Overview
Chemical engineering employers on Teesside, Humberside, and across the UK process industry want graduates who can demonstrate practical experience on a real plant, not just simulation skills. Placement experience is the single biggest differentiator, and your resume needs to show what you contributed to production, safety, and efficiency during your time on site.
This resume belongs to Fatima Al-Hassan, a chemical engineering graduate from Teesside University who completed a 12-month placement at Huntsman Corporation's Wilton site. She led process optimisation studies that saved £50,000 annually, contributed to HAZOP reviews, and created 12 standard operating procedures. Her First Class Honours degree and IChemE membership round out a strong profile.
What Makes This Resume Work
Financial impact is quantified. Saving £85,000 through process improvements is the kind of number that makes hiring managers take notice. It shows Fatima can connect engineering work to business outcomes, which is exactly what employers want from graduate engineers.
Safety and compliance experience demonstrates maturity. Contributing to HAZOP reviews and documenting 35 action items shows Fatima understands process safety culture. In the chemical industry, safety awareness is not optional; it is the baseline expectation.
A strong academic profile backs up the practical experience. A First Class Honours from an IChemE-accredited programme, combined with a green hydrogen design project, signals both academic rigour and alignment with the industry's sustainability direction.
Key Takeaways
Junior chemical engineers should lead with placement or internship experience, quantifying process improvements, cost savings, and safety contributions. Include specific simulation tools (Aspen HYSYS, Minitab), standards knowledge (COMAH, COSHH), and any involvement in HAZOP or risk assessment activities. IChemE membership and progress towards Chartered status show professional commitment, and a NEBOSH qualification adds further safety credibility.
