Authors: Michelle Unger, Daniel Schneke
Building Careers, Bridging Generations and Embracing the Future: Competence Development in the Pipeline Industry
Competence development is at the heart of a thriving pipeline industry, shaping professionals from junior graduates to senior executives. Michelle Unger, founder of ROSEN’s Competence Club, has dedicated her career to advancing learning and career growth in this dynamic sector. Today, she interviews Daniel Schneke, who, having worked across different countries and disciplines, brings a unique perspective on how professionals can future-proof their skills, navigate cross-generational and cross-cultural challenges, and leverage AI-driven innovations. In this conversation, Daniel shares insights on career growth, leadership, and the evolving role of competence development in shaping the industry’s future.
Competence development and lifelong learning
Michelle Unger: You have experienced different roles in different countries. How has competence development played a role in your career growth, and what advice would you give to young professionals looking to build strong, future-proof skills in the pipeline industry?
Daniel Schneke: Competence development has been a focus for me from day one, and learning from the ground up has helped me connect theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Working across different countries and disciplines has broadened my perspective and shown me that technical expertise is only one piece of the puzzle. Adaptability, problem-solving, and continuous learning are critical in this industry.
One of the most important aspects of my journey has been developing strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to not only different teams but also to different cultures.
For young professionals, I advise adopting a lifelong learning mindset. Stay curious, seek opportunities for cross-disciplinary exposure, and invest in both technical and soft skills. The industry is becoming increasingly data-driven, so knowledge like data analytics, digital tools, and integrity assessments will be highly valuable.
The pipeline industry is a close-knit community. Building strong relationships and engaging with peers can lead to lifelong connections that span the globe. These relationships create learning opportunities and open doors for career growth and expertise development.
Generational perspectives on career growth
Michelle: The pipeline industry is evolving, and new generations bring fresh perspectives. How do you see differences in how younger and older generations approach competence development, and how can we bridge these perspectives for a stronger industry?
Daniel: There are apparent differences in how different generations approach career growth. The older generation values experience, long-term learning, and hands-on exposure, while younger professionals often seek accelerated development, leveraging digital resources and networking opportunities. Neither approach is wrong; finding ways to bridge these perspectives matters.
Mentorship programs can be a powerful way to connect generations. While experienced professionals offer industry wisdom and practical insights, younger engineers bring fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and innovative thinking.
Today’s primary concern is that the older generation developed much of the industry’s core methodologies and best practices. The younger generation is often judged to have limited exposure to fundamentals, practical skills, and, most importantly, problem-solving experience. However, making mistakes and learning from them is critical to competence development.
By fostering a culture of mutual learning, we can ensure that the industry continues to evolve without losing the foundational knowledge that has kept pipelines operating safely for decades. The key will be implementing diverse approaches for retaining and sharing knowledge between generations.
The role of AI and digital tools in pipeline careers
With the rise of AI and generative tools, some technical knowledge is being supplemented – or even replaced – by digital solutions. How do you see the role of human competence evolving in the industry, and how can professionals stay relevant in this changing landscape?
AI and digital tools are transforming how we assess and manage pipeline integrity, but they do not replace human competence but enhance it. Advanced analytics, machine learning, and digital twins can process vast amounts of data, but engineers still must interpret results, make informed decisions, and apply domain expertise. To stay relevant, professionals should embrace these tools rather than fear them. Developing data interpretation, automation, and digital workflow skills will be crucial. At the same time, fundamental engineering knowledge, critical thinking, and field experience remain irreplaceable. The most successful professionals will be those who integrate traditional expertise with emerging technologies.
Multicultural and cross-national work environments
Michelle: Having worked across different countries and cultures, what challenges and opportunities have you faced in adapting to other ways of working? What competencies are essential for professionals in a globalized pipeline industry?
Daniel: Working across different countries has taught me that technical solutions alone do not drive success. Understanding cultural nuances, communication styles, and regional differences, including regulations, is just as important.
One of the biggest challenges is adapting to different decision-making processes. Some cultures prioritize consensus, while others favor quick execution. In some regions, people are direct and upfront with their opinions, while in others, they prefer to maintain neutrality until a deeper rapport is established.
To thrive in a globalized industry, professionals need strong cross-cultural communication skills, adaptability, and openness. The ability to collaborate across time zones and regulatory environments is also essential. Empathy and active listening go a long way in building trust and ensuring effective teamwork across borders.
Public perception and industry attraction
Michelle: The pipeline industry sometimes struggles with public perception, particularly among younger generations. What can be done to make the industry more attractive to new talent, and how does competence development play a role in changing the narrative?
Daniel: The pipeline industry plays a critical role in global energy security and infrastructure, yet younger generations do not always perceive it as innovative or sustainable. To attract new talent, we need to highlight the industry’s advancements in safety, digitalization, and its role in the energy transition, including future-oriented approaches that align with the expectations of forward-thinking generations.
Competence development plays a key role in shaping this narrative. We should showcase the diverse career paths from engineering and data science to regulatory compliance and environmental management. Promoting skill development opportunities, leadership pathways, and real-world impact stories will help position the industry as an exciting and forward-thinking field.
Pipelines remain the most efficient way to transport energy from point A to point B, and they will continue to be critical for the foreseeable future. There will always be debates and discussions about the industry’s role, but open engagement and developing the right skill sets will be essential for the future.
Leadership and career transitions
Michelle: You have moved from operational roles into leadership. What key skills helped you make this transition, and what advice would you give those aspiring to take on leadership roles in the pipeline sector?
Daniel: Transitioning into leadership required a shift from technical execution to strategic thinking and a stronger focus on team development. The most important skills I developed were decision-making under uncertainty and pressure, stakeholder management, and creating opportunities for my team wherever possible.
I was extremely fortunate to learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry, many of whom helped build the pipeline inspection and asset integrity management sector from the ground up. From day one, these individuals shared everything they knew and provided me with opportunities to grow. A high-performance team mindset has always been the biggest contributor to my career growth and the success of others in the industry.
For those aspiring to leadership roles, I advise developing strong communication skills and the ability to influence and inspire others. Leadership is not just about expertise. It is about enabling teams to perform at their best. Seek mentorship from experienced professionals, take on responsibilities beyond your core role, and always be hungry and open to learning from those around you.