I originally come from a little village in Staffordshire. I wanted to go into the oil and gas industry but on the construction side. I achieved this by attending Northumbria and feel without attending university I wouldn't have had the balance of a good education and a good night out. People say you need to get your head down at University which is very true, but you also need a social balance.
What are you doing now?
I have been on the FGP/WPMP project for the past two and a half years. This is a $35 billion expansion to an oil and gas facility in Kazakhstan to increase oil production by 250,000 barrels of oil per day. I am currently working in Italy in the fabrication department building frame 9 GTG's (gas turbine compressors). In three years' time four of these will be shipped to Kazakhstan along with all the process modules from South Korea. Once we ship them I will join the construction team in Tengiz, Kazakhstan for 'hook-up'.
What was the best thing about your course?
The field trips as it allows you to get hands-on and see the things you are writing about, which helps it stick in your mind.
Who inspired you the most, and why?
The Head of Department, he knew what he was talking about and had achieved in the working environment before teaching.
Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now/throughout your career?
Communication and writing skills are the top ones.
What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?
Everything.
What advice would you give somebody who is thinking of studying at Northumbria?
Start applying for companies for your sandwich course early and don't leave assignments until the last minute. Do them then leave it for a week and come back to them; it will improve your work vastly.
How would you describe your time at Northumbria in 3 words?
Fun, hard and happy.
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