events organized by electrical companies, including IEK GROUP, also add variety. This is an excellent opportunity to get vivid emotions and impressions, useful knowledge, and make acquaintances.
For those who also want to change jobs and master a new field, Rinat advises not to be afraid and to dare. But he reminds: besides determination, an electrical installer (and, indeed, a representative of any profession) needs discipline, self-organization, diligence, honesty, and responsibility for success.
And also, the support of loved ones is of huge importance.
"Thanks to the support of my family and colleagues from the Union of Electrical Installers, I am now where I am," — says Rinat Badyrtenov.
It's already the fourth year he has been engaged in electrical installation work. Plans for the future — to continue developing his brother's business with him, master new competencies, not stop, and move forward.