Project Engineer
Learn more about me and why I joined ConocoPhillips:
At the University of Aberdeen, I attended a recruitment day hosted by ConocoPhillips. I was particularly interested in the summer internship scheme. The main aspect that caught my attention was the chance to go offshore and get more hands-on experience. The placement exceeded my expectations. I worked for 12-weeks in Britannia Operator Limited (a joint venture between ConocoPhillips and Chevron) in the asset and integrity department. I was involved with improving the corrosion and erosion management on the platform and got to take some of this work offshore. I completed my offshore survival training and gained relevant experience for both my final year of studies and my chartership.
On returning to university, ConocoPhillips offered me full-time employment, which allowed me to concentrate on getting the best out of my last year at university.
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After completing my degree, I began my first graduate position in September 2010. My first year centred on getting to know the company and experience various roles. I spent three months working as a production engineer on our Central North Sea assets. I got involved with the day-to-day work of the production department, as well as working on a couple of individual projects. I then spent five months working as a well Integrity engineer across most of our UK portfolio.
Over summer 2011, I took part in the Summit Programme in Houston. This 12-week course is based in Houston and focuses on learning the ConocoPhillips Project Management System. The course mixes classroom learning with workshops and site visits to ConocoPhillips assets such as Lake Charles Refinery (Louisiana), the Technology Centre in Bartesville (Oklahoma) and Freeport LNG facility (Texas). The course not only enhanced my knowledge of running Capital Projects, but also provided me with a network of people within the company who I can turn to in the future for assistance. With the knowledge and skills I have gained from my time on this programme, I am confident in moving into my next role as a project engineer on the Jasmine Project.
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ConocoPhillips focuses on career development at all stages. The mix of practical work and courses I took part in during my first year has provided a solid knowledge base for my career. ConocoPhillips also supports engineers looking to gain their chartership. I am currently working towards my IMechE chartership with the help of a mentor and a great support network within the company.
One key development opportunity as a graduate was participation in the Engineering Academy. This structured, 12-week course gave me the chance to learn about each aspect of the business, from downstream to upstream. The course mixes online learning, video modules and presentations with a two week trip to Houston to strengthen these learnings and network within the company. A group project also allows you to take an offshore development from conception to production and present your ideas to a panel of subject matter experts in Houston. It is a great way of learning about the upstream industry as a whole in a practical manner.
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The main advantage of working with a multinational oil and gas company is the number of opportunities that you get – in terms of career options to travel around the world. Since starting with the company, I have had the chance to work in Aberdeen, Houston and now London. Through these experiences, I have developed a solid knowledge base and continue to build upon it as I embark on my full time role within the capital projects team.
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