Summer Internships for Engineers
At Oji Fibre Solutions, we offer a summer internship programme for 2nd and 3rd year engineering student's looking to gain hands-on experience with a global company.
Applications for our Summer Internship Programme for Engineers (Process & Chemical, Electrical, and Mechanical), close on 02 October. So we thought it would be a good time to tell you more about the programme, and what better way than through the lens of someone who has experienced it first-hand.
For this Q&A article, we talked to Kirsty Parker, one of six 2021 summer interns at Kinleith Mill, and her manager, Ed Mercer, Environmental and Quality and Risk Manager.
Kirsty, where are you currently studying?
Kristy Parker: “I'm currently a third year Chemical and Materials Engineering student at the University of Auckland. I went straight to university from Forest View High School in Tokoroa. At school I was always interested in science and math, and took the right subjects to apply for engineering school. I found out about the summer student opportunity at Kinleith Mill by keeping a close eye on the Oji Fibre Solutions careers page.“
What attracted you to the summer internship?
“Growing up in Tokoroa, Kinleith Mill has always been a big part of my life. In the final year of school, we had a field trip to the mill. Because I was curious about the processes at the mill, I completed papers about pulp and paper making, and wanted a job where I could apply and grow my knowledge. I admire Oji Fibre Solutions’ sustainability mindset and company values, and I hope this internship may lead to a graduate role with the company.”
What did you learn and do over the summer?
“My main role has been to study the distribution of key wastewater constituents at the Kinleith Mill. During the first week I was shown around the mill and the water collection sites, read parts of the Kinleith manual and history of the mill, and became familiar with Parkview, the real-time operations and data system at the mill.
I collected water samples from 23 locations on and offsite and analysed the samples for a range of parameters: volumetric flow, soda, carbonaceous material, methanol, solids, colour, extractives, and nutrients. I was responsible for writing up the results and for working with Hill Laboratory.
Through these experiences, I learnt more about how changes in daily operations at the mill affect the wastewater generated. I’ve also gained a better understanding of how many safety measures a Major Hazard Facility has in place and the emphasis on affecting the environment as little as possible. I’ll be taking what I have learnt about lab work and Standards Methods back to university, so I’ll be better equipped for my study.”
What did you enjoy most?
“I enjoyed working in the environmental team. They are all supportive and helpful, and Ed has provided good advice on who to contact when I’ve needed something. It has been a great place to start, everyone understands, and everyone helps you apply what you’ve learnt at university.”
What were some of the challenges?
“While the COVID-19 protocols have been easy enough to understand, wearing the mask and site PPE has been hot, and working from home sometimes is less interesting than being onsite.”
Has your experience helped you with any decisions about your future career?
“ Yes. I have really enjoyed the laboratory work at Kinleith over summer and it’s helped me understand more about how different materials alter the production process and wastewater parameters. I now want to specialise in Materials Engineering at university and pursue a career in new technology development and research.”
Ed, what’s your teams’ experience of employing a summer intern?
Ed Mercer: “At Kinleith we try to encourage local high school students by exposing them to pulp and paper and the potential of the forest product sector as a good career path. We also encourage university students into the sector through summer placements. For the Environment Team a summer intern is more than an extra resource; we offer a student placement when we have identified a project that the student can own and deliver a tangible outcome.“
What are the biggest benefits you’ve experienced?
“As part of our new stormwater management plan, we had a milestone to provide the Regional Authority with monitoring by 1 April 2022. Kirsty helped us develop this submission.
My team had the advantage of a fresh set of eyes, someone that understands the concepts and can ask all the right questions. As a team we've needed to step back and think about what needs to be explained in relation to onsite storm water management and the structure needed to write a management plan. This has helped sharpen our thinking. The summer placement has also provided a good opportunity for Kirsty to learn about the site operation and the way in which we are measuring and managing the water we use.
We have enjoyed having Kirsty working with the team this summer.”
A heartfelt thanks to Kirsty and Ed for sharing their experience of our summer internship programme. We wish Kirsty all the best for another successful year at university.
If you're interested in putting your theory into practice, apply for our Summer Internship Programme today. We're seeking applications of interest from 2nd and 3rd year engineering students, for work experience at either our Kinleith or Tasman mills, from November 2022 to February 2023. Click on the links below for more details. Hurry, applications close 02 October!
