‘I realized I don't need all the answers from day one, just curiosity and sponge energy’

Harisha’s profile:

When Harisha Chandiramohan was completing her chemical engineering degree at NUS, she knew she had a strong passion for the energy sector. Following internships at industry giants like Chevron and PTTP, she was looking for her next step. But rather than settling into a conventional, entry-level 9-to-5 desk role, she wanted a challenge that would push her outside her comfort zone.

Her search led her to the Vopak Global Graduate Program. "During my technical interview, the SVP of Operations promised genuine operational responsibilities and real hands-on experience at the terminals," Harisha recalls. "Knowing the company was making a three-year investment in my long-term leadership growth through business school courses and a global network made all the difference."

Driving into Jurong Island

Harisha’s early rotations took her straight to the heart of the nation’s energy infrastructure on Jurong Island.

"Passing through the security checkpoint every morning and driving into Jurong Island during my five-month operational posting became a core memory for me," says Harisha. "It was incredibly empowering to realize that my daily work was directly contributing to driving the nation's energy sector."

Unsexy shifts and safe spaces

Stepping onto the terminal ground brought steep learning curves and real operational demands.

"Working 12-hour shifts away from family over weekends and public holidays isn't the most 'sexy' part of the job," she admits candidly. "It was physically and mentally draining, but it gave me an end-to-end operational perspective that few get to see so early in their careers."

That hands-on experience was put to the test when Harisha was tasked with troubleshooting a critical machine failure in tank farm operations, an area not covered in textbooks.

"I felt completely lost at first," she remembers. "So I went down to the ground and started asking detailed questions to technicians, team leaders, and operators who know the machinery best."

Her leadership backed her every step of the way. "My manager didn't just give me the answer. Instead, he created a safe environment for me to test my hypotheses. He guided me whenever I drifted off-course without making me feel inadequate, which built my confidence to solve complex operational problems systematically."

Sailing past the bubble

The Graduate Program extends far beyond local terminal operations, offering global collaboration and cohort challenges. Working alongside international peers on the Graduate Challenge, Harisha collaborated across business units to design park-wide operational solutions while learning about diverse cultural backgrounds.

A major milestone was a five-day business trip to headquarters in Rotterdam.

"Before the trip, I was feeling early-career stress and wondering if I was making all the right decisions," Harisha shares. "Going to Rotterdam gave me a necessary reality check. It pushed me out of my local Singaporean bubble and exposed me to global operations, including deep dives into emerging technologies like LNG and battery storage. It completely reignited my passion for the energy sector."

Multi-dimensional growth over linear paths

Through rotations across Digital Solutions, Customer Service, and Terminal Operations, Harisha's perspective on career progression underwent a fundamental shift.

"I initially entered the program expecting a strict, step-by-step promotion path every two years," she reflects. "Now I see that true career growth here isn't linear, it's multi-dimensional. The program builds a holistic foundation across engineering, communication, leadership, and strategic decision-making."

Looking ahead to her upcoming rotations, Harisha is excited to step into people management and lead a team of her own.

Bring your "sponge energy"

When asked what advice she would offer to prospective graduates considering the program, Harisha smiles.

"Don't stress about having every detail mapped out or having all the answers from day one. Approach the program with curiosity and 'sponge energy', a willingness to listen, ask questions, absorb knowledge, and take ownership of your challenges. The community here will support and empower you every step of the way."