What's your job about?

I have been working in Viva Energy’s Supply Chain business specifically in the Engineering Projects teams for the terminal sites across NSW. I have worked on my own three projects which are providing critical upgrades and reviews for the safe operation of our sites. I am currently working on seeing the project through its entire life cycle including project concept, budgeting, working with consultants to help with design and working with the operations team to ensure that the equipment that I am designing is fit for their purpose. I have been working very closely with operations on two specific projects, one being the NSW Foam Transition plan to ensure that our fire-fighting systems can meet all the required standards as our sites have been in operation for many decades and new standards continue to be introduced. I go out daily, look at equipment, learn about processes, work and collaborate with other companies and project managers working on similar projects. I really try to get myself out in the field every day and learn something new because you don’t know what you don’t know!

What's your background?

I grew up in Singapore and came back to Australia for High school. My dad is a Civil Engineer who has worked all over Australia and Asia on roads, mines and infrastructure. His stories of telling me which highways and bypasses he built is really what drove me to do engineering. I chose Chemical Engineering right at the start of university because I wanted to build Bio-ethanol fueled cars and hydrogen fuel cells. I did my internship at FutureFeed, helping them develop their procedures as they were still starting up before I went on a university exchange to Texas. It was in Texas that I developed an appreciation for the need for people in my position to get into energy roles. While over there, I applied for as many energy jobs as I could to get my hands dirty and get exposure to the industry. Back in Australia, I chose Viva Energy because of their drive to develop hydrogen refueling stations and their goals to move towards a more sustainable business model in the future. I also loved their drive to be a leader in Australia’s energy transition and knew this was the place for me!

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Absolutely! I have learnt so much in my role that I didn’t know before. My favourite saying is “you don’t know what you don’t know”. Everyone I have worked with is very warm, friendly and patient when I ask questions. Everyone is willing to help and share their knowledge. I strongly believe that anyone with the right enthusiasm and an understanding of engineering concepts can do my job. There is so much to learn, so many people who can help you and so many different tasks and positions in a company like Viva Energy.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

I love the fact that everyone is so welcoming. I love the exposure and the opportunities that I have been afforded in this role. I especially love the trust that I have been given and it makes me proud to see other people pleased with my work and see my ethic and everything I am trying to achieve. I also love the personal protective equipment (PPE) we have to wear – while it can be annoying (and sweaty) on the hotter days, it’s just so easy to pack your bag and wear the same thing every day. Steel caps aren’t for everyone, but the consistency has really helped me mitigate one thing I would have to think about every day.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions EVER, no one expects you to know everything in a Grad role, that is the whole point of it.
2. Go out and make friends – those connections will help you in the future. Even now, my group chat still pops up with all my friends from university asking about specific subjects
3. Persevere – University is nothing like industry, so don’t beat yourself down and think “is this really what I want to be doing” because you can always do something different and change your career, you have plenty of time. But your job will likely not be a direct reflection of your degree.