You worked for Maersk Oil while you were at university. Was that a good combination?

It has been a privilege to have a gradual transition from my studies to a career.

After I completed my practical work experience at Maersk Oil Engineering in Esbjerg, I was hired as a student employee.  Now that I have my degree, I am working as a chemical engineer. Especially in a time of economic crisis, I am very happy to be able to continue along such a secure career pathway.

I wrote my thesis in collaboration with Maersk Oil and had a base there throughout, making it easy to combine theory and practice. My colleagues were helpful with assisting me, when I ran into difficulties in my project.

The atmosphere in my team is informal and down-to-earth. That team spirit probably helped me get through the most difficult phases of my project.

How were you able to contribute as a student?
I am very interested in the environment. My thesis dealt with flare gas recovery from a process and environmental point of view. This knowledge enabled me to provide inputs in my daily work. 

At university we often worked in groups and Maersk Oil also applies the same group work approach to projects. Everyone on the team supplements each other, and even when things get hectic we make sure no one gets left behind. There is a great sense of togetherness.

How have you benefited in professional terms?

It was very beneficial to have access to the most professional tools and programs. The university does not have anything nearly as good. The simulation and calculation programs were particularly useful; they saved me lots of time and raised the standard of my work.

As you are now working full time, what are your ambitions?
In the short term, I will concentrate on the technological aspects. I love to go into details and would like to become as skilled as possible. Management might be an option in future, but that can wait.

There are unique opportunities for working abroad, and I just might go for one of these if the right position comes up. My team of 15 in Esbjerg includes six nationalities, and it is rather exotic to listen to stories from places all over the world during our lunch break. Maersk Oil offers lots of possibilities for being stationed abroad – for instance you can go to Qatar or Aberdeen.