DEAL DONE: EDMUND LANDS

1. You met with Katoni during your industry internship. Did you think it would lead to a job

At this point I wasn’t sure if it would directly lead to a job, but the initial meeting I thought was very interesting to discuss more about the company and electrification. It was early on in my final year where I had been applying to various brutal graduate schemes with multiple stages or interviews to complete, so I thought it would be a long road ahead to secure any job. Also, I was working full time, so it was hard to focus on anything but my placement project.

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2. What did it feel like when you got approached again and then offered a job

It had been a several months since the last contact, so it was a nice surprise to be approached again and to be thought of for a position. I came in for another talk, this time more specifically at the type of projects at Katoni and what I might be doing, which seemed like the industry I’d like to continue pursuing. A few months after this, I received an offer which made me feel excited at the potential opportunity and having a first job after university, but also relief at not having to be in the loop of further applying for jobs. Overall, it was a tough decision having to move another 3 hours away from home, but I was confident it would be the right choice.

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3. What is it like being back in Aberdeen (be honest), what is good and not so good about the City

It’s good to be back to mark a new chapter in my life and get a change of environment having been at Edinburgh for the past 5 years, though the city and student life will be missed.

In terms of my career and development, I feel Aberdeen is a prime location to be in with many organisations & professionals present and various events being hosted here. I’m passionate for the energy transition so being in a potential hotspot to spectate the change to the oil and energy industries in the UK is a great bonus.

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Personally, the granite city for me seems less vibrant, and I feel many things are less accessible, from sports clubs to variety of restaurants to a busier city life (which I prefer), but I will live! However, it is a great base for Aberdeenshire and the North, but I’m sure it won’t disappoint when I do get to fully explore.

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4. What is it like working at Katoni

So far, working for Katoni has been great. There is a close-knit environment between each other, and everyone has been welcoming. It has been good to get insight the ambitions of this EPC and how the business functions, and the role I can play to its success. There is a lot of expertise around and easily reachable in the office or online, so I feel well supported in all areas. There is added benefit to being in an EPC to be able to experience wide areas of the business which you might not get else where in a similar role. Also, there is a greater motivation from the added pressure of responsibility as a result of being in a smaller business.

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5. What’s your hope for the next couple of years

Initially, I would like to get my feet on the ground in the industry, and to take up as many opportunities as possible in and out of work. In the next few years, I hope to be a more well-rounded engineer with exposure to variety of projects and be well on my way to gaining chartership with the IChemE. Within this, I aspire to be heavily involved with projects related to energy and net-zero, and to be more present within the network through volunteering in some member groups and attending more conferences and events.? Also, I hope to have also gained some practical experience by travelling out to some sites and offices outside of Aberdeen, and potentially within Europe.

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6. What is the main difference between a company like Shell and Katoni

The main difference that I’ve personally noticed is the overall company culture being more like a family in Katoni as you get to interact with most people. There is chance to get exposure and responsibility with different corners of the business, i.e. consultancy and project work, that Shell may not offer for the same role.

?Though in Shell, there is more of a structure for graduates and social network for young people as there are many people joining and make it easier to settle in to a new city. My impression is there is also more scope to be involved in larger scale projects and to experience variation from the office by being involved with different sites within the business as a result of having more resources.