Gaining industry experience
During his time at ExxonMobil’s Fawley Refinery, Oliver was able to experience first-hand what working as an engineer in industry is really like.
His role involved performing various data analysis jobs for the supply team. He gained experience in using a range of programmes including Aspen Orion, Aspen PIMS, Aveva Pro2 and Aveva Spiral, as well as realising how powerful Microsoft Excel is as a tool.
One of his jobs was determining the quantity of sulphur the facility would produce each day by comparing short range estimates of company sulphur production with real production numbers. Using the information, he would schedule lorries to arrive over the course of the week to remove sulphur from the site.
This role gave me the opportunity to understand the scheduling role alongside a typical analysis role. It taught me the value of strong communication and good teamwork, along with statistical analysis methods.
I have taken all of this back to the University, and I am sure it will continue to serve me well for my future career.
Oliver, MEng Chemical Engineering with Industrial Placement
Another benefit of a paid placement was it allowed him to generate money for his tuition fees.
Studying at Southampton
Oliver chose to study Chemical Engineering at Southampton because of the University’s strong and prestigious reputation and the development of its new chemical engineering programme.
He said: “As a Southampton student we have access to modern teaching and laboratory facilities including the new chemical engineering labs. Also, the lecturers are all very helpful and exceedingly knowledgeable in their fields. Hartley Library offers a great study space for both group work and individual work.”
He cites the group design project as an excellent opportunity to practise and experience teamworking and leadership.
He said: “I played a more active role in leading the team, using experience that I gained in my placement to understand what good leadership looked like.”
Growing as a person
Oliver credits his time at Southampton with significantly broadening and and deepening his understanding of chemical engineering.
My research skills have significantly improved, and since my placement year I have gained additional confidence and key insights into teamworking and leadership.
Looking ahead
After graduating, Oliver hopes to further explore research before deciding between academia and industry.
He said: “I want to gain knowledge of what research is like during a summer placement before deciding whether to pursue a PhD or work in industry in an entry role like a contact engineer.”
Oliver’s advice for new students
Oliver encourages new students to get used to writing reports and be aware of deadlines so there isn’t too significant a ‘crunch’ just before work is due.
He said: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions after a lecture and if you have any worries speak with your Personal Academic Tutor. If you can, speak to people face to face or call them rather than email or text. It helps you better align objectives and create clarity.”
