My name simphiwe Ndlangamandla, I am 27 years old and I am currently a PhD candidate in Physical chemistry at the University of Pretoria. The focus of my studies involved the production of alternative fuels from Renewable energy sources. It is my goal to venture out into industry to apply the skills I have acquired. On looking for potential job opportunities I found this advertisement on the AngloAmerican website and immediately felt compelled to apply. I completed a BSc in chemistry and chemical technology at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal within record time and with good marks even achieving distinctions in various subjects such as physics, mathematics, statistics, inorganic chemistry, and analytical chemistry. I furthered my studies with a BSc honors and Msc degree at the University of Pretoria and gained extensive laboratory experience, knowledge of good laboratory practices, data collection and data analysis skills. I also learned how to prepare samples and make use of various instruments such as NMR, FT-IR, PXRD, GC, FAAS, and ICP-OES. I feel I am best suited for this position because of my extensive laboratory experience from my time in academia studying energy related topics. As a master’s student my responsibilities included ensuring laboratory safety guidelines were followed, ensuring that an MSDS for every chemical to be used is recorded for risk assessment purposes, ensuring results of every experiment are delivered on time, aiding my supervisor with training of BSc honors students for their honors project and Reporting to my supervisor with regards to the progress of my research. I was also tasked with maintaining the lab equipment and monitoring the use of chemicals and other consumables. The most important of my tasks was to maintain the lab by keeping lab equipment clean and functional. At the end of my project, I had to hand in a master’s thesis titled: Electrochemical reduction of formic acid using an earth abundant catalyst. Prior to handing in I had to do data analysis from all the data I had collected and had neatly logged in my lab book. My project involved the use of an electrochemical cell which needed to be disassembled and reassembled regularly to change parts. This provided me an opportunity to learn how to set up the electrochemical characterization equipment and assist other members of my group with setting up and operating the same equipment.