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Lubrizol

Applications Chemist Student Review

at Lubrizol

Placement (10 Months+)

Research, Chemistry

Blackley, Manchester

Review Submitted: July 2024

Overall Rating

3.7 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4/5 - Overview of Role
3.5/5 - Skills Development
4/5 - Support and Guidance
3.5/5 - Company Culture
4/5 - Overall Experience
4/5 - Future Career Prospects

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
I was an Applications Chemist. I would take dispersant samples prepared by our synthesis team and test them in different paints and coatings formulations. It would take 2-3 days to complete one sample set. The first day, I would prepare a mixture containing pigment, solvent and other additives. The next day I would test the mixture using various instruments and on the final day, I would add the data into the database and any powerpoints.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
I wouldn't say there was a lot of responsibilities given to me. I wasn't allowed to decide what projects I was on and there weren't any additional responsibilities. However, I would say that I worked independently on my own accord and was responsible for my own work. I also had some input on my project.
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
4/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
The biggest skill I have had to improve is time-management and prioritisation. In industry, you don't have time to be meticulous about everything and so being efficient is key. Often, I needed to keep track of multiple projects at once which was challenging. I also developed my Excel and Powerpoint skills for analysing data + making presentations.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
4/5
How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?
3/5
How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?
3/5
Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development
4/5

Support and Guidance

How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?
I was given as much support and guidance as I needed. Everyone in my office/lab was friendly so I could ask them questions and for help anytime I needed provided they were free (but there was almost always someone free to ask).
How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?
4/5
How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?
4/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The work culture was calm and not stressful and hours were flexible. I was never felt under pressure from colleagues/supervisors and if anything, they told me to take things at my own pace and not to rush.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
4/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
3/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
3/5
How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
4/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
I enjoyed my placement. The work culture was not overly intense, I was not overworked and I had no issues with any of my colleagues (they were helpful); these were the things I valued the most. I also enjoyed the research and practical work itself but it did get a little repetitive at times. I enjoyed some projects more than others as they involved more problem solving and formulation development.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship
4/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
4/5

Future Career Prospects

Please rate the future employment prospects at Lubrizol
4/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Lubrizol to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to Lubrizol
When you go in for a in-person interview, you will have the opportunity to ask plenty of questions both during the lab tours and during the interview itself. Ask as many questions as you can (think of them beforehand if possible) as this is really important. Make use of the documents/information present on the Lubrizol website, it will give you a good idea of the basic chemistries involved.
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