Early Lessons from My First Weeks in the Field | Blog No. 93

Graduating in May 2025, I found myself wondering what industry my first engineering job would be in and whether I would even enjoy it once I got there. A few short months later, in August, I accepted a position with Macha PSM as a Process Safety Engineer.

Like many new grads, I wasn’t sure how quickly the theories and equations I studied in school would connect to real-world engineering. I worried the material might feel distant once I stepped into the field. But it has been a pleasant surprise to see how directly my coursework applies. Concepts such as material and energy balances, heat transfer, and lab experiences are not just classroom exercises. They have shown up again and again in my role as I continue learning about the ammonia refrigeration industry.

One of the most rewarding parts of this transition has been realizing how much my internship experience and senior-level classes prepared me. That foundation gave me the confidence to step into a full-time role and recognize familiar challenges, but from a new and more professional perspective.

I have especially enjoyed watching the simple refrigeration cycle I studied in school branch into countless real-world variations. No two facilities are quite the same. Each one strikes its own balance of efficiency, safety, and reliability. Seeing that range of approaches has given me a much deeper appreciation for the refrigeration industry and the engineering thought behind systems that at first glance might seem straightforward.

Another eye-opening area has been learning more about Process Safety Management (PSM). In college, I took a safety class, but it did not fully capture the depth or influence of PSM regulations. Out in the field, it is clear that PSM is not just about compliance. It fundamentally shapes how facilities are designed, operated, and maintained. Watching that play out in real time has been one of the most valuable lessons so far.

Looking back on these first weeks, I would describe the experience as both challenging and exciting. I have been able to apply what I learned in school, lean on my internship background, and begin building a broader understanding of how refrigeration systems and safety management intersect. I am eager to keep learning and to find new ways to contribute as I continue to grow in this role.

Stay Tuned!

Previous Blog: Keeping Ammonia Refrigeration Programs Efficient: Lessons from Operations | Blog No. 92

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