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.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationSummer Barnhill
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I initially didn’t complete high school and never considered college as a possibility for me.
I started working as a teenager and have built my career in construction and chemical refinement.
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.
I was able to keep my job as a safety manager for an alloy fabrication company through school.
I earned my associate degree in chemical process technology from San Jacinto College.
The college had ample networking opportunities, which helped me land my dream job with LyondellBasell.
Keep following my journey
Education
GED
Associate's Degree
Chemical Process Technology
San Jacinto College
Chemical Process Technology
San Jacinto College
Career
Operator
I maintain and work on heaters for a chemical refinery company.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Engineering
Science
Working with Others
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.
Advice for Getting Started
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.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"College isn't for me. I could never afford it."
