Yoga  Instrument Engineer  Carson Business Unit, LA
BA Sociology
BS Engineering
Graduated: 2005 & 2007

Story
BP felt right
BP felt right for me after three months as in intern, which gave me the practical experience that consolidated my engineering study. I came from a ‘hands on’ university that taught the fundamentals of engineering through laboratory work, and in the interview I was repeatedly assured the daily frontline exposure in the refinery environment would allow me to grow. And so it did. BP pays close attention to an individual’s personal growth, which can be rare in technical companies.

A big impact
My field of instrumentation engineering and related process control systems has a big impact on safety in the refinery, and so is growing in importance, especially in safety shutdown systems. Soon after joining BP full time in September 2007, I found myself involved in perhaps the most extensive routine shutdown ever to occur in a North American refinery. A total of 19 units were brought down, and I worked on turnaround and start-up instrumentation issues on a number of units including the Fluid Catalytic Cracker and Hydrogen De-Sulfurizer. It’s amazing how much you learn from colleagues in other disciplines, and I’ve picked up certain principles in chemical engineering, fluid dynamics and various mechanical theories.

Growth through responsibility
In the short time I’ve been here I feel I’ve really grown, not just as an engineer but as a responsible human being. Projects and responsibilities have made me acutely aware of the impact of my decisions, and the difference I can make to everyone’s safety. I’ve also learned that the best decisions involve a dialogue of thoughts rather than a single opinion. It’s the cornerstone of a progressive and responsible operation.