Lynda Koffi

Find out how studying at the University of Birmingham helped Lynda achieve her career goals.
  • Lynda giving a talk during a presentation

    My Graduate Story

    My name is Lynda Koffi and I completed a Msc Advanced Chemical Engineering with Energy at the University of Birmingham.

    I am currently working as a Graduate Process Engineer at TotalEnergies, a global integrated multi-energy company where I have so far had the opportunity to work on various projects that align with the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability.

A Day in my Life

A typical day for me starts with the inevitable task of reviewing emails (the boring but necessary ritual we all look forward to, haha!) and prioritizing my agenda for the day. My work often includes: Running simulations using ProII, Reviewing Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) as needed, Initiating and following up on Management of Change (MOC) procedures, Monitoring key process parameters for specific units, Developing tools like an Excel file for hydrogen mass balances or updating the refinery’s mass balance mapping, Attending biweekly meetings with my mentor and manager to discuss progress, challenges, and plans for the day or week.

Other activities include monitoring test runs, analysing data, writing memos and reports, and collaborating with colleagues from various departments such as project, process, safety, control, and operations. It’s a dynamic routine that keeps me engaged and focused on achieving project goals.

 

My Journey to TotalEnergies

After completing my MSc in Chemical Engineering and Energy at the University of Birmingham in September 2021, I initially considered staying in the UK for further studies, as I was interested in Energy Economics & Markets, or applying for the graduate route visa to explore job opportunities. However, due to uncertainties and the potential risk of not finding a job within the visa period, I decided to pursue studies and opportunities in France, which offered more advantages for my situation at the time.

This led me to pursue a second Master's in Energy Economics & Sustainable Development at the University of Grenoble Alpes, which complemented my technical background and deepened my understanding of the economic aspects of the energy sector.

As part of this program, I secured a 6-month end-of-study internship with TotalEnergies in the Gas and Renewable Power department. And the rest, as they say, is history—my journey with the company continues to this day.

After my six-month internship with the Gas, Power & Renewables Branch of the company, I joined OneTech, the technical branch of the company, for a two-year graduate program during which I have gained valuable experience in process optimization, project management, and technical analysis. During this two-year journey, I completed three rotations, each lasting eight months, across different technical roles and departments within TotalEnergies. This program provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the company's operations and allowed me to develop a diverse skill set.

In my first rotation, I worked within the Research & Development (R&D) department, alongside a team focusing on integrated assessments for more sustainable projects. My responsibilities included conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study to evaluate the environmental impacts that could result from producing heat from both biomethane and synthetic methane at one of our existing Biogas plant facilities, BioBearn (located in Mourenx, southern France).

During my second rotation, I worked with the Water Management Team, a key OneTech player focused on enhancing water efficiency in the company's industrial projects and sites while aligning with TotalEnergies' 2030 Water Ambition. My work centred on developing a water mass balance for a Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant in Saint-Avold, northern France, and analysing opportunities to optimize water consumption both technically and economically.

My third rotation brought me to the Project Development Team at Port Arthur Refinery, one of the company's most challenging facilities located in Texas, USA. Here, I am contributing to a Fuel Gas Minimization & Flaring Reduction Project alongside an inspiring and passionate lead project/process engineer whose mentoring has been invaluable in helping me navigate complex technical, operational, and environmental challenges. In this role, I have worked on optimizing hydrogen and fuel gas balances to reduce flaring, coordinating run tests for hydrotreating units, and managing change processes to ensure risk compliance and proper documentation. This experience has allowed me to apply my technical knowledge to real-world challenges, enhancing my problem-solving skills and deepening my understanding of refinery operations.

As my graduate program comes to an end, I am thrilled to soon be transitioning into a permanent role as a Process Engineer at OneTech, specializing in Offshore Studies. This dynamic position will provide me with valuable insights into offshore project development while integrating energy-saving and CO2 management practices. The role involves conducting feasibility, conceptual, pre-project, and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) studies for both greenfield and brownfield oil and gas developments. My key responsibilities will include process simulations, equipment sizing, preparing process deliverables, recommending technical solutions, and presenting results during process peer reviews or project reviews. I look forward to this next chapter!

 

My Birmingham Experience

The learning experience during my MSc in Chemical Engineering and Energy at the University of Birmingham was instrumental in preparing me for my career. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the course provided a robust foundation in both theoretical knowledge and collaborative skills, which have been invaluable in my professional journey.

Firstly, the curriculum was comprehensive and covered a wide range of topics, from advanced chemical engineering principles to energy systems and sustainability. This broad scope allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the technical aspects of the energy sector, which is crucial for my role at TotalEnergies. The modules on process simulation and optimization, for instance, equipped me with the skills to analyse and improve industrial processes, a key part of my job as a Process Engineer.

Moreover, the course emphasized collaborative learning through group projects and virtual teamwork. These experiences were essential in bridging the gap between theory and real-world application. Working on projects that simulated actual industrial challenges helped me develop problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and creatively. These are skills I rely on daily in my current role, whether I'm conducting feasibility studies or optimizing process designs.

