Pre-Junior Year in Review 2014 - 2015.
Part I: What? So What?
During my third year at UC, I completed two co-op rotations and one semester of classes. During the summer 2014 semester, I completed my second co-op working for Marathon Petroleum Company (MPC) at their bio-diesel refinery in Cincinnati, OH. I then took a full course load of engineering classes in the fall. During the spring 2015 semester, I completed my third co-op at MPC working in the Pipeline Engineering Department in Findlay, OH.
Working at Marathon’s bio-diesel refinery was one of my most significant experiences throughout the past year. Although I gained a wealth of knowledge about the petroleum industry during my first co-op semester at MPC, this rotation gave me the opportunity to learn about a completely different facet of the fuels industry – biofuels. I learned about the process of converting soy bean oil into a substance called methyl esters, which is blended with normal petroleum diesel to create biodiesel. I also had the chance to learn about the various regulations and mandates imposed on the petroleum industry by the federal government.
In addition to being a great learning experience, this co-op rotation was also a great networking experience for me. Because the plant is so small – approximately 60 employees – I had the chance to work with at least one representative from each department as well as the majority of the leadership team. In doing so, I got to hear about their experiences at other MPC facilities and I gained countless pieces of advice for my academic coursework and my professional pursuits. Because I had developed positive working relationships, I had the opportunity to continue working at the plant part-time during the fall semester. I will also be working part-time throughout the summer 2015 semester.
Part II: Now What?
After working at the Cincinnati bio-refinery, I realized that I really enjoy working in a field-environment. I have spent two of my three co-op rotations working at MPC’s headquarters in Findlay, so I would now like to build on my refining experience by pursuing a co-op position at one of Marathon’s other refineries. As I do so, I want to encourage myself to remain open to new experiences and to allow myself to move beyond my comfort zone. I believe that having this type of outlook will lead to exciting experiences and opportunities for growth – both personally and professionally.
One goal that I would like to set for myself for the upcoming year is to maintain both a high GPA and a healthy balance between school, work, and social life. During my freshmen year, I think I put too much emphasis on studying and preparing for classes and not enough on spending time with friends and family. Since then, I have been able to develop a healthier balance in my life and I would like to continue to develop this.
During my third year at UC, I completed two co-op rotations and one semester of classes. During the summer 2014 semester, I completed my second co-op working for Marathon Petroleum Company (MPC) at their bio-diesel refinery in Cincinnati, OH. I then took a full course load of engineering classes in the fall. During the spring 2015 semester, I completed my third co-op at MPC working in the Pipeline Engineering Department in Findlay, OH.
Working at Marathon’s bio-diesel refinery was one of my most significant experiences throughout the past year. Although I gained a wealth of knowledge about the petroleum industry during my first co-op semester at MPC, this rotation gave me the opportunity to learn about a completely different facet of the fuels industry – biofuels. I learned about the process of converting soy bean oil into a substance called methyl esters, which is blended with normal petroleum diesel to create biodiesel. I also had the chance to learn about the various regulations and mandates imposed on the petroleum industry by the federal government.
In addition to being a great learning experience, this co-op rotation was also a great networking experience for me. Because the plant is so small – approximately 60 employees – I had the chance to work with at least one representative from each department as well as the majority of the leadership team. In doing so, I got to hear about their experiences at other MPC facilities and I gained countless pieces of advice for my academic coursework and my professional pursuits. Because I had developed positive working relationships, I had the opportunity to continue working at the plant part-time during the fall semester. I will also be working part-time throughout the summer 2015 semester.
Part II: Now What?
After working at the Cincinnati bio-refinery, I realized that I really enjoy working in a field-environment. I have spent two of my three co-op rotations working at MPC’s headquarters in Findlay, so I would now like to build on my refining experience by pursuing a co-op position at one of Marathon’s other refineries. As I do so, I want to encourage myself to remain open to new experiences and to allow myself to move beyond my comfort zone. I believe that having this type of outlook will lead to exciting experiences and opportunities for growth – both personally and professionally.
One goal that I would like to set for myself for the upcoming year is to maintain both a high GPA and a healthy balance between school, work, and social life. During my freshmen year, I think I put too much emphasis on studying and preparing for classes and not enough on spending time with friends and family. Since then, I have been able to develop a healthier balance in my life and I would like to continue to develop this.