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Meet the Corrosion Specialist – Izabela Gajewska
11 Questions in 11 Minutes
We haven’t posted an Institute of Corrosion member profile for a while, but have been lucky enough to catch up with Izabela Gajewska, a leading light in Young ICorr. We posed 11 questions for her to answer in 11 minutes. We asked her about her professional life, how she came to work in our industry, and about her passions outside of work. Her answers are music to our ears – as you’ll discover by the end of this interview.
1. Izabela, can you tell us a little about yourself, your background, and what made you enter the corrosion industry?
My journey began with a strong foundation in Chemical Technology, focusing on non-metallic materials. I enhanced this with internships at WESSLING and KP Brewery in Poland (owned by Japan’s Asahi Group), where I sharpened my analytical skills and gained valuable industry insights. After earning my Master’s in Engineering and relocating to Manchester, I worked as a Bulk Deliveries Planner at Kingsland Drinks for nearly three years, sharpening my planning and supply chain management abilities in a fast-paced environment.
However, driven by a passion for Chemical Engineering, I transitioned into corrosion engineering consultancy at Intertek CAPCIS in 2019. This move was pivotal, allowing me to work alongside experts and gain hands-on experience in corrosion risk assessments, corrosion modelling, material selection, and technical reporting. I was encouraged by my employer to apply for ICorr’s Young Engineer Programme 2020-2021. I eventually became one of the Programme’s champions, winning a fully expensed trip to the AMPP (Association for Materials Protection and Performance) Annual Conference + Expo in USA.
2. What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in your career to date, and how have you overcome them?
Moving to a new country just a month after graduation was one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced. Although I had studied English for years in Poland and was familiar with technical terms from my Master’s degree, overcoming the language barrier took time.
However, to accelerate my progress, I enrolled in a Professional Communication course and other professional training, which not only helped me improve my communication skills but also connected me with like-minded individuals. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new environment, my ambition and determination have always driven me to achieve my goals.
- What skills or traits do you believe are most crucial for someone to thrive in the corrosion industry?
To thrive in the corrosion industry, I think that several key skills are essential. A willingness to learn and a proactive mindset are vital, as is the ability to question and fully understand problems before tackling them. Taking a holistic approach to corrosion challenges, being open to innovation, and embracing new technologies – especially as AI rapidly evolves – are also crucial.
While adapting to advancements like AI is important, knowledge remains one of the most powerful competitive advantages. I feel that competent corrosion engineers will always be needed to validate AI outputs and collaborate with technologists to ensure these tools are both safe and reliable.
As N. W. Dougherty aptly put it, engineers do not need to be pure scientists, mathematicians, or writers, “but they must be capable of leveraging the knowledge and techniques from all these disciplines to solve complex engineering problems.”
4. How would you describe your role within the Institute of Corrosion to someone unfamiliar with it?
I serve as the Vice Chair of the ICorr’s Northwest Branch, the Young ICorr Industry Representative, and the planner and coordinator for the Young Engineer Programme 2024-2025. These positions help to master my leadership and highlight commitment to professional training.
I am passionate about Knowledge Transfer, and actively work to raise awareness of its importance for business and industry success. Through presentations and my roles at ICorr, I strive to support other young professionals, helping them to be well-prepared for future challenges in the field.
5. What inspired you to become involved in Young ICorr?
My experience in the ICorr Young Engineer Programme (YEP) in 2020 was truly inspiring. As someone new to the corrosion industry, I never expected to end up in the winning team and enjoy an incredible trip to the USA for the biggest annual corrosion event. Grateful for this memorable experience, I wanted to give back to the Institute and further my professional development. I also saw the need to emphasise the importance of Knowledge Transfer for the business continuity and future of the industry, and getting involved in ICorr activities felt like the perfect way to do this.
6. Young ICorr has a tremendous focus on continuing education. In your opinion, why is continuing education crucial for corrosion scientists and engineers, especially those in the first few years of their career?
Knowledge Transfer (KT) is a challenge that every industry faces, especially when senior and experienced personnel approach retirement. The potential loss of their knowledge can lead to significant risks, including a decline in core competencies, safety issues, and disruptions to business efficiency and continuity. As projects become more complex and unpredictable, and as industries shift toward sustainable and green energy, the need for effective KT becomes even more critical.
Bridging the gap between young corrosion researchers and senior experts is essential to ensure the smooth transfer of knowledge. Young professionals must be committed to continuous learning and gaining experience, while more experienced colleagues, mentors, and managers should provide them with the necessary opportunities. This collaborative effort will help cultivate the next generation of industry experts, capable of solving future challenges, designing safely and sustainably, and ultimately caring for both people and the planet.
7. Looking ahead, what are your main goals and aspirations for your career over the next few years?
My future aspirations include achieving chartered status and becoming a recognised corrosion specialist. I am committed to deepening my expertise, tackling complex challenges, and contributing innovative solutions to the industry in order to make a positive impact on our world and help communities.
8. And for Young ICorr – what are your aspirations for this part of the Institute of Corrosion?
My aspirations for Young ICorr are to attract new talent to the industry, emphasise the importance of knowledge transfer, and equip young professionals with the skills and qualifications they need to solve real-world problems in the field.
- What has been your most significant learning or personal growth experience since joining the Institute of Corrosion and Young ICorr?
Numerous opportunities to speak with people from diverse backgrounds allowed me to learn to effectively communicate, adapting my communication style to different audiences. As a key planner and coordinator for the Young Engineer Programme 2024-2025, I have also developed my collaborative and leadership skills.
10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their scientific or engineering career, especially in terms of professional development?
To maximise your impact as a young professional, embrace challenges and step outside your comfort zone. Be proactive, and do not hesitate to ask for help or clarification. Blend various learning methods: focus on gaining work experience, but also seek mentorship and invest in formal training and industry certifications.
11. Tell us something about yourself, something that might surprise fellow members?
I am a DJ and music producer with a passion for progressive house, melodic techno, and vintage sounds. My love for dancing and electronic music led me to dive into music production as a teenager.
I aim to create mixtapes with emotional depth and transcendent atmospherics with carefully selected tracks that I truly believe in. My tracks often draw their titles from the oil and gas industry and scientific themes, adding a unique twist. I have performed in various clubs, bars, several radio shows, and one festival across the Northwest. And when I have time, I host a DJ podcast, SPACEWALK, on YouTube and SoundCloud.
For me, music is not just a hobby but a form of emotional expression and stress relief. I strive to share positive energy with my audience.
What Do You Want to Ask a Corrosion Specialist?
Izabela’s career to date has certainly been interesting. Should we book her to do a DJ slot at the next ICorr Christmas dinner?
Now, over to you. Let us know what you’d like us to ask the next ICorr member we put in the hotseat for 11 questions in 11 minutes. Send us an email, and we’ll try to include your question.