Hello Reader,
I would like to share an in-depth look at my first internship experience at Procter & Gamble’s Tuas Perfumery Plant in 2016. This internship was a first step into the corporate environment to experience what it was like to be part of a dynamic team in an established organization.
It served as a pivotal moment in my academic and professional journey, providing me with hands-on experience in the chemical process industry.
Overview of the Internship
I had the incredible opportunity to intern at the Tuas Perfumery Plant of Procter & Gamble (P&G). As a specialist intern in the perfumery plant, my primary role was to assist in the preparation and production of various fragrance batches. Here are some of the key tasks and responsibilities I undertook during this internship:
Preparation of Liquid and Powder Raw Materials
One of my main responsibilities was preparing various liquid raw materials for batch-making. This task required precision and attention to detail to ensure the correct formulation of fragrances.
I also volunteered to take on additional responsibilities by preparing powder raw materials for batch-making, expanding my skill set and contributing more to the team.
Packing and Labelling
I was involved in packing the final batch of fragrance into drums for shipping. This included labelling and checking the drums to ensure they were correctly marked and ready for shipment. Additionally, I was responsible for checking raw materials received, ensuring they met the required standards before use.
5S Approach Implementation
Taking the initiative, I volunteered to paint outlines of tools to facilitate the accounting of tools in line with the 5S approach. This helped improve organization and efficiency within the plant, demonstrating my proactive approach to workplace improvements.
Quality Assurance and Safety
In the Quality Assurance (QA) lab, I assisted in testing the final product to ensure it met the required standards before packing. This experience in the QA lab was invaluable, as it provided me with insights into quality control processes.
Additionally, I recommended the revision of a global standard for chemical drums to reduce the risk of chemical splashes, showcasing my commitment to safety and innovation (This was due to a personal incident of chemical splash).
Team Rotation and Shift Work
I requested, and was the first intern to go on shift and follow the team rotation, alleviating manpower strain. This experience allowed me to understand the dynamics of shift work and the importance of teamwork and flexibility in a manufacturing environment.
Key Highlights
Hands-On Experience: Gaining practical skills in raw material preparation, batch-making, and quality assurance.
Proactive Initiatives: Volunteering for additional responsibilities and suggesting improvements to enhance safety and efficiency.
First Intern on Shift: Pioneering the shift rotation system among interns, which contributed to a better understanding of operational dynamics.
Safety Innovations: Recommending revisions to global standards, which highlighted my ability to think critically about safety protocols.
Challenges Faced
Learning Curve: Adapting to the technical aspects of batch-making and quality assurance was initially challenging but ultimately rewarding.
Shift Work: Adjusting to the demands of shift work required flexibility and resilience.
Balancing Responsibilities: Managing multiple tasks, from preparation to QA, necessitated strong organizational skills and time management.
Conflict Resolution: During my internship, I faced a minor conflict with a colleague. As I was still getting settled in and not used to working alone, I preferred to wait for a colleague to go lunch with. However, there was an operational requirement which caused a shift in schedule leading to a disagreement, which was ultimately resolved by our team leader. This experience taught me the importance of clear communication and teamwork in a professional setting.
Reflection and Takeaways
This internship at P&G’s Tuas Perfumery Plant was an enriching experience that taught me valuable skills and provided practical industry knowledge. From raw material preparation to quality assurance and safety improvements, each task contributed to my professional growth. The opportunity to work in a real-world manufacturing setting and take on various responsibilities was both challenging and rewarding.
Interestingly enough, It was my colleague to introduced me to scuba diving!
I hope this glimpse into my first internship provides insight into the practical aspects of working in the chemical process industry. Stay tuned for more detailed posts about my other internship experiences and professional journey.
Thank you for reading!
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