2017/2018 vacation student program wraps up

Each year, the vacation student program brings together the brightest engineering minds from universities across Australia for intensive, practical and enjoyable twelve-week work experience stints across the downstream, midstream and upstream businesses (Gippsland and PNG).

As one of the premier engineering work experience programs in Australia, and indeed the world, participation in the ExxonMobil Australia Vacation Student program is a much sought-after experience and has steadily grown in stature and popularity. This summer, we welcomed 18 students to ExxonMobil selected from a pool of more than 800 applicants, continuing a tradition that is decades long. 

As such, each student who walked into one of our world-class facilities over the past months was the crème de la crème of the Australian engineering student community, who each received industry-leading mentoring on-site in real work situations.

Engineering Graduate Recruitment Lead Charles Doube said this initiative plays a vital part in ensuring ExxonMobil maintains the highest levels of talent now and into the future.

“The vacation student program is an investment in the next generation of diverse talent that will lead the company in the future.

“Through our partnerships with leading Australian universities, we are able to access capable and passionate students and really embed them in our business for what we hope is the start of long and successful futures within the industry and in many cases ExxonMobil itself. From day one of the program they have a real job with a real business need, providing a rich learning experience, and benefit to the company,” said Charles.

As part of these partnerships and a steadfast commitment to the advancement of engineering talent within Australia, ExxonMobil commits more than $32,000 annually to university awards within the University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT, University of Adelaide, University of NSW and Swinburne University of Technology. 

David Standfield, sponsor of the Engineering Graduate Recruitment Program, said the program supports the engineering needs of the wider Australian affiliate. 

“As many ExxonMobil employees who have worked alongside these students would attest, they are not just here to check a box or get a sought-after work reference for their resume. Every one of the students who walk into our offices or on-site is curious and eager to get their hands dirty,” said David.

However, what really sets this program up to success from day one is the support it receives from all levels of the organisation.

“From our managers and mentors who work directly with the students to our experienced engineers who work collaboratively alongside them, we have incredible leaders at all levels who are generous with their time and spirit and help make the program a success,” said Charles.

Vacation student Troy Burgess from Curtain University in Western Australia welcomed the opportunity to gain exposure to many different areas of the business.

“The great thing about ExxonMobil is that it doesn’t really matter what field of engineering you come from, you get rotated around the roles.

“We have been given a real project from day one. It’s a really good environment to be in,” he said.