Name: Kathleen
University: University of Wollongong
Course: Materials Engineering

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Kathleen commenced work at the Altona Refinery in the Materials Reliability Department and has recently returned from Japan on a 3 month Exchange Program assignment. Kathleen graduated from the University of Wollongong with a Materials Engineering degree and relocated to Melbourne to join Mobil Oil Australia early in 2001.

"Early career I worked in the refinery's Maintenance and Inspection Groups and had a range of responsibilities that included providing technical support for fixed equipment; managing the development of risk based equipment strategies for vessels and piping circuits and implementing ExxonMobil's Global Reliability System"

"The skills that I developed in the Maintenance and Inspection Groups have led to opportunities to work in Thailand for 1 month in 2004, and recently in Japan for 3 months. In Thailand I led the heat exchanger inspection group during a turnaround at the Sri Racha refinery which is more than twice the capacity of the Altona refinery. In Japan I shared my knowledge from Inspection and Maintenance and learnt about advanced inspection techniques being employed in Japan. From a professional, social and personal perspective, both assignments were fantastic experiences".

"Working with ExxonMobil is a great way to start your professional career.  I work with other engineers who are more than willing to share their experiences. The level of training you receive is also exceptional. The great part about being an engineer at the refinery is that you get to have 'hands-on' experience. You don't just think about it at your desk, you get to see it first hand. This is a great way to learn."