Personal stories
Ronald, Process Engineer
Ronald Verrips
Position: Process Engineer Manufacturing Polypropylenes, since April 2003
Education: Chemical Engineering, Utrecht Institute of Technology (HTS).
Chemical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology
Introduction via internship
'I fulfilled my HTS internship at the Low Density Polyethylenes plants, which in 1998 were still owned by DSM. I really liked it: the coaching was good, I was allowed to work independently and was given relatively many responsibilities. This internship really laid the foundation for choosing SABIC later on.'
Why SABIC?
'I replied to SABIC's very first advertisement, right after the takeover, and I was taken on. SABIC is a relatively large player in the global market, although it's not so big in Europe yet. That will change however, because our company wants to expand considerably. We want to be Europe's number one. That very much appeals to me; there are more than enough challenges. Also, the atmosphere at work is very pleasant and the initial training you receive is extremely good. They give you plenty of time to learn about the processes. I started off as a short-term process engineer (troubleshooter), and presently I'm a long-term process engineer; I am project leader for matters such as safety, productivity, product quality and cost position.'
Career opportunities?
'SABIC offers many career opportunities. A year and a half after starting employment, your performance is assessed and, if necessary, your profile will be adjusted. Once you've been employed for about three years, your first Management Development report is drawn up. This report lays down your career planning.''
Training and personal development
'Everyone in the technology process starts with a number of safety training courses. I've also attended a basic management course and early next year I'll be starting a middle management course to prepare me for a managerial position. And each year, you also draw up an Integral Performance Management plan for your personal development. This is an instrument which enables you to stipulate your objectives and to continue to progress in accordance with expectations.'
How Western is the company?
'Before I started working for SABIC, I did think about the fact that it is a company of Saudi origin. However, SABIC Europe runs an entirely independent business in Europe and it is a truly Western company.'
