September 2024: Women in Mining UK 2024 Summer Internship at Circulor, blog by Tiffany Sarfo
Product R&D Internship Position at Circulor
Undertaking a 2 month Product R&D internship position at a sustainability tech company like Circulor has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to work as a member of the product team on a project that could potentially be implemented within the company; knowing that the work I was doing could have a real impact and bring added value to the company was exciting and motivating.
Circulor’s mission is deeply rooted in transparency and sustainability, two principles that are becoming increasingly vital as we work toward a greener future. As someone from an engineering and physics educational background, I wanted to gain practical experience in a company that is helping reshape how industries manage their resources. Circulor focuses on supply chain traceability, allowing companies to track where minerals critical for technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy are sourced from. This focus appealed to me as it aligned with my career goal of wanting to contribute to a just and sustainable energy transition.
A highlight of the internship was the chance to meet people from a wide variety of professional backgrounds. Circulor’s team includes individuals with expertise in software engineering, policy, project management, geology and many different fields. This diversity gave me a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to succeed in this field and helped me build valuable connections with people who also want to contribute to a ‘Just Transition’. The collaborative environment also enhanced my learning experience, as I could engage with colleagues outside of the product team. This allowed me to better understand Circulor’s product, the different facets of the company as well as expand my perspective on sustainability and the mining industry.
One of the most valuable lessons I took away from my internship at Circulor is the sheer range of expertise needed to drive the energy transition. From engineers and data scientists to policymakers and business strategists, each plays a crucial role in making sure the supply chains of critical minerals are ethical and sustainable.
Another important takeaway was learning what it’s like for a world-leading company to transition from a startup to a scale-up. I got an inside look at the the strategic decisions that Circulor faces as it expands its reach. Seeing how a company balances innovation with scaling operations was a valuable lesson in itself.
I also developed my ability to read and dissect complex legislative papers, which is crucial in this sector. My work revolved around the digital product passport required by the EU Battery Legislation so understanding the regulatory landscape and how emerging policies affect upstream and midstream suppliers of critical minerals was key to ensuring compliance of Circulor’s product and maintaining high standards. This skill will certainly be beneficial as I move forward in my career, especially when engaging with stakeholders in the mining and energy industries.
The knowledge and skills I gained during my internship will undoubtedly enhance my future work. One of the main areas I can apply this experience is in my PhD that I started shortly after the internship, where I will be investigating by-product minerals of the copper supply chain. The supply chain knowledge I developed at Circulor will allow me to take a more comprehensive approach to my research, particularly in understanding how materials are sourced and processed globally.
Additionally, my presentation skills and confidence improved significantly throughout the internship. I was provided many opportunities for public speaking, ranging from pitching ideas to the product team during weekly meetings to presenting my findings at the end of my internship to members of the senior leadership team. I became more confident in communicating complex information clearly. This will be particularly useful when I attend conferences in the future, where I’ll be presenting my research and engaging with academics and industry professionals.
Overall, my internship at Circulor has been an invaluable experience that not only broadened my understanding of sustainable mining but also provided me with practical skills and relevant work experience that will benefit my academic and professional journey. I look forward to applying everything I’ve learnt as I continue working towards having a career in the mining industry.
I would like to sincerely thank Circulor and Women In Mining UK for this incredible opportunity.