Skills learned in the armed forces can often be transferred to civilian jobs and one Aberdeen student has used experience gained exploring the high seas to secure an energy industry scholarship.
Business management student Natalie Kelsey is one of the first students to benefit from Paradigm Flow Services’ new £35,000 scholarship scheme.
She has joined its business development team for a three-month placement.
The 21-year-old has completed her third year of studies at the University of Aberdeen and also holds the rank of senior midshipman in Aberdeen Universities Royal Naval Unit (AURNU).
At the unit, which is unfortunately due to close this year, she gained experience of leading a unit of 50 students on HMS Archer and was deployed overseas.
“Being in the armed forces teaches you a number of skills which I’ve put to good use at university and on placement,” she said. “I’ve been trained to work well under pressure, think on my feet and adapt quickly to changing situations which are all essential in the business world.”
During her placement at Paradigm Flow Services Natalie has been working to enhance the business development team’s software packages as well as developing new business cases for the company.
She is joined by fellow student Nick Freer, who is studying chemical engineering at the University of Edinburgh. Nick, 20, has also completed his third year and is working with the company’s engineering team supporting several projects, including corrosion and deluge pipework maintenance and monitoring, wax removal testing in pipes and equipment certification.
Rob Bain, managing director of Paradigm said: “Natalie and Nick have hit the ground running and have impressed with their hard work and dedication. Being a cutting-edge technology company we need the best talent to bring forward fresh ideas and the scholarship scheme is the best way to attract the brightest students.”
Paradigm, set up in 2010, now has more than 20 staff with plans for further recruitment.