Kelvin TOP-SET Internships for Risk Management Students

The Kelvin TOP-SET Team in Irvine are pleased to welcome Kate Mullan and Marcus Koning, both studying Risk Management at Glasgow Caledonian University and joining us for an internship.

Tell us about your degree course and how you came across the Kelvin TOP-SET Incident Investigation System. 

Kate – My course is Risk Management at Glasgow Caledonian University. We’ll soon be in our honours year; time is flying by!  

I found out about Kelvin TOP-SET through a guest lecture by David Ramsay. His presentation on the TOP-SET system was incredibly engaging and highlighted its potential to revolutionise incident investigation. 

Marcus – We’re on the same course. I found out about TOP-SET through the guest lectures on the Managing Health, Safety and Hygiene module. David’s talk in November was particularly interesting because of the live case study about a tanker rollover. 

What made you apply for an internship?

Marcus – Not everyone does an internship. However, I know many people have a hard time getting a job after leaving university, and that an internship could help develop my understanding of Risk Management Systems (when something goes wrong). It would give me experience that may prove invaluable later.

Kate – I was eager to gain practical experience in Risk Management. The opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations was very appealing. Additionally, I was drawn to Kelvin TOP-SET’s reputation for innovation in incident investigation and saw the internship as a chance to contribute to a dynamic and forward-thinking company.

I needed 120 hours’ experience in a related field and a placement for the course, so the internship killed two birds with one stone. I’m working on a reflective piece about this experience for my course.

I too know of friends who couldn’t get jobs after university. However, my sister had internships with Scottish Power and SSE – she now works for WSP.

So far, in your internship, you’ve learned about Myers Briggs’s role in understanding the personality profile of individuals on investigation teams. What were your top two takeaways from the session?

Kate – The session on Myers-Briggs was incredibly insightful. My top two takeaways are:
Understanding personality types can significantly enhance team dynamics: Different personality styles bring unique strengths and perspectives to an investigation team. By recognising these differences, we can optimise team composition and communication.
Effective team leadership involves adapting to different personality styles: A successful investigation leader must be able to effectively communicate and collaborate with individuals across the personality spectrum.
Marcus – I found the session useful. It helps underscore the importance of avoiding biases (and how to avoid them) and how combining different minds and thinking styles can strengthen the investigation team – you put your aces in places!

Having attended the Kelvin TOP-SET 1-Day Investigator Course, what are your thoughts on the TOP-SET System?

Marcus – I really appreciated the engagement aspect of the course. The TOP-SET System is easy to digest and geared towards people with no experience. It also correlated with what’s taught at university regarding root cause analysis.

The level of detail on the course is thorough and comprehensive. One key takeaway is that TOP-SET is very beneficial, even if you never have to carry out an investigation. It helps with other aspects of thinking and approaching things methodically, e.g. other projects.

Kate – Yes, TOP-SET makes you think of things you don’t normally think about and promotes thinking outside the box.

The TOP-SET System is a comprehensive and user-friendly approach to incident investigation. I was impressed by its structured methodology and the emphasis on identifying root causes. The system provides a clear framework for conducting thorough investigations and developing effective prevention strategies.

How would you describe this TOP-SET course to others?

Marcus – If you ever get the chance to go on one of these courses, don’t say no! The teachers are very concise in delivery and the course is super engaging. The course is much more than a tick-box exercise; it helps you to understand incident investigation in a practical way.

Kate – I’ve been on a lot of lectures and other courses where I’ve struggled to sit through them. This course was engaging the whole time. Performing the practical investigation was useful.

Being taught there are no wrong questions encouraged us to use our own background to ask different questions.

The TOP-SET course is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in incident investigation. It equips participants with practical tools and techniques to conduct efficient and effective investigations. The course content is engaging and relevant, and the instructors are knowledgeable and supportive.

How do you see TOP-SET relating to Risk Management?

Kate – TOP-SET is a powerful tool for identifying and mitigating risks. By systematically analysing incident causes, TOP-SET helps organisations pinpoint areas of vulnerability and develop targeted risk prevention strategies. It can be integrated into a comprehensive risk management framework to enhance overall organisational safety and performance.

Marcus – With the TOP-SET Indicators, people can ask questions about things that tend to go wrong. TOP-SET and the Indicator Card acts as a prompt to help people think in a different way and to think backwards from an incident to look at the risk factors.

What advice would you give to others looking for a rewarding internship?

Marcus – You’ve got to open your own doors; internships are not always advertised so it’s essential to use your own initiative. It’s a highly competitive market so don’t do what everyone else is doing. For example, look for smaller companies that operate in the areas you’re interested in, and keep an open mind. An internship is an exchange of value – you get what you give it.

Kate – My advice would be to be proactive, enthusiastic and eager to learn. Seek out opportunities to contribute to the team and take on new challenges. Networking with colleagues and building strong relationships is also crucial. Most importantly, enjoy the experience and make the most of every opportunity to grow and develop.

Be persistent – don’t let people ignore you. I sent over 30 emails to multiple companies before getting a solid response. Once you get your foot in the door, keep your foot in the job. Show up and work hard; you never know where an internship can lead.

Any final thoughts on the internship experience thus far?

Kate – I have thoroughly enjoyed my internship at Kelvin TOP-SET. The team has been incredibly supportive and has provided me with valuable opportunities to learn and grow. I have gained a deep appreciation for the importance of incident investigation and the role it plays in improving safety and performance.

It was scary to begin with. As students, we’re used to be given a set task with grading criteria. It wasn’t like that for the internship, so ask a lot of questions and for regular feedback and reviews to ensure that you stay on track.

Marcus – Yes, ask for lots of pointers and guidance. I’ve really enjoyed the experience so far, especially about learning what others in the company do.

Don’t be afraid of ‘failing’ – it’s an internship, an opportunity to learn and grow.

Have confidence that you’ve got experience in the field. No work is bad or negative, it’s all part of the learning process.