Spotlight on Student: Isabelle Pickett
In our ongoing series of case studies, we chat to our members about their careers to date and how IGEM has supported them so far. This time, we spoke to Isabelle Pickett, a previous recipient of IGEM’s student scholarship.
Isabelle Pickett's journey is a testament to her dedication and passion for engineering and leadership. Recently graduating with a first-class MEng (Hons) in chemical engineering, her academic excellence and commitment to the field are truly exemplary. She has been awarded the Engineering Leaders Scholarship by the Royal Academy of Engineering, a program that supports UK undergraduates who demonstrate potential as future leaders and innovators in engineering.
Isabelle’s journey into the engineering world began during her sixth form years, where she studied physics, chemistry, maths and economics. She selected these subjects to provide her with the broadest possible foundation for her future studies. Isabelle knew she wanted a career that was both technical and hands-on, with a tangible real-life impact. This aspiration led her to pursue chemical engineering, a field renowned for its diverse applications across multiple industries. To ensure this was the right path, Isabelle undertook a year-long placement with Schneider Electric after her exams. This experience confirmed her decision, leading her to accept an offer to study chemical engineering at the University of Bath, where she was awarded an IGEM Undergraduate Scholarship to support her studies.
During her degree, Isabelle spent a year at AstraZeneca, a placement that allowed her to contribute to the transformation of molecules into medicines, providing her with invaluable insights into the operation of large organisations and enhancing her industrial skills.
After graduating with first-class honors in 2023, Isabelle joined BP, working on rotation in the North Sea as a Drilling Engineer. Isabelle is also deeply committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within the industry. She serves on the Women in Wells committee, where she works tirelessly to make BP an even more inclusive workplace, both onshore and offshore.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Isabelle is passionate about youth campaigning. She actively participates in UN Women UK and Young European Leadership programmes, helping to shape youth agendas and advocate for policies that support a fair and equitable energy transition. Her dedication has taken her to global conferences such as COP27/28, CSW68, OYW22, and Y7 and Y20, where she had the opportunity to engage with and learn from inspirational leaders.
Nurturing talent: Isabelle’s growth with IGEM
Isabelle’s decision to become an IGEM member was aided by the organisation’s commitment to fostering growth and development among young professionals in the industry. IGEM’s Young Persons Network (YPN) provided her with a platform to connect with peers, access industry insights and participate in events and programmes aimed at enhancing professional development. This network has been invaluable as Isabelle navigates her early career.
As a young aspiring engineer, I was eager to leverage any opportunity that would facilitate my professional growth and development. The IGEM scholarship presented itself as an ideal avenue to not only receive financial support for my education but also to gain access to a supportive network of industry professionals and mentors.
The IGEM Undergraduate Scholarship she received played a crucial role in her academic journey by providing financial support. This allowed her to fully immerse herself in university activities and opportunities. The scholarship also significantly bolstered her professional prospects, making her CV stand out and serving as a strong talking point in job interviews.
Isabelle strongly encourages others to apply for IGEM scholarships, grants and awards, emphasising that the benefits extend beyond financial support. Through IGEM’s programmes and initiatives, recipients can enhance their skills, expand their knowledge and connect with like-minded individuals, greatly enhancing their career opportunities.
As a graduate member, Isabelle values the access to a supportive community of professionals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by those starting out in the industry.
Isabelle’s perspective on the evolving gas landscape
Looking to the future, Isabelle is optimistic yet realistic about the challenges and opportunities within the gas industry. She acknowledges the crucial role the industry plays in providing energy globally, including to the nearly one billion people who currently lack access. Companies are actively addressing these challenges by ensuring energy is delivered safely, securely and affordably, while also benefiting local communities.
The future of the gas industry will be shaped by innovation and sustainability. Efforts to reduce routine flaring and significantly cut emissions demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. The push towards digitalisation and automation, such as the use of digital twins and remote-operated rigs, is enhancing operational efficiency and safety. Additionally, advancements in carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects highlight the industry’s shift towards reducing its carbon footprint. These initiatives, along with the exploration of new technologies and sustainable practices, make Isabelle optimistic about the industry’s ability to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing energy landscape.
Isabelle is now looking forward to growing her involvement with IGEM and contributing to the institution's efforts to support young professionals in the industry.