LyondellBasell Millennial Engineer Shares Perspective on Engineering and Industry
July 19, 2019
Female mentor helps make the transition into male-dominated industry easier
MORRIS, Ill. – July 19, 2019 –Aymara Janes, a process engineer at LyondellBasell, always knew her career would be based in the math and science world but when she graduated from Duke University, she wasn’t sure in which direction she would go. Armed with a chemistry degree, Janes didn’t stray far from the classroom after college, spending a year as a high school science teacher before eventually going back to school to earn her masters in engineering.
“One of the cool things about this industry is there is always improvement and ways to get better,” Janes said. “So, if you want to join an industry that keeps you on your toes and challenges you every step of the way, definitely look into it!”
A co-op program brought Janes to LyondellBasell and her eventual full-time position as an olefins engineer. As a co-op student, Janes was able to receive on-the-job training while obtaining academic credit. She believes this experience was valuable and credits her time as a co-op to helping her learn the industry, language and culture of manufacturing.
“I travelled to our La Porte, Texas and Lake Charles, Louisiana sites to learn more about our products, something I had never done before,” Janes said. “That was the foundation to the start of my curiosity in this industry and I knew I made the right decision to pursue my dream.”
Although STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education is changing the face of manufacturing, the field of engineering is still very much male-dominated. Janes appreciates the interactions and guidance provided by seasoned female professionals who reached out to her.
“A female mentor personally helped me grow and learn and continues to do so as I advance in my career,” Janes said. “I plan to do the same for others one day to really help pave the way for the next generation of female colleagues.”
Concerned about sustainability, Janes wanted to work for a global corporation that was conscious of their environmental footprint. LyondellBasell recently helped create the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, a first-ever international coalition to find market-based solutions to ending plastic waste in the environment.
“I am proud of the proactive conversation and action LyondellBasell is taking around sustainability, recycling and innovation around plastic waste. It is important to me as an employee, and I take a great deal of pride around our involvement.”
Currently working on her Masters of Business Administration, Janes is focused on the future.
“The best advice I have received is to always believe you are capable of doing anything you set your mind to,” Janes said. “Then do it.”
About LyondellBasell
LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world. Driven by its employees around the globe, LyondellBasell produces materials and products that are key to advancing solutions to modern challenges like enhancing food safety through lightweight and flexible packaging, protecting the purity of water supplies through stronger and more versatile pipes, improving the safety, comfort and fuel efficiency of many of the cars and trucks on the road, and ensuring the safe and effective functionality in electronics and appliances. LyondellBasell sells products into more than 100 countries and is the world's largest producer of polymer compounds and the largest licensor of polyolefin technologies. In 2018, LyondellBasell was named to Fortune magazine’s list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies.” More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com.
About LyondellBasell’s Morris Complex
With approximately 400 employees and contractors work on the site which covers an area of almost 700 acres. Using natural gas liquids as a feedstock, the plant manufactures ethylene, the world’s most widely-used petrochemical, which is then converted into polyethylene plastic resins. These resins serve as building blocks for countless products that provide the necessities of modern life, such as leak-proof and shatter-proof containers for industrial and household chemicals, packaging that protects our food from spoilage and contamination, and children's toys that are safe and durable. LyondellBasell is one of the largest producers of ethylene and polyethylene in North America.
Media Contact: Megan Borchers O: 815-942-7474 C. 815-210-1980 megan.borchers@lyb.com