We're excited to connect with our alumni through our new Darlington Connects series. Today we hear from Pampam Akinyemi’s (’16).
Pampam Akinyemi’s (’16) tenacity and drive have led her to many successes. She is in her last year at Georgia Tech, majoring in Chemical Engineering. From serving in leadership roles, to volunteering, to accepting her first post-grad job from the company she completed a virtual internship with, Pampam’s successes are numerous.
Pampam was a four year boarding student and during her years by the Lakeside she was involved in many activities. She shared that her favorite teacher was Mr. Peal and that, “he might not know this but he actually encouraged me to be a leader and I was able to carry that with me to Georgia Tech where I served on several executive boards.”
As a freshman she joined the Georgia Tech Society of Black Engineers (GTSBE). This gave her the opportunity to connect with upperclassmen who could provide guidance as she declared a chemical engineering major. Pampam decided to give back to the organization as well, and served on both the executive board of GTSBE and as the Vice President for the 2019-2020 school year. Speaking to her GTSBE experience, Pampam reflected, “I love that this organization allowed me to have an impact on not only black engineers at Georgia Tech, but also high school minority students aspiring to major in STEM when they got to college.”
Before the pandemic unfolded, Pampam was offered a summer internship in Houston, Texas with Phillips 66, an American multinational Energy company. Due to the pandemic, the original plans for her internship were derailed, yet Phillips 66 provided the opportunity to complete the internship virtually from Atlanta. She shared that the company provided interns an impactful project, as well as programming that allowed them to network and get a feel of the company’s culture. Pampam said, “I loved my project! Prior to the internship, they asked me questions about what I would be interested in doing, and when matching me up with a project it was evident that they listened to what I had said.”
After successfully completing her internship (entirely virtually!), Phillips 66 offered her a full time position after graduation. Pampam will graduate in May 2021, and she will move to Houston to start her new role and promptly commence the Phillips 66 Katalyst Program. She shared, “the program provides skill training, network opportunities and exposure to executive management. Upon completion of this program, I’ll then be placed in the first of three rotational assignments in the Lubricants organization which typically lasts anywhere from 18-36 months. As a new employee, I will progress through various roles within the Lubricants value chain, gaining valuable insight and knowledge of the energy industry.”
Even with her busy schedule she has made sure to stay connected with Darlington. Mimicking the dedication she had with GT organizations, Pampam is now excited to be a part of the Darlington Connects program. Pampam is willing to offer advice and shed insights on the rigor of Georgia Tech, being an engineering major, and the path to success post undergrad. To connect with Pampam email connect@darlingtonschool.org.
Are you a Darlington alum (or do you know one) with a career or interest that is fascinating and unique? We'd love to spotlight you in a future blog! Please email connect@darlingtonschool.org if you are interested in being featured.