The collaborative nature of the course also played a significant role in my professional development. Group projects and teamwork were integral parts of the program, teaching me how to work effectively with others, communicate ideas clearly, and manage time efficiently. These experiences have been particularly beneficial in my current role, where collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential for project success.

Additionally, the course's focus on sustainability and energy transition aligned perfectly with my career goals and the strategic objectives of TotalEnergies. Understanding the importance of reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency has been crucial in my work on projects aimed at supporting the energy transition. The knowledge I gained about renewable energy technologies and life cycle assessments has been directly applicable to my tasks at TotalEnergies, such as analysing the environmental impact of various projects and developing strategies for sustainability.

The best aspects of my MSc in Chemical Engineering and Energy at the University of Birmingham were the comprehensive curriculum, the focus on sustainability, and the collaborative learning environment. The curriculum covered a wide range of topics, providing a deep understanding of the energy sector. The emphasis on sustainability aligned perfectly with my career goals, and the collaborative projects helped me develop valuable teamwork and communication skills. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, these elements made my course both enriching and rewarding. And of course, kudos to the extensive library resources!

In summary, the learning experience at the University of Birmingham provided me with a solid technical foundation, collaborative skills, and a strong sense of purpose, all of which have been essential in preparing me for my career. The course not only equipped me with the knowledge needed to excel in my role but also instilled a commitment to contributing to the energy transition and sustainability goals of TotalEnergies.

Birmingham's Impact

While I did not extensively use the University's support services, such as the Careers Network, I am aware of the valuable resources they offer to students. These services provide career guidance, workshops, networking events, and visa support, which can be incredibly beneficial for students navigating the job market. I highly recommend that students take full advantage of these resources to enhance their career prospects.

For me, the most impactful experience was the Master's Campus-Based Internship program. This program allowed me to engage in a campus-based internship as part of my Master's in Chemical Engineering and Energy at the University of Birmingham. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Master's Campus-Based Internship provided a unique opportunity to work on projects directly related to my field of study. During my Master's Campus-Based Internship, I supervised a team of five engineering students to solve a real-life engineering challenge encountered by Severn Trent, a water and wastewater treatment company that provides services in the UK, the US, mainland Europe, and the Middle East. Our goal was to improve sustainability at a wastewater treatment plant by reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from the ammonia recovery unit. I chaired meetings, provided guidance to team members, distributed tasks, and maintained cohesion and communication within the team. We proposed and designed a solution that combined ammonia recovery from diverted digestate liquor for use alongside biomethane in a solid oxide fuel cell system for implementation at the wastewater treatment plant. This experience was instrumental in preparing me for my career by providing practical experience, enhancing my problem-solving abilities, and allowing me to collaborate with industry professionals. It also played a crucial role in securing my end-of-study internship at TotalEnergies, which further solidified my career path in the energy sector.

In summary, while I did not extensively use the University's support services, I recognize their importance and encourage students to utilize them. For me, the Master's Campus-Based Internship program was a key factor in preparing me for my career, providing valuable hands-on experience and industry connections.

 

My Achievements 

My biggest achievement was probably getting through the Covid situation without collapsing, haha! All jokes aside, my most significant accomplishment during my MSc in Chemical Engineering and Energy at the University of Birmingham was leading a project that tackled a real-life engineering challenge as part of the Masters Campus-Based Internship. I’m particularly proud of taking my team to victory in the competition between all teams for the best project proposed to Severn Trent, and we won!

 

Advice for Students

Well, I'd say:

  • Strategically Showcase Your Passion and Skills: When applying for jobs, highlight your passion for the role and emphasize your transferable and soft skills, even if you lack experience. Explain how your degree and personal attributes can add value to the company.

  • Optimize Your LinkedIn. I think it is a must-have today. Use your LinkedIn account effectively by following or connecting with professionals in roles you're interested in. Don't hesitate to message them for advice or insights. Feel free to connect with me too—I'm always happy to help answer questions.

  • Be Ready to Read and Analyse: Some jobs, like mine, require reading large documents and analysing complex information. If that's not something you enjoy, it’s worth considering roles better suited to your preferences. Sharpen your Excel and VBA skills, as they are essential for analysing data in many fields today, particularly technical ones.

  • Keep Developing Critical Thinking and Curiosity: University often hones critical thinking and analytical skills, but keep improving them. Stay curious—talk to people in and outside your field to discover opportunities and broaden your understanding. Often, you don’t know what’s possible until someone introduces you to new ideas or perspectives.

  • Make Use of Your Resources: Take full advantage of your university’s career centre. It’s included in your fees, so make the most of the resources available to you.

  • Stay Resilient and Avoid Comparisons: The job market can be tough. It might be easier for some and harder for others, but don’t let that discourage you. Focus on your strengths and remember that your degree is a powerful springboard. Don’t doubt yourself—it’s key to staying on track and succeeding.

  • Commit to Lifelong Learning: Continuous learning is essential. While university provides a foundation, the real world offers countless resources to expand your knowledge. Keep growing and evolving. Learning doesn’t end with graduation—it’s a lifelong journey. Be curious, keep learning, and stay confident. Your path might not look like anyone else’s, but with persistence and an open mind, you’ll find success. Best of luck, folks!