Student Chemist, Applied Science Department (AppS) Review

I loved it. As I wrote in my end of year report for uni: I feel I have developed immeasurably as a person and as a chemist during the past year. I consider my time at Lubrizol to have been the most enjoyable year I have ever had.

The people in my department (AppS) were all incredibly friendly. I now consider many of these people to be close friends and I miss working with them. I also made strong friendships with colleagues in other departments and interacted closely with them in order to organize work and to learn about topics of relevance to my work. People were always keen to assist. The company as a whole puts great emphasis on making sure that its employees feel valued and encouraged, which contributed greatly to my overall enjoyment of the year. My manager and one of my colleagues, who worked as a STEM ambassador, made their appreciation of my participation in careers events very apparent and I was very touched by this.

Managers and supervisors were always keen to help and interested in my work. During the year my supervisor moved to a different department. Any such transition is usually difficult, however I felt that I was supported well throughout and do not feel it was in any way detrimental to my experience on placement. Another of my colleagues took over as my supervisor. My reports and end of year university reports were proof read by my supervisors and this allowed me to develop a far better report writing style. My colleagues very kindly offered to help me with any areas of my university work with which I was having difficulty. I had a very good working relationship with my technical manager and my department manager often asked how I was getting on and took an interest in my work. My supervisor was also kind enough to proof read my CV and covering letter, which was invaluable.

I had both project work and work which was more routine. I would do project work whenever there was less routine work. I feel this gave a very good representation of work within industry.

I was given a student project and to a great extent I was able to chose where I wanted to go with it. This freedom has taught me a great deal about how to work independently as a researcher. I was given guidance and help when needed. I was supported and allowed to grow into my role, such that eventually I was treated much like a full time employee.

I have absolutely no doubt that the skills I have learnt will be of use in my final year at university and beyond. I think that they will particularly helpful with my MChem project. I am now doing a summer placement at a different company; I feel that my work at Lubrizol was the main selling point on the CV which got me this position, so much so that I was asked to present on my work at Lubrizol at the interview.

It was great. It was just a lovely group to work in.

The placement was well organised. There was a familiarization day which broke the ice and helped us to get to know the company. With our permission HR sent out a list of email addresses, meaning that we could communicate regarding housing and get to know each other beforehand.

My supervisors gave a lot of time to training me. I was also encouraged to get to know other areas of the company to broaden my view of industry. The company holds an innovation symposium which students are encouraged to participate in as well as other events which enhance development.

Very appealing. I would definitely apply for a permanent position if the opportunity came up. I have recommended them to a family member from the area who will soon be looking for a job in a sector covered by Lubrizol.

Yes, I miss being there.

It was cheaper than Reading, beyond that I'm not sure I know. A car is needed to get to work; I car shared with my housemates.

I liked Derby's nightlife, there is also a fairly cheap (£6 return I think) direct bus service to Nottingham until 3ish, which is a very good night out too.

Yes, there were a lot of activities with the sports and social club including walking, bowling, shows ect. These were subsidized for members. I was also invited to four paid for dinners by the company. Three of these were on the occasion of a visit from senior management and one was the annual Fuels team dinner. The Hazelwood quiz is held annually. This is great fun and raises money for charity. At Christmas there is a party with a free buffet, a raffle and so on, which was good fun.