
Summer Barnhill
Operator
LyondellBasell
Channelview, TX USA
“Perception is reality, so make sure people always see you for what you want them to see you for.”
LyondellBasell
Channelview, TX USA
“Perception is reality, so make sure people always see you for what you want them to see you for.”
Operator
I maintain and work on heaters for a chemical refinery company.
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.
Here's the first step for everyone
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.
"College isn't for me. I could never afford it."