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Summer Barnhill
Summer Barnhill
00:58

Summer Barnhill

LyondellBasell

Channelview, TX USA

"Perception is reality, so make sure people always see you for what you want them to see you for."

Career Roadmap

Summer's work combines: Engineering, Science, and Working with Others

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Day In The Life

Operator

I maintain and work on heaters for a chemical refinery company.

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Day In The Life Of A Chemical Refinery Operator

My Day to Day

I either go into work at 4 a.m. or 4 p.m. I'll do shift relief, which means I'll find the operator currently working in my area and find out what happened during their shift. They'll leave and I'll take over. I start by doing rounds through my area. I specifically work on heaters. I go to each heater and make sure there's no water in the oil, check pressure gauges, and check fan speed. I'll then check for any leaks or small fires. We also clean the heaters every 30 days, so I'll help with that.

Skills & Education

Advice for getting started

I high recommend going to college. It's been highly beneficial for me. I also suggest finding an industry job while you're in school to get your foot in the door and begin getting that hands-on experience. Take college seriously. Remember that every day could essentially be an interview. You never know who might be asking about you, so it's helpful to look, speak, and act professionally while you're there. Get involved with as many networking events as possible through your school.

Here's the path I took:

  • GED

  • Associate's Degree

    Chemical Process Technology

    San Jacinto College

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I initially didn’t complete high school and never considered college as a possibility for me.

  • 2.

    I started working as a teenager and have built my career in construction and chemical refinement.

  • 3.

    After my daughter was born, I knew I wanted to provide a better life for her, so I got my GED and then went to community college.

  • 4.

    I was able to keep my job as a safety manager for an alloy fabrication company through school.

  • 5.

    I earned my associate degree in chemical process technology from San Jacinto College.

  • 6.

    The college had ample networking opportunities, which helped me land my dream job with LyondellBasell.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Myself:

    College isn't for me. I could never afford it.

  • How I responded:

    I didn't think college was for me. I come from poverty and didn't think I could afford it. I began working instead. After going to college as an adult, I've realized the power of financial aid. Looking back, I could've been getting more money from financial aid had I gone to college after high school than I was making at my job. Now I'm working with my college to visit high schools to speak with students who are interested in this program. I want to show others that college can be for them too.

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