- Location: Victoria, Australia
- Studied: Bachelor of Chemical Engineering & Bachelor of Commerce
- Where: The University of Melbourne
- Placement Date(s): December 2004 – February 2005
Why did you choose to do a Placement with Shell?
I was attracted by Shell’s strong global reputation and the opportunity of using the classic application of chemical engineering skills in a petroleum refinery. I saw the Shell vacation work program as providing the ideal opportunity to gain real engineering work experience from the hands-on nature of the 12 week individual project.
How would you describe your role at Shell?
My placement with Shell was in the Technology Department at the Geelong Refinery. I was given an individual project to investigate the overall refinery hydrogen balance and had full responsibility for its direction. Liaising with technologists, process engineers, lab technicians and operators was an essential part of my project.
What were some of the challenges you faced in your Placement?
Being my first experience in an engineering role, my placement presented a number of challenges. Learning the different units of operation in a refinery and realizing quickly that unlike in the classroom the real life situation doesn’t always provide all the necessary textbook information and data were merely a few of these challenges – however, these merely provided a more exciting and rewarding time!
Was the experience what you hoped it would be?
Everything and more. After years of theoretical work at University it was exciting to see the industrial application of these theories and units of operation so often seen in textbooks. It was rewarding to be part of a fun, supportive team dynamic and to make a real contribution to Shell on a specific project where the outcomes mattered.
Has your placement changed your view of Shell?
My placement reinforced my existing views of Shell. Vacation work allowed me to gain a greater appreciation of Shell’s commitment to employees and the wider community and the global opportunities available to build and develop a fun and exciting career.
