Forbes 30 under 30, started in 2011, lists talents, game changer, innovators, entertainers, influencer, etc of each year by Forbes Magazine. The list covers youths from various industries like education, business, social entrepreneurship and more. Till now the nominations have reached more than 15,000. In the beginning the list was inspired by young entrepreneurs making big bucks mostly in technique industries. Forbes 30 under 30 is becoming an inspiring group for many youths around the world. It’s building a great network where different personalities can connect and inspire each other. Also Forbes 30 under 30 summit has become one of the unique and exciting programs offering motivational talks from leaders. Following this nominees can help you to understand the profession you are in better and encourages you towards success.
Around a month ago Forbes listed 2017’s 30 under 30 . As everybody can imagine, it’s a thrilling honor to be listed on it. I recently caught up with “Karan Jerath” who got listed on Forbes 30 under 30. Here are some of the lessons we all should learn from him if you are looking to do something revolutionary and also to get into the list next year.
1. When and How did you know that you are passionate on oil and gas industries?
Through my participation in Science Fairs at the local, district, regional, state, and international levels, I have been able to discover my passion for the petroleum engineering industry. My experiments have dealt with cleaning up oil spills in the sub sea environment. My device separates the three phases of oil, water, and gas into homogeneous flow streams at the source of the spill. The Science Fairs in which I have participated have enhanced my creativity by motivating me to present different and ingenious approaches to solve critical issues that the world faces today. Through these experiences, I have understood the power of research and the critical role it plays in developing large-scale projects. My achievements within the various Science Fairs inspires me to continue to strive for change. I want to impact the world by making the field more efficient, more environmentally conscious, and more economically proactive.
2. What is the biggest challenge you come across, and how did you handle mentally through it?
I always thought that moving from a big vibrant city like Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, my home for 11 years, to a smaller city like Friendswood, Texas would be the greatest challenge I would have to overcome. Instead, my experiences in Malaysia and my move across the world have served as a way for me to look back and regain my confidence during times of stress and uncertainty. It especially prepared me for the biggest challenges I faced through my science fair project. Hitting dead ends occurred on a daily basis to the point where giving up on pursuing the project nearly became a reality. From not being able to develop a feasible design after multiple attempts to having to restart experimentation after inputting faulty data, it was exhausting. Looking back, my experiences in Malaysia helped me because I was exposed to different ideas, people from all over the world, and differing opinions. I had to learn to adapt in every possible situation. After moving across the world and having to adjust to a new environment like Texas, I knew that it was a strength and not a weakness. My device was extremely challenging and I spent countless hours trying to perfect it as I adapted to these challenges. I had to log the time I spent on the whole project over two years and in the end, it was approximately 800 hours. I was determined to make a change and to face the challenge by using my skills and in the end, it taught me that even at this young age, my ideas are taken seriously and can be successful! It truly was a humbling experience.
3. How do you feel being the youngest member of Forbes under 30 list in the energy and resource category?Have this title provided you any new opportunities?
The Forbes recognition is a huge honor for me. I am very humbled by it. It strengthens what I learned from Intel ISEF- good ideas are encouraged no matter how old you are. It gives me the confidence to continue working hard and following through with my invention. Being the youngest member in the energy category truly makes me believe that young people can make a difference and that nothing is impossible. The recognition has opened so many new doors. Since then, I have become a United Nations Young Leader for the Sustainable Development Goals. Along with that, I have been given opportunities to speak about my experiences at conferences and opportunities to promote STEM. It has been a truly rewarding experience overall.
4. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
You need to be imaginative, persistent, and inquisitive.
5. What do you advice to the youth experiencing failure in their work and have not been able to find their passion yet?
Take what you’ve learned up until now and build on it. At a young age, even without a degree to your name or professional experience, you can change the world. Don’t believe anyone who tells you that that is impossible. You just have to keep moving forward until you accomplish your goals and keep pushing through the roadblocks you will come across. Look forward with an optimistic approach and challenge yourself to apply your ideas in ways that can impact the world. Don’t be discouraged by any setbacks – they happen to everyone. I know from experience. I realized that if you want to help change the world, it does not matter how old you are or if your idea is big or small. As long as you allow it to become a reality, the world will sit up and notice it.
