Luke graduated from Bristol with a Mechanical Engineering degree and now works at INEOS on the Commercial Graduate Programme. We recently caught up with Luke to hear about his experience working for INEOS and his advice for students who are starting their career.
Hi I’m Luke,
I graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, but it didn’t take me long to realise that a traditional engineering career wasn’t quite what I was aiming for. While I was at Bristol, I explored various fields through different internships. Each role gave me a new perspective and showed me how the engineering world operates beyond the technical aspects. By the time I finished my degree, I knew I wanted to combine my engineering background with a focus on business and strategy.
What I do at INEOS
I joined the commercial graduate programme in 2021 and am now on my second rotation of the programme, currently working as a Product Manager with INEOS Acetyls. My role is quite varied and keeps me on my toes. I handle everything from managing supply chains to analysing market trends and working on strategic plans. My job is cross-functional, so I spend a lot of time collaborating with different departments to ensure our products meet market demands and stay competitive.
A typical day might involve discussing market trends with the sales team, managing cash flow with finance, or brainstorming new supply chain solutions for our customers. It’s a great mix of analytical work and strategic thinking, making the job both challenging and rewarding.
Before this, my first rotation on the graduate programme was based at the Grangemouth site, where I worked for two years in procurement for engineering services and materials. While a commercial role, it was heavily focused on supporting the operational side of the business, ensuring that the engineering teams had the resources they needed to keep the site running smoothly. It was a hands-on experience that taught me the intricacies of supply chain management and the critical role procurement plays in large-scale industrial operations.
Why the commercial graduate programme?
I chose the commercial graduate programme as I wanted to combine the engineering and energy world with a more business focussed career. The programme also offered the opportunity to move around and live in any number of different cities/countries whilst completing your rotations.
A hallmark of the programme is the variety of jobs you can get involved in early on in your career. Over the course of the programme you are given three different roles, each one lasting 1 to 2 years. This set up allows you to explore a range of areas while also developing a deeper understanding in each one. You’re encouraged to seize every opportunity and make the most of what comes your way.
There is a great network of current and legacy graduates spread across Europe that you can develop relationships with. This is a great chance to learn more about the different businesses in the Group and get tips on what sort of job, business, or country you might want to try next!
Why INEOS?
As a private owned company, with flat hierarchies, decisions are made quickly creating a very dynamic and exciting place to work. What stands out about working at INEOS is the level of responsibility you’re given from the start. The work you do and the projects you handle have a real impact on business performance and development. This hands-on approach is a core part of INEOS’s culture, which encourages you to take initiative and drive results.
Moreover, INEOS is a global company, so there are many opportunities for career growth and development. The company supports you in exploring different roles and advancing your career.
If you’re interested in learning more about what INEOS has to offer, check out the graduate careers website. It’s full of information on how you can kickstart your career with them.
What advice would you give to students looking for a graduate role?
When searching for a graduate role, it’s essential to be open to exploring different fields and industries, even those outside your initial area of study. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone often, the roles that challenge you the most are the ones that help you grow the fastest. Finally, look for companies that offer real responsibility and opportunities for growth from the start. This will allow you to make a tangible impact early on in your career.
To find out more about INEOS graduate opportunities visit INEOS graduate careers website.
Career options and planning
- Exploring career options: a step-by-step guide for exploring your career options.
- Research sectors and employers: advice on researching careers you are interested in online, by talking to people and trying it out. Includes our comprehensive sector guides.
