George Frank

After completing a BSc in Chemistry, George Frank progressed onto the MSc Corrosion Control Engineering course at The University of Manchester; he now works as a Senior Corrosion and Integrity Engineer working on Talisman Energy assets in the North Sea and tells us about why he chose to complete his MSc and about his experiences post graduation.

I chose the MSc Corrosion Control Engineering (specialising in Cathodic Protection under Prof David Scantlebury) to give me more technical depth in understanding of corrosion, metallurgy and integrity engineering issues.

I had made a search of similar schools and universities around the world but The University of Manchester stood out in terms of its excellent ratings and preponderance of its alumni in various senior engineering and management positions around the world. It is also an acclaimed centre of excellence for research in asset integrity, metallurgy and corrosion engineering issues.

The benefits of the course have been really great; even while I was on the course I got a better understanding of the engineering principles I had experienced earlier in my career. Right now this helps me in my day to day career as I apply advanced theoretical principles acquired to make engineering decisions as they affect asset integrity.

On the social side, living in Owens Park and attending "the Bop" were some of the highlights of my time in Manchester!

So what are you doing now?

I am a Senior Corrosion and Integrity Engineer working on Talisman Energy assets in the North Sea. I am responsible for the running of corrosion, inspection and integrity management issues of some Talisman Energy North Sea platforms. The work is quite fast paced and unpredictable and I have new issues to deal with each day, I enjoy the work though it involves lots of long hours and trips offshore.

Over the next couple of years, I plan to continue plugging away on technical engineering issues around the world and may move on to a facilities management role in the future.

How do you think your study at The University of Manchester has helped you in your career?

My study in the Corrosion and Protection research group in the School prepared me for my work, as I acquired the advanced training and knowledge to understand intricate corrosion, metallurgical and integrity engineering issues. I was able to further hone my skills to ask critical questions and reasoning as per resolving engineering problems. To study in a multicultural city and university as Manchester opened me up to meeting and working with people of diverse backgrounds.

Do you have any final tips or advice for students looking to study a similar subject to you?

I would advise them to ask themselves these critical questions: Where do I want to be five years from now? What skills and knowledge would I acquire from studying [this] course at The University of Manchester? Do I have the wherewithal to adapt and agglomerate these skills and knowledge further?

I would also advise that prospective students align themselves with their professional associations while still at university as this offers great opportunities for networking and understanding of future work or business roles.

Finally, a critical concept of success in life, either at university or at work, is time management and planning; I would recommend that students start early to practise this in their daily lives.