I graduated from Swansea University in 2019 with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
I chose to work in the oil and gas industry and more specifically for Perenco, as the oil and gas industry has historically been accepted as a high risk industry where the highest engineering standards are upheld to ensure a safe and sustainable working environment. Furthermore, Perenco often look for new approaches to solving existing problems, offering the opportunity to work with alternative or developing technologies and techniques. This has never been more true than with Perenco’s recent announcement of Perenco Carbon Capture and Storage.
I commenced my Graduate programme in 2019 in Perenco’s Integrity Department. While there, I assisted in the ongoing Integrity management of the numerous on and offshore facilities operated by Perenco, with a focus on corrosion, materials and pipelines. A highlight of this period included acting as the company representative on subsea ROV support vessels, ensuring work scopes are carried out as planned, on time and within budget. Following my time in the Integrity department, I joined the Process Safety Team where I was able to apply some of the knowledge gained in my favourite university module, Safety and Loss Prevention, helping to support the ongoing safe operation of Perenco’s UK assets.
Upon completion of the Perenco Graduate programme, I became a fully-fledged member of the Process Safety Team. In this role at Perenco, every day continues to be a learning opportunity with opportunities to manage, participate in and at times lead safety studies, as well as providing technically sound engineered solutions to risk gaps and supporting the ongoing improvement of process safety within the organisation. While many aspects of Process Safety can be addressed from a desk, there is no substitute for boots on the ground and this being the case, regular visits to both on and offshore facilities help to maintain a practical understanding of Process Safety.
One of the best things about working for Perenco as an organisation, is that it is big enough to offer a wide range of opportunities and real scope for career progression, while also being agile, allowing an individual to make a significant positive impact and drive positive change. Above all else, I would encourage a new graduate entering the business to ask questions! You will be surrounded by people who are more than happy to share their experience and anecdotes, so make the most of your time as a graduate and learn from those around you.
