Alison Ball MEng Mechanical Engineering/European Studies, 2000

Project Procurement Manager; Saipem

Hi, I'm Alison Ball and I studied MEng Mechanical Engineering/European Studies within Engineering and the Environment at the University of Southampton.

I chose the MEng Euro degree at Southampton because I was looking for a good, broad-based engineering degree with an international angle, and that was exactly what I got.

What do you do?

I manage a team of 15 people on a supply chain service contract for a client called Sonangol P&P (Angolan National Oil Operator). I give operational support to the team, create and implement new work methods, track performance and interact with the client to cater for their needs.

What's the best part of your job?

On a Friday morning there is always a crisis to get your adrenaline pumping. The contacts and relations I have made over the years are also a highlight. Oil and gas is not an easy sector, especially for a woman, but if you do your work right you get respect and recognition – some of my clients refuse to speak to my other colleagues, only wanting 'Alison'.

Why did you go into this career?

It was by accident; it started as a temping job. But six years later I am still here and still enjoying it due to the broad scope and the engineering and commercial contexts.

What is your education/experience?

Up to age of 16 : GCSE, Sutton Girls Grammar School. After 16 : A levels, Bishop Vesey's Grammar School: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, French and General Studies

Any advice on getting the first job?

As I had been doing Erasmus in France, I thought I would look at getting a job there as I had always wanted to work internationally. In 2000, business was booming, so I applied online for a few jobs and got snatched up by a French consultant company where I mainly did work for Renault.

Why did you choose Southampton?

I chose the MEng Euro degree at Southampton because I was looking for a good, broad-based engineering degree with an international angle, and that was exactly what I got.

What was the best part about studying at Southampton?

The best parts were the team-based projects where we got to put all the theory into practice and saw the wider aspects of engineering. And, of course, the year in France: during this time I learned more French, how to live in a foreign country and how to make the most of every opportunity.

What is your advice to potential students?

Always keep an open mind. Be professional in whatever you do and whoever you are talking to. This is a really small world. You can meet up with people you met many years ago who can offer opportunities if you gave them the right impression at the time. Have ambition and know what you want. No one is interested in someone who doesn't have positive ideas about their future.

What are your hobbies?

Golf, cooking