Chemical Engineering - R&D Technology solutions Review

Had weekly catch up meetings and 1:1 with managers. Often sent and sometimes did analytical on samples. Planned my own experiments and wrote them up into a report. Got to go to the factory and did things like collected process data with probes. I did lots of pilot plant controlled experiments with data collection. We sometimes did 12hr shifts to produce samples in trial weeks for analysis. Got to support sampling in the commissioning of a new unit operation. Part of my brief involves organised trials with external company as well as student charity fundraising

I learnt a lot about how the factory works and typical day to day issues encountered in production. Improved presentation skills largely. Gaines skills to work with lots of different people. Learnt about different theories involved in freeze drying - sublimation, packed beds etc. Gaines skills in communicating through talking to external suppliers and contractors. learned lots about safety docs - LOTO, GMP Audits

Lots of responsibility, was given a project brief to be in charge of and lead by myself, had constant access to pilot plant to execute my own trials when i pleased (as long as adhering to safety info and filing activity permits in advance). Wrote up a report independently. Talked to external contractors independent and organised shipments.

Due to a company re-org a lot of my team was in a different country, however was very well supported and felt I could schedule meetings whenever I liked if I needed help. This also gave me a lot more independence and decision making anyway which was good Also lots of friendly people on site to help with any issues -eg say if equipment wasn’t working during in a trial Manager was happy to help us with any presentations and practice them beforehand Only potential for improvement was a bit more guidance at the start in operating equipment - this was really due to the company re org - don’t think is usually an issue

Very very friendly - spoke to lots of people from other teams who were happy to help with anything, felt I could ask any questions I had whenever There were lots of other interns and plenty of opportunity to make friends in the same situation so it was nice not to be the only one

Overall had a really good year, did a lot of things related to my degree in a very friendly environment Also got the opportunity to travel and meet the people in my team who were located in Utrecht

Yes

Make sure you are friendly and open , show initiative to do things independently as this is a big way of getting to experience as much as you can out of the placement