What career advice would you give your younger self?

Believe in yourself, no matter the circumstances and obstacles you may find on the way. Confidence is one of the best tools for overcoming these obstacles and moving forward. Asking for help and expressing what you want are also essential to progress; we are not alone in this world, and collaboration is always needed. Think big, take any opportunity given to you and don’t be afraid of new challenges – that’s the only way to grow.

What do you think are the benefits of being a member of SPE?

I joined SPE 12 years ago and since then have continued to find benefits. I think, at every stage of your career, the benefits evolve and increase to fit your needs and professional objectives. In general terms, I would say that the most relevant are networking, internationalization, volunteering, career guidance, knowledge, new technologies and soft skills development – the list is endless.

Best achievement so far?

I was selected to present my university dissertation at the 2018 Underwater Technology Conference in Norway and was fortunate to be awarded the Best Master Student Presentation. This achievement helped me obtain my current job. Being able to work abroad as an engineer, I believe, is my second professional achievement so far. In my personal life (here my inner adventurer takes over) I can say that I have already visited the five continents, which I consider a traveller’s milestone!

What did you want to be when you were younger?

The answer to this question reflects quite a range of occupations! When I was five, I wanted to be a milkman, so I could eat cheese all the time! Soon I changed to fireman so that if needed, I would be able to rescue my mum. It sounds funny, I know, but that’s the innocence of a child. Later, I wanted to be an architect or painter, reflecting my interests in building models and every type of manual art. But finally, in high school, I focussed on maths and science, which lead to me becoming an engineer.

What are the main career stepping stones you have taken?

Everything began when I left home and started to live by myself far away from my family at the age of 17. At that time, I moved from my hometown to a bigger city in Colombia to study Petroleum Engineering. After graduation, I was selected to be part of a graduate sponsorship programme for overseas talents in Malaysia, where I lived for one year. Later, I decided to come to Aberdeen to study the MSc degree in Subsea Engineering and was awarded for presenting my dissertation at an international conference in Norway. The final step so far has been to join the R&D team at SMS working as a project engineer, where I have been given the opportunity to continue developing and growing professionally to prepare myself for the next career step. The path has been closely linked with my SPE membership, first joining as a volunteer at the student chapter level. Without SPE and its many benefits, these steps would not have been possible to take.

Who has been your greatest influence?

Without the slightest doubt, my family is my greatest influence. They have been my inner engine since I decided to pursue this journey to become an engineer. No matter the circumstances they always have believed in me, their support in every stage of my life has been essential. Thanks to them, I am who I am right now.

What is the best way to motivate others?

By making them feel they are doing a great job in the activity or role they are doing or are in charge of. Recognize them when possible, value their strengths and be grateful in return. When you feel useful and know you are contributing to a good cause, this is when your passion for doing something is switched on, and the best results are achieved.

Your favourite stress-buster?

I usually exercise at home, running or swimming. Listening to my Spotify playlist, meeting friends and going for some drinks also helps me a lot. In general, any kind of activity that is a change to my normal routine is the perfect stress-buster. But being Latin, I have to say that the activity which is top of my list and I enjoy the most is dancing!

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

I always plan to visit new countries and must-see destinations around the world, especially where adventure and adrenaline are involved! Such as going on safari in Kenya, which I was fortunate to do on my holidays last year. Other than that, just relaxing and enjoying any warm and sunny beach is what I call a real holiday!

What’s on your bucket list – the things you still want to accomplish?

Professionally, I plan to achieve chartered engineer status and continue studying towards an MBA. In relation to hobbies, I want to learn to play the violin and be fluent in Portuguese. In the long term, to ensure financial independence, I would like to run my own business. In addition, I want to continue exploring the world, so travelling more to visit the seven wonders are still on my bucket list!

What career advice would you give your younger self?

Choose a career mentor much earlier and …don’t be afraid to speak up and be heard.

What do you think are the benefits of being a member of SPE?

Your SPE membership is what you make of it. 

Volunteering with the programme committee gave me the opportunity to meet many engineers at different levels of their career most of which are lifelong friends and connections now. 

Through attending technical events and talks I improved on my technical knowledge of other disciplines in the Energy industry. 

Being able to give something back through the Schools Career Guidance committee and get involved in inspiring the younger generations of engineers is something I am very passionate about.

Best Achievement so far?

Launching Women in Energy Aberdeen in September 2019, with my fellow WIN committee members, has got to be one of the proudest moments of my volunteering life

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I wanted to be a pilot but I was discouraged because that career path was “for boys”

What is the best way to motivate others?

Get to know them! We may not want to be personal friends with colleagues but that doesn’t mean we can’t get to know them as people and finding out what makes them tick.

