APIM Chemical Engineering Undergradue Review

My day-to-day role involved completing calculations to support processes and better understand equipment operational limits as well as ensuring compliance to certain standards/practices. Conducting plant trials in zoned areas to better understand equipment and update documents with relevant information. Participation in Process Safety meetings. Liaising with vendors to obtain a design quote and cost estimation of equipment. Interacting with complex technical drawings such as P&IDs and General Arrangement drawings to aid progression of projects.

I have learnt the importance of Process Safety in a manufacturing environment. Witnessing it in such an environment has shown me how many practices and standards are driven by the need to do things safely, whilst mitigating any potential hazards and risks. I have acquired the experience of working within a Pharmaceutical environment as well as the knowledge of practices and standards like cGMP, ATEX, Hazardous Area Classifications, COSHH, DSEAR etc.

I was responsible for quite a few of the projects that I worked on. I was tasked with managing the evolving nature of my projects and progressing them to the point of completion, where possible. This allowed me to manage my workload effectively and have autonomy over the projects/tasked that I worked on. Having responsibility also encouraged me to reach out to and liaise with other colleagues who could help facilitate project progression.

As a student, I was not expected to know everything so I was fully supported and encouraged to ask questions and learn. There was a lot of training to complete in my first few weeks which helped to learn and understand certain practices and standards that needed to be adhered to. I received plenty of support from my manager and was able to reach out to other colleagues for guidance, whenever I needed it.

I really enjoyed the company culture as people were very approachable and willing to provide help. It is expected that you work on projects/tasks but there was a massive emphasis on work-life balance, mental/physical wellbeing and flexible working. This allowed me to find a healthy balance between completing project work, but also taking a break when I needed to.

I appreciate the industry experience I gained from the placement and the many opportunities I had to lead on projects. It has enriched my ability to manage multiple projects and I have demonstrated to myself, and others, that I am competent in being responsible for projects. I have further developed the confidence I have within myself when it comes to project execution and trusting in my technical skills.

Yes

Do your research and ensure you apply for a role the you have a genuine interest in working in.