Throughout her time Elisha has consistently demonstrated dedication, hard work, and a positive attitude. Her contributions have been nothing short of exceptional, always delivered with an evident passion for her work. We take immense pride in witnessing the remarkable growth and progress Elisha has achieved during her internship, and we are confident that she is destined for great success in her future endeavours.
Rena Tegala, National Accounts Manager at Mabanaft UK, comments;
‘’Throughout her internship at Mabanaft UK, witnessing Elisha's journey has made me so proud. Her passion for learning and genuine desire to contribute to all aspects of her work has been truly inspiring. Not only that, but she has also been incredibly helpful to her colleagues, always going the extra mile to lend a hand and support the team. With such a combination of eagerness, dedication, and helpfulness, there's no doubt that she will go far in whichever path she chooses to pursue."
What was the most challenging aspect of working in the Energy Industry for Mabanaft UK?
As Elisha embarked on her journey in the energy industry at Mabanaft UK, she faced the challenge of immersing herself in the intricacies of this ever-evolving sector. Armed with basic fundamentals learned during her university course, she stepped into Mabanaft with a glimpse of knowledge about oil as a commodity. However, the reality of the energy industry surpassed her expectations, presenting her with a vast amount of information to absorb. The fast-paced nature of the industry, driven by market volatility, added another layer of complexity to her experience.
Elisha states ‘’ I discovered that every day in my internship was an opportunity to learn something new. Every question I ask makes me think of even more questions, proving how much there is to know!"
How did the internship help to develop skills and knowledge?
During her time as an intern at Mabanaft, Elisha has honed a diverse set of skills that will undoubtedly benefit her in her final year of university and beyond, as she ventures into her professional career. The experience has provided her with invaluable industry-specific knowledge, particularly regarding market instability and its impact on commodities, and also allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of the economic concepts she studies in her lectures.
Elisha has strengthened her transferable skills, most notably communication and multitasking. The nature of the energy industry, especially at Mabanaft, necessitates collaboration with colleagues across different departments, making effective communication crucial in ensuring alignment and productivity.
She remarks, "A skill that I have improved during my time at Mabanaft, is definitely my multitasking ability, as you are constantly working on a range of things at one time. I am happy with how I have successfully and diligently kept on top of all of my tasks."
What was particularly interesting and rewarding working for Mabanaft UK?
"Although I have enjoyed all projects, the most memorable one for me will be the commercial lifting compliance task I completed in the first few weeks at Mabanaft
This task provided me with valuable hands-on experience and a profound insight into commercial perspectives, empowering me with newfound knowledge to excel in my career.”
Culture at Mabanaft UK
The supportive and friendly culture at Mabanaft UK has played a significant role in shaping Elisha's journey during her internship. Elisha states,
‘The Front Office Team are a perfect example of the company culture for me. They have welcomed me in and supported me in every way they can, including answering my daily hundreds of questions I seem to have! They have taken time out of their day to train me and share their own in-depth knowledge of this industry which I am incredibly grateful for.’
The willingness of all employees to provide guidance and share their expertise exemplifies the supportive nature of Mabanaft UK, creating an environment where interns like Elisha can thrive and grow.
Opportunities to collaborate with different departments at Mabanaft UK
For Elisha, the opportunities for collaboration with different departments at Mabanaft have been both abundant and indispensable. Working in Front Office provided the opportunity of collaborating with almost all teams at Mabanaft. Whether it be dealing with invoices for Finance, participating in daily meetings with Operations and Supply, or providing reports to Risk, Elisha's role in the Front Office has allowed her to engage regularly with a diverse range of teams—an experience that might be less common in larger corporations.
This level of cross-functional collaboration has proven to be a significant factor in Elisha's internship journey. She emphasises,
"This was particularly important to me when applying for internships. I wanted to work for a company where I could work with different teams more closely and keep my options open when it comes to searching for a future position that is best suited for me."
The collaborative environment at Mabanaft has surpassed her expectations, providing her with a wealth of knowledge and the chance to gain insight into various aspects of the business.
Applying Skills Gained from the Mabanaft UK Internship in the Final Year of University
During her internship at Mabanaft, Elisha has acquired a diverse set of skills and a unique wealth of knowledge that will significantly impact her academic pursuits. As she reflects on her experience, she shares,
"During my time at Mabanft and the diverse skills I have aquired, I am now very likely to pick modules based loosely around this industry in my final year, as I have gained a keen interest in this sector."
Her time at Mabanaft has sparked a genuine enthusiasm for the Energy Industry, leading her to consider aligning her university course with topics related to this dynamic sector.
Elisha's time at Mabanaft has proven to be more than just an internship; it has been an inspiring journey that has influenced her academic choices and career aspirations, guiding her towards a path of continued growth and success in the energy industry.
What Mabanaft UK says
Clare Charlton, Head of Sales & Marketing, says,
"We would like to express our deepest appreciation to Elisha for her outstanding dedication and remarkable commitment throughout her time with us. We wish her all the best for her final year, and have full confidence in her success and look forward to seeing her future progression in the industry."