Download Issue 131 - January/February 2010 - SPE WA

Young ProfessionalsOil-operated Cliffhead Platform pipeline, andinvestigated different scenarios for the useof the newly developed Smart Plug pipelinetechnology—not bad for a student!His Neptune colleagues appear to matchCheung’s energy levels, frequently meeting forearly morning swims prior to work or competingin community sporting events.“Everyone here is really sporty—a fair few ofthe boys go surfing in the morning together”,he said.Cheung hard at work at Neptune Marine.“One of the great things about this job is themystery and excitement attached to whatyou’re going to do next. For example, one of theengineers at STA got a call just recently and wasgiven a three day turnaround to pack up and headto Aberdeen for a few months. If that’s what youlike, this type of industry is absolutely perfect.”Cheung believes being proactive is important.“You have to take the initiative sometimes toapply for the companies”, he observed. “Don’twait for them to come to you and give theirpresentation and advice. Call up HR and soundreally energetic and excited at the prospect ofworking for them. If they can feel that from you,they’ll be a lot more likely to take you on as astudent for vocation work.Cheung has also recently been awarded a studygrant for his work on developing the EmergencyPipeline Response Service (EPRS), which is aprogram designed to be used in the event ofemergencies, such as what recently occurred onthe West Atlas rig.Cheung is grateful to Neptune for allowing himinvolvement in day-to-day operations. Alreadyhe has assisted in wave checks on pipelinesfor the Pohokura gas fi elds operated by Shell,researched the structural integrity of the Roc“Neptune gets behind a lot of corporate events,such as the BRW Corporate Challenge for whichwe entered a team to take part in the triathlon.We’ll also defi nitely be entering a team in thisyear’s Rottnest Channel Swim as last year wemissed out entries by one week because ofexams.”Cheung has not negotiated further work withNeptune but is open to the possibility ofcontinuing with the company; alternatively, hemay travel overseas before settling intofull-time working life.No matter which direction he ends up taking,travel and adventures will no doubt make up partCheung’s future. Oh, and just for the record—thatdeath-defying bungee jump did cure his fear ofheights! ◆“Also, get as much vocation work as possiblebecause at the end of the day employers do lookat your grades and work history, so the more youhave the better chance of getting that job thatyou want down the track.”Cheung evidently follows his own advice. Aswell as initiating the joint industry projectbetween Neptune Marine and UWA for histhesis, he and another undergraduate engineerworking at Neptune have become involved inEngineers Australia’s new public awarenesscampaign, ‘Make it so’. The campaign isaimed at changing the way Australians thinkabout engineering and increasing communityawareness about engineering by getting thepublic involved.www.spe.orgPartying with friends.January/February 2010 SPE NEWS 15