Ernst Beeslaar

My Graduate Story

My name is Ernst Beeslaar and I graduated from University of Birmingham with an MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering.

As the Site Chemist, which is a role that's newly introduced within the company, my primary responsibility is to test and analyse waste streams brought onto site. This analytical work plays a crucial role in determining how each waste stream is managed, treated, or disposed of.

I work closely with the Technically Competent Manager (TCM), sales, operations team to ensure all incoming and pre-accepted wastes are assessed for compliance, compatibility, and treatment suitability. My role directly supports safe handling practices, regulatory compliance, and the efficient running of our tank farm and treatment processes.

A Day in my Life

My working hours are 8-5 Monday-Friday.

When I get to work I always begin by updating the tank farm inventory spreadsheet and ensuring it aligns with the manual whiteboard log maintained by the Technically Competent Manager (TCM). I then review the daily operations update email, which outlines site activities, tanker movements, and any critical alerts for the day. Following this, I have a daily briefing with the TCM to discuss the planned treatment schedule for the tank farms and identify which waste streams require chemical analysis or compatibility checks.

Throughout the day, I handle a range of tasks, including:

• Conducting external acceptance tests on incoming waste tankers as part of the site's waste acceptance procedure.
• Performing pre-acceptance analysis on waste samples sent in by clients to determine if they are suitable for processing on-site, and if so, advising on the correct waste management strategy.
• Logging results, updating waste tracking systems, and assisting with the classification and documentation of hazardous waste streams.

At the end of the day, I ensure that:

• The tank farm records are current and accurate.
• All laboratory equipment is cleaned and safely shut down.

This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and constant communication with the operations team to ensure that all waste is handled in a safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible manner.

My Journey

I started actively thinking about my next steps about a year before graduating from the University of Birmingham. Because of my degree, my initial goal was to secure a graduate chemical engineering position. I applied to a number of graduate schemes, but I also knew how competitive the field was, so I kept my options open.

At the same time, I began reaching out to recruitment consultants on LinkedIn and uploaded my CV to multiple recruitment agency websites to increase my visibility.

Eventually, that led me to my current role as a Site Chemist at Yellowstone Environmental Solutions. It's not the traditional chemical engineering route I initially had in mind, but it allows me to apply my technical background in a practical, hands-on way — and it's given me great experience in compliance, analytical testing, and real-world problem solving.

This role will no doubt help me to reach my long-term goal to becoming a Charted engineering at the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).

My Birmingham Experience

The learning experience on my course at the University of Birmingham gave me a solid foundation in both the technical and problem-solving aspects of chemical and environmental engineering. The mix of theory and lab-based practicals really helped me build the analytical skills I now use daily in my role as a Site Chemist.

Modules on topics like chemical process safety, waste treatment, and environmental regulation were especially relevant. They gave me the background knowledge to understand the risks and responsibilities that come with handling hazardous materials, and how to assess and manage them safely and effectively.

Beyond the academic content, the course also trained me to think critically, interpret data, and communicate technical information clearly — all of which are vital in my current role, whether I'm reporting lab results or advising on waste treatment strategies. It also prepared me to work in a multidisciplinary team, which is a big part of what I do now.

Birmingham's Impact

The University's Careers Network played a useful role in preparing me for my career. They helped me polish my CV, and gave me advice on how to tailor applications to specific roles in the environmental and chemical sectors. I also attended a few employer events and careers fairs they organised, which helped me understand what companies were looking for and how to position myself more effectively.

While I took a lot of initiative on my own — especially in reaching out to recruiters and posting my CV online — the support from the Careers Network gave me the tools and confidence to approach the job search strategically

My Achievements

One of my biggest achievements during my course was securing and completing an internship with Severn Trent. It gave me hands-on experience in the water industry and allowed me to apply what I'd learned in lectures to real-world operations. I worked on a live project involving process optimisation, and I gained a deeper understanding of environmental compliance and large-scale treatment systems. It was a great confidence boost.

Advice for Students

Start early — Don't wait until after graduation to figure things out. I started exploring options about a year before finishing my degree, and that head start made a big difference in understanding what roles were out there.

Be proactive and visible — Reach out to recruitment consultants on LinkedIn, go to networking events, and get your CV onto multiple job platforms. Don't be afraid to follow up or message people directly — that's often how opportunities come up.

Be open-minded — Your first job might not be your dream role or exactly what you expected, but it can still offer valuable experience. My current role as a Site Chemist wasn't something I had initially considered, but it's turned out to be a great fit and a solid foundation for my career.

Use university resources — Careers services can help more than you think, especially with CV advice and interview prep.

Stay patient and persistent — The job search process takes time, and rejection is part of it. Keep learning from each application or interview and don't get discouraged.