Intern profile - Ebony Dodemaide

Ebony is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering and Business Management at RMIT University. She shares her internship journey with us and how it’s going to help shape her future career as a chemical engineer.

Describe your current role as an intern.

As part of my internship project, I am currently working alongside the Commercial team to explore natural gas liquids and condensate optimisation opportunities. Whilst I’ve had a specific focus on LPG, I’ve also had the opportunity to learn more about the natural gas market, especially through a 3-day Australian Energy Market Operator training course I was lucky enough to be a part of. My role as an intern involves fortnightly lunch and learn sessions with leaders in the business, meetings with the Commercial team, and working on my internship project which will be presented at the end of the program.

What attracted you to our internship program?

I have always known ExxonMobil to be a global leader in the oil and gas industry and when the opportunity arose to apply for the program, I took it. I love that the program runs for 8 months unlike other internships which are usually between 3 to 6 months. It actually gives me more time to learn about the business and be involved in a project that is meaningful and impactful to the business.

Relate your expectations before starting the program and your experiences so far.

I did not have many expectations when starting the internship, but I did prepare myself for being thrown into the deep end and learning a range of new skills. Whilst it has been challenging on some days, everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand and answer any questions I have, which has made it a pleasant experience so far. I’ve also had the opportunity to be involved in the Women in Energy Network, which showcases the supportive culture ExxonMobil promotes and their commitment to achieving gender equality. I also recently had the chance to take part in the Woodlands Half Marathon, which was generously supported by ExxonMobil’s Social Club. The run was so rewarding and the best part about it was getting to know some other keen runners from different departments and enjoying a pub meal together post-run!

What has been most rewarding about your internship so far?

One of the most rewarding aspects of the internship so far is seeing how my skills have developed over the months. I’ve also built many connections and friendships which has made work more enjoyable, and I’m excited to use the skills and knowledge I acquire during the internship in the real working world.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

One of my main hobbies outside of work is running, and sport in general. I’m currently training for the Gold Coast Half Marathon and I’m a member of a club called Western Athletics (west is best). I’m also a big Western Bulldogs fan, and love watching the games live at the stadium. I do also love to travel, and some of my highlights include a trip to Cambodia where a group of us built a house for a local family, and a family trip to America where I learnt that every building in Vegas has a casino attached.

What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a career in the industry?

Go for it! While there are some challenges faced by the energy sector, it’s also an exciting time because the industry is constantly evolving with new technologies and methodologies. The same systems that have been used for the past 50 years are now being diversified to foster new innovations, including carbon capture and storage (CCS). I also believe that there’s no replacement to hands-on practical experience, and the best way to learn is by experiencing it firsthand in the industry.