Students learned about opportunities for development with ORLEN
The “Knowledge Day with ORLEN” took place at the Silesian University of Technology’s Student Creativity Centre. The meeting and workshops with representatives of the company were attended by students from the Faculty of Chemistry and the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering.
On March 24th, 2026, the “Knowledge Day with ORLEN” took place at the Silesian University of Technology. As part of the event, workshops and lectures were held, during which students learned how theoretical knowledge gained at the university can be used in practice in industry.
- Our cooperation with Orlen aims to jointly educate students who will find their place on the labour market, will respond to the challenges of the market and such employers as Orlen - said Prof. Dr hab. Eng. Anna Chrobok, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education at the Silesian University of Technology. We want students to have contact with the real industrial environment during their studies, so that they can learn about these problems, which they will solve in the future while working as engineers in various positions – she added.
The meeting with representatives of the company confirmed that students not only have a chance to develop but also have real prospects of joining the ranks of such a large company.
- We want to find a platform for joint activities and to involve students to further develop within our walls. We are open to all students. Of course, we focus on the Department of Chemistry, but not only. In fact, our projects concern virtually all business areas, therefore we are also looking for specialists from other specializations – said Jagoda Jałowiecka from the Employer’s Brand Building Department in ORLEN. - We are currently working on our internship program. We have 75 places in 35 business areas. Internships are paid and last 6 months. Students can apply until April 19th.
For more information on the internships - please visit.
Students of various fields of study have the opportunity to apply for an internship. There are also great prospects for those who are learning in the field of Sustainable Consumption and Production, which is implemented under the patronage of Orlen.
- Students who have started studies in this field this year, from the second semester will take part in real and practical cooperation with the company through mentoring, participation in projects dedicated to the company, participation in workshops and courses and other activities - said Prof. Chrobok.
The first workshop took place today. The students did not hide their enthusiasm. They said that this kind of education is very valuable to them. Emilia Wyrwas, a first-year student of Sustainable Consumption and Production, said that gaining practical experience can result in any job she will take in the future.
- I chose this course because I was interested in environmental protection, the possibility of positively influencing it, and in addition I could not decide whether to study at the Faculty of Chemistry or to study anything related to energy or management. This is the field of studying that connects both – said Emilia Wyrwas.
People who study in the field run in cooperation with Orlen count on an easier start into the future.
- After secondary school I had a year off, I started studying elsewhere and I did not like that, I quit and looked for an alternative for myself. I found information about the field conducted in cooperation with Orlen and decided to try it. I do not regret it – admitted Zuzanna Naczyńska, who considers the fact that the field she is currently studying is inter-faculty as an asset.
- It doesn’t matter which way I want to go in the future. In that field, I will be able to find myself. I like chemistry, but I am also interested in energy, and I thought that it could be a good point for my further scientific career and education path.
After today’s workshops as part of the “Knowledge Day with Orlen” students had no doubt that they would take advantage of the opportunities offered by the company and apply for an internship.
To confirm the words about the possibility of building a career through education at the Silesian University of Technology, Dr Eng. Anna Szelwicka talked about her career path. 10 years ago, she graduated from the Silesian University of Technology in the field of Organic Chemical Technology. She chose her studies mainly because of her passion for chemistry. From the beginning, she knew what she wanted to do. After graduation, I started doctoral studies at the Silesian University of Technology, in the field of chemical technology. She then worked abroad.
– Finally, as a researcher, I came to the ORLEN Research and Development Centre, where I deal with the development and management of research and development projects in the petrochemical segment to this day. I recommend every student at the stage of education to be proactive, do more, use opportunities, trainings, internships and gain first contacts that may result in the future – she added.
fot. Jan Szady
