Matt Zahra, Middle office, Product Control Team Lead, at Mabanaft UK, comments;

“Lok has been an absolute joy to work with during her time here. Always eager to learn, quick to adapt, and brought a fresh perspective to the team. It's been a privilege to witness Lok’s growth; her hard work and dedication have impacted our projects, and we'll miss her positive attitude and the energy she brought to the office. We wish Lok all the best in her future endeavours, and we know she’ll go on to achieve great things!”

What was the most challenging aspect of working in the Energy Industry for Mabanaft UK?

Throughout her time at Mabanaft, Lok’s thirst for knowledge and determination to overcome challenges have driven her professional growth. Lok consistently approached her challenges enthusiastically and determinedly and triumphed over what she found difficult. Lok stated

“During my internship at Mabanaft, I encountered various challenges, including grasping the intricacies of the methodologies used in the current risk P&L. However, through the support of the UK team, I turned these into valuable learning opportunities which will help me progress in my career.”

How did the internship help to develop skills and knowledge?

Lok’s time at Mabanaft has been a transformative experience, equipping her with a combination of specialised knowledge and invaluable skills, setting her on a path of continued growth and success in her academic and professional journey. Lok states,

“Through receiving hands-on training, I have gained a deeper understanding of how the business operates and how Mabanaft handles its risk, which goes beyond what is typically found in textbooks. Collaborating with experienced colleagues in the commodities market has been invaluable, as they generously shared their insights and perspectives, providing me with a wealth of knowledge as I take my first steps into the working environment.”

Her dedication and enthusiasm to learn have led her to comprehend the complexities of risk management and develop strong problem-solving abilities, practical communication skills, and an aptitude for collaborating in a team setting.

What was particularly interesting and rewarding working for Mabanaft UK?

When reflecting on her experience working for Mabanaft, Lok expressed particular satisfaction from her involvement in ensuring customs compliance.

“One of the most rewarding projects during my time at Mabanaft was conducting a comprehensive analysis of product lifting by our airline customers across four seasons, using Power BI. Gaining insights from the data and offering actionable recommendations to enhance operations was a fulfilling project to take part.”

This project allowed Lok to expand her professional network, collaborate with various departments, and create a tangible impact on the company's operations.

Culture at Mabanaft UK 

Lok experienced the friendly and supportive culture at Mabanaft UK, and despite English not being her first language, she felt warmly welcomed and embraced by the team, receiving valuable support throughout her time with the company. This atmosphere encouraged her to actively participate in the team's dynamic and collaborative environment. 

“The colleagues at Mabanaft were exceptionally friendly and always willing to answer my questions, which boosted my confidence in seeking assistance. Mabanaft also held various out of office activities that provided opportunities to interact with other colleagues in a more relaxed setting, helping to alleviate stress and create a more enjoyable work environment.”

Opportunities to collaborate with different departments at Mabanaft UK

Lok's internship at Mabanaft UK has provided varied opportunities to collaborate with divisions, resulting in a rich and multifaceted experience. Lok expresses that this hands-on engagement has broadened her knowledge and honed her skills, making it an invaluable and rewarding journey. Lok expresses

“Throughout my time at Mabanaft, I had numerous opportunities to collaborate with different departments, including trading. Spending time with each team strengthened our collective efforts and significantly deepened my understanding of the overall energy sector within Mabanaft.”

Applying Skills Gained from the Mabanaft UK Internship in the Final Year of University

Lok is now preparing to apply the skills acquired during her internship as she enters her final year of university. Lok expresses her excitement to utilise her knowledge of the commodities sector, with a particular focus on data processing.

“During my time at Mabanaft, I seized the opportunity to enhance my data processing abilities through Excel, learn the intricacies of Python, and gain proficiency in data visualisation through a Power BI training course. As I embark on my final year at university, these newfound skills will undoubtedly prove to be invaluable assets in my academic pursuits."

What Mabanaft UK says

Clare Charlton, Head of Sales & Marketing, says,

“We are filled with immense pride for Lok and the exceptional accomplishments she achieved during her time with us. Her presence and unwavering work ethic have been admired by her colleagues. As she moves forward to explore new horizons, we express our gratitude for her remarkable contributions to our team. Lok will always find a warm welcome awaiting her at Mabanaft UK, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing the brilliance that lies ahead in all her future endeavours."