Interview with Claudia Pizarro Milla - Universidad de Antofagasta - Chile

Tell us about your background.

I graduated in 1999 from Colegio San Esteban de Antofagasta, unsure which engineering to study; at that time there wasn't much information about the types of degree and what their field was, unlike today. I entered the Chemical Execution Engineering degree at Universidad de Antofagasta, since it was related to metallic and non-metallic mining processes, that is, caliche and copper processes (in my time the degree was more advanced in non-metallic mining, salts). I spent 5 years working at mining sites and finally I am in the city practicing my career.

What satisfactions has your career given you? And what disappointments?

I developed as a professional in the field of Quality, today I have the ability to implement quality systems in private and public companies, perform internal audits, etc.; on the other hand, I was also supervising a plant with people under my charge, I think the degree allows you to develop in many areas.

What led you to study Chemical Execution Engineering?

It depends on each person, I wanted to feel comfortable and develop what I liked most among the engineering degrees at Universidad de Antofagasta, since it allows you to work in mining and in the city.

In what fields does a Chemical Execution Engineer work?

-Metallic (copper, gold, etc.) and non-metallic (salts) mining processes -Research - Quality and Environment

Which subject in the degree was hardest for you?

- In general the degree subjects were not difficult, maybe when you like something it is not complicated
- Perhaps the common core subjects are more complex, such as statistics, physics, calculus.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying Chemical Engineering?

Study Civil Engineering and not the execution program, later when you start working it is very difficult to continue Civil studies. Working in the degree is the most entertaining part, you learn a lot from when the ore enters the plant to the final product and as professionals we must control that all measurements and flows go as established, final quality depends a lot on our management. Note: Our degree is now called Chemical Engineering and Mineral Processes.

Young people ask us about job prospects. Was it hard for you to find work after graduating?

Not personally, it all depends on how you perform, first in an interview and then being very alert, asking questions and being proactive with the necessary questions to your supervisor. I graduated in 2006, while I was doing my thesis I asked to do more internships, in order to keep learning in the field, when I got my degree I started working right away, up until now. I have managed to work in 3 companies and the changes are due to opportunities that come up.

Would you say that Chemical Engineering and mineral processes is a degree that allows you to travel?

It depends on the position, if you are in an operations position (example: supervisor) you are less likely to travel, but if you are in a quality position you have more opportunities, since you have to visit suppliers and clients. Note that knowing a language (English) is very important.

Regarding annual salaries and compensation, in what range would a Chemical Execution Engineer with 5 years of experience be?

It all depends on the position and company. Approximately 25,000 to 30,000 US Dollars

Many thanks to Universidad de Antofagasta and Claudia Pizarro Milla for the interview.
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