Sophie Cole
What motivated you to apply for the MIPPS program?
I was excited about the MIPPS program from the moment I heard about it in my first year of university, and the great reviews from past students made it a no-brainer for me to apply. I was keen to get hands-on industry experience and work on technical projects before graduating, and the MIPPS program allowed me to do all that while completing my thesis. It is a unique opportunity to combine university studies with real-world experience.
What was your experience of the program like?
The standout highlight of the MIPPS program was the opportunity to work onsite daily with an incredibly knowledgeable team of engineers who were eager to share their expertise. It was a great experience to be immersed in a heavy-industry environment like the steelworks, getting hands-on with the processes and truly understanding the scale and complexity of the operations, which, before this, I had only experienced through coursework and textbooks.
During my placement, I focused on my thesis project based at the sinter plant, where I researched and modelled methods to reduce BlueScope's sinter dust stockpile. This project aimed to enhance the plant’s environmental footprint and operational efficiency. By identifying potential solutions, I was able to contribute to the company’s sustainability efforts while gaining invaluable experience in tackling complex process challenges. This experience deepened my passion for chemical engineering, as it was a powerful reminder of the significant impact chemical engineers can have on efficiency and sustainability in the industry.
What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?
At the start of MIPPS, I felt like I was thrown into the deep end, tackling problems much larger and more complex than anything I had encountered at university. It quickly became clear that the challenges chemical engineers face in industry are far less controlled than those in academic settings.
Fortunately, I had great support from my industry supervisor at BlueScope and many other colleagues who helped me learn how to solve such open-ended problems. This exposure helped me build confidence and develop the skills needed to succeed in such a dynamic environment.
What skills did you develop during your program?
The most valuable skill I developed was problem-solving in real-world, uncontrolled environments. This program required me to think creatively and resourcefully, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to gain this experience before graduating. Additionally, the program significantly enhanced my technical engineering skills, as I had to apply concepts I learned at university, such as mass balancing, to actual plant operations.
How has the MIPPS program influenced your career goals or plans?
The MIPPS program significantly influenced my career goals by reinforcing my passion for the technical aspects of chemical engineering. The hands-on experience and exposure to real-world challenges confirmed my desire to pursue a career in process design and optimisation. My program at BlueScope has really fueled my excitement and ambition to advance in the chemical engineering field.
Do you have any advice for other students wanting to take part in the MIPPS program?
All chemical engineering students should consider applying as it is such an invaluable experience to have prior to graduating, and we are so lucky that the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering provides us with this opportunity. MIPPS is a steep learning curve and can be challenging at times, but you will not regret applying because you will learn and experience so much more than what could be learnt in the classroom alone.