Propelling young careers in corrosion

Kick-starting a career in energy is challenging for young people, as companies rarely provide opportunities to inexperienced students and graduates.

Oil & Gas Corrosion Ltd (OGC) decided to break the mould and forge close relationships with local universities. The reason is simple; interns and graduates add energy, enthusiasm and new perspectives for OGC to continue evolving as a business.

Founded in 2014, OGC provides advice in metallurgy, materials and corrosion to oil and gas companies as well as the renewable energy sector, and commenced internship programmes in 2018. This article brings you the story of three young professionals starting their careers in 2020; the year of challenges.

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Brad Healey, an MEng graduate from Sheffield Hallam University, joined OGC full-time as a process engineer. He had worked at OGC as an intern since 2019 while completing his dissertation research in H2S Management for Offshore Assets, for a national oil company.

Brad said: “Becoming the company’s first-ever permanent graduate is something that I’m extremely proud of. Being able to work around my studies means I have almost two years of experience despite being a recent graduate without having to take any time out of university.

“I have been given responsibility from day one – working on global projects, managing a team of young engineers, supervising an MEng university project, presenting at a NACE conference, attending industry-specific training sessions, and leading a project furthering my university research.”

Benedek Odor joined as a marketing intern during the 2020 virtual summer internship programme, bringing fresh ideas as a recent International Business graduate from Sheffield Hallam University.

Ben’s work made an instant impact on the business, securing him a permanent position as a marketing lead.

He said: “Working in the energy sector has always piqued my interest.

© Supplied by Oil and Gas Corrosio

“The opportunity to complete an internship and secure a long-term position during the height of a pandemic has left me humbled; the fact that it’s in an industry which captivates me is the cherry on the top.

“I will fortify my knowledge by pursuing an MSc in Renewable Energy next year, a decision made possible by the influence of OGC chief executive Ivan Gutierrez and his team.”

Magda Jakonska, a chemical engineering student at Sheffield Hallam University, joined as a technical assistant in summer 2020, she continues to balance her studies with a part-time position at OGC.

“Many companies cancelled their internships due to Covid-19,” she said.

“I was thrilled to receive an offer from OGC. From the start, I received various tasks which tested my skills and gave me an insight into the energy sector.

“This opportunity sparked my interest in the energy industry, which I want to develop further pursuing an MSc in Energy and Environmental Engineering.”

CEO Gutierrez is firmly focused on the future.

“Metallurgy and corrosion is a bit like alchemy,” he said.

“The trade of old wizards living in isolation keeping all the secrets to themselves. At OGC, we don’t see ourselves like that, we want to be the catalyst for young professionals entering the energy industry.

“We really believe that helping young people grow their careers has an immediate benefit to our business, and makes the workspace much more fun.

“As we progress into 2021, OGC will continue to develop its scope of operations and graduate programme. We look forward to meeting the class of 2021 this summer to continue our collaboration with local universities in an effort to boost young careers in corrosion.”