During his time at Mabanaft, Ollie proved invaluable, bringing a fresh perspective and unwavering dedication to the role. Since joining the company, his infectious enthusiasm has been evident and has driven exceptional results within his work.
Kamala Huseynova, from Mabanafts’ Commercial Logistics Centre, comments;
“Throughout Ollie’s internship at Mabanaft UK, he consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and excel in a fast-paced environment. With an impressive academic background and a genuine eagerness to learn, Ollie easily tackled complex challenges, fostering innovative solutions and positively contributing to all projects he participated in. “
What was the most challenging aspect of working in the fuel industry for Mabanaft UK?
As a newcomer to the fuel industry, Ollie faced the challenge of familiarising himself with this dynamic sector. Fortunately, he leaned on the support, guidance, and expertise of the Mabanaft team and his experienced colleagues, who played a vital role in Ollie's professional development. Despite the initial obstacles, Ollie emphasises
‘The internship provides endless opportunities to keep learning about the business and the industry, and there is never a time when you aren’t learning.’
How did the internship help to develop skills and knowledge?
While this departure marks the end of an incredible chapter, it also signifies a milestone in Ollie's professional journey. Ollie reflects on how his internship at Mabanaft UK played a vital role in his skill and knowledge development, stating,
"Despite being challenging at first with a lot of new information to learn, the skills and knowledge that I have developed at Mabanaft UK will allow me to become a unique candidate for future roles within the industry, especially at this early stage of my career."
Throughout Ollie’s time at Mabanaft, he broadened his knowledge of the sector and cultivated transferable skills such as strong business acumen, effective communication, and adaptability to dynamic environments. The internship provided a platform for Ollie to enhance his understanding of the fuel industry while fostering valuable skills that will undoubtedly contribute to future success.
What was particularly interesting and rewarding working for Mabanaft UK?
When asked about his experience working for Mabanaft, Ollie found his involvement in ensuring customs compliance to be particularly interesting and rewarding.
"I assisted with the HMRC audit, where we had to ensure our customs compliance procedures were thorough. Having completed this by producing customs procedures for the company’s import process, including the Inward Processing process, it was rewarding to know that I had improved the company’s procedures.”
This project allowed Ollie to broaden his network, collaborate with different departments, and make a tangible impact on the company's operations.
Culture at Mabanaft UK
The vibrant culture at Mabanaft UK has played a significant role in shaping Ollie's experience during his internship. Ollie states,
‘The company culture at Mabanaft UK is strong, and having had several other interns alongside my own, I felt that I had the support from colleagues of all different levels and backgrounds.’
Despite being a small office, Ollie had the opportunity to interact and become acquainted with nearly all employees, either through collaborative work or engaging in company social events. As a first-time corporate employee, the company's culture and emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance were of utmost importance to Ollie. Mabanaft truly delivered this in creating an environment that fostered both productivity and a sense of community.
Opportunities to collaborate with different departments at Mabanaft UK
Ollie's internship at Mabanaft UK has provided remarkable opportunities to collaborate with diverse departments, resulting in a rich and varied experience. Ollie expresses,
"The exposure I've had with various departments has been great, especially at this stage of my career where I am still seeking what role suits me."
While supporting the Operations team, Ollie interacted with departments such as Sales and Finance, broadening his understanding of the company's operations. His four-month stint with the LPG team also allowed him to gain valuable insights and contribute to analytical endeavours. Ollie also had the opportunity to work briefly with the Aviation team, acquiring a glimpse into their procedures. Furthermore, being invited to Hamburg by the Head of Logistics enabled him to collaborate with the Data Analytics, Risk Management, and New Energies teams for a week, further enriching their exposure. This diverse exposure to various departments has proven invaluable for Ollie, allowing him to explore and discern the role that best aligns with his career aspirations.
Applying Skills Gained from the Mabanaft UK Internship in the Final Year of University
Ollie is now gearing up to apply the valuable skills acquired during his internship as he enters his final year of university. Ollie expresses excitement over the prospect of utilising his knowledge of the commodities sector, with a particular focus on futures contracts and derivatives. These skills will undoubtedly prove instrumental when exploring various aspects of the subject in his coursework. Additionally, the profound understanding gained of the commodities sector during his time at Mabanaft has sparked Ollie's interest in considering it as a potential topic for his final year dissertation.
With the skills and experiences gained from his Mabanaft internship, Ollie is well-equipped to excel in his final year, utilising his knowledge of the commodities sector and fostering a collaborative work approach. The impact of Ollie's internship continues to resonate as he embarks on his academic journey, poised for success in his coursework and beyond.
What Mabanaft UK says
Clare Charlton, Head of Sales & Marketing, says,
"We would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to Ollie for his exceptional contributions during his internship with us. Ollie's dedication and commitment have left a lasting impact on our team and organisation as a whole. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours and have no doubt that he will achieve great success.
At Mabanaft, we firmly believe in nurturing the talent of young professionals like Ollie, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing transformative experiences and cultivating a culture of innovation and excellence."