Story by Kayla VonBurg-King
Olivia Marque, a rising junior chemical engineering major, recently completed a co-operative education (co-op) experience at ExxonMobil’s chemical plant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As a Technical Intern, the Marrero, Louisiana native was immersed in a hands-on role that allowed her to collaborate closely with seasoned technical engineers, focusing on manufacturing processes and optimizations.
Marque’s journey to ExxonMobil began unexpectedly when a recruiter visited the University of Mississippi. Despite having a lab at the same time, Mike Gill, Professor of Practice in Chemical Engineering, strongly encouraged Marque to make it work. This meeting kicked off a series of events that culminated in her co-op position. “I thought nothing was going to come of it after I met the recruiter,” she said. “But, I got an email from Mike the next day saying they wanted to interview me.” The rest was history, and Marque soon began at ExxonMobil.
Marque’s responsibilities included ensuring the precision of operational specifications and troubleshooting process-related issues. Her role was vital in maintaining the integrity of the production process, as she worked on projects centered around process improvements and optimizing alarms to enhance safety and efficiency.
The experience intensified when, just three weeks into her co-op, her mentor was called overseas on assignment for ExxonMobil, leaving Marque to manage her responsibilities. “For two months, I was essentially the process contact engineer. It was a stressful but incredibly rewarding experience, knowing I was responsible for an entire unit and ensuring our products were made correctly,” Marque shared.
(Submitted photo)
Throughout her year at ExxonMobil, from August 2023 to May 2024, Marque received academic credit while participating in her co-op. This structure allowed her to dive deep into the field of chemical engineering, affirming her passion and commitment to her major. “It helped me see there is so much you can do with a chemical engineering degree. I am excited to see what all is out there,” she said.
Reflecting on her initial fears, Marque admitted to feeling overwhelmed by her lack of experience. “I only had two years of school under my belt and was anxious about not knowing enough. But that fear dissipated as I realized that engineering is all about problem-solving and learning on the job,” she stated.
Marque also highlighted the supportive community at ExxonMobil, which helped her transition from academic theory to practical application. “The first meeting sounded like gibberish to me, but within a month, I was up to speed. The key is not being afraid to ask questions and learn from those around you,” she added.
This co-op experience not only enhanced Marque’s technical skills but also allowed her to forge valuable industry connections, setting a robust foundation for her future career in chemical engineering.
For more information on co-ops in the School of Engineering, please visit https://engineering.olemiss.edu/current-co-ops/.