Your favourite stress-buster?

Sport and exercise. For me playing a sport going to the gym is a powerful medicine that is great for the mind as well as physical health. 

What’s your dream job?

“Detective” – which requires key skills we learn to master as engineers “critical thinking, attention to detail and problem solving”

What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV?

I have been watching “Mindhunter”, a series based on real-life events and characters that delves into the formation of the FBI’s behavioural sciences unit. Based on two former FBI agents who, in 70s America, interviewed some of the country’s most disturbed and violent incarcerated psychopaths. I found the show fascinating in the way they studied the mind of the criminals to better understand their behaviour and apply what they learned to ongoing investigations. This psychological odyssey is among the very best in my opinion.

What’s on your bucket list – the things you still want to accomplish?

Make time to travel the world and visit some of the must-see destinations like: The three Gorges Dam in China, The Mose Project in Italy and The Panama Canal.

Greatest influence?

Growing up I loved watching documentaries by Professor Ian Stewart about volcanoes and earthquakes. I think they made me just generally curious about the world around us sparking my interest in science.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

My grandad used to take me to the airport to watch planes taking off when I was a kid, so I always wanted to be a pilot. Recently I started learning to fly and have completed my first solo flight so maybe one day I will be a pilot after all.

Career advise to younger self.

My career is only in its infancy, but I have already learn it is easier to motivate myself to do something when I enjoy it. So I guess I would just tell my younger self to do what I enjoy. Also, as a young person so much stress is put on exam results but I think I would tell my younger self not to worry so much and just to do my best.

Benefit of SPE membership.

I moved to Aberdeen and only knew a couple of people. SPE helped me to meet new people and make lifelong friends which helped that transition. And the YP BBQs aren’t bad either…..

Stress Buster.

Going for a walk at Balmedie is great for stress, whatever the weather!

Bucket List.

Finish my pilots license, see the northern lights.

Favourite place for holiday.

I’ve had some great holidays abroad but nothing beats a week in a caravan in Cornwall, even when the rain is pounding on the roof of the caravan

Watching on TV.

Just waiting for the return of Game of Thrones in April.

TV Character.

Tyrion Lannister from game of thrones because “I drink, and I know things”

Best Achievement so far.

My best achievement has to be having my first paper published in an academic journal in 2018.

What career advice would you give your younger self? Have more confidence in yourself

What did you want to be when you were younger? An accountant! Boring I know, it was what my dad did and I wanted to be like him!

Anything you would do differently? Become my own boss sooner

Who has been your greatest influence? My dad

What’s your idea of perfect retirement? Winters in the highlands and summers in the sun with lots of reading

What is the best way to motivate others? Smile! Enjoying what you do and letting people know about it should make them want the same.

Your favourite stress-buster? Long walks with my dog

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday? Ibiza

What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV? Madame Secretary on TV

What’s on your bucket list – the things you still want to accomplish? Really just travel, there are lots of places I would still like to visit

What career advice would you give your younger self?

• Set a target and work out how to get there. You won’t always reach your target – you may instead end up deciding you want something else more, but the simple act of having a plan makes choices easier to make and help you plan. This is especially true with studying – know why you want to study what you’re studying, and what you plan to do with it once you’ve learnt it! Also, remember that doing your job well usually isn’t enough to be recognised. You also have to be seen to be doing a good job – remember to invest a little time in being visible.

What do you think are the benefits of being a member of SPE?

• My SPE membership has led to more than just industry connections, it has given me great friendships as well. The technical meetings allow me to stay on top of recent industry developments, and it’s great to be able to help promote STEM subjects in schools through the SCG Committee.

Best Achievement so far

• Going back to university in my 20’s and re-training as an engineer. Graduating right before the downturn means that it’s not paid off for me yet, but the opportunities ahead of me are much brighter thanks to taking that leap and getting my engineering degree.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

• I wanted to be an architect, but I’m not sure I really understood what one of them was. I wanted to be able to know how things were designed and built, and how they came to be – and somehow my twin threads of study in engineering and history have since enabled me to do.

Your favourite stress-buster

• Meeting up with friends for an evening of board games, good food, and good drink.

What’s your dream job

• I’d love to return to working offshore, ideally in a process improvement role. I had a fantastic time working at BP before redundancy, and I miss working in the industry.

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

• Other than visiting my family in Houston, TX, I’d love to go back to Lake Como in Italy – it’s a beautiful place.

What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV

• I’ve been reading a lot of isekai light novels recently, but I’ve just ordered Wilding: The return of nature to a British Farm by Isabella Tree and plan to pick up The High Window by Raymond Chandler after that, for more hardboiled crime adventures in 1940’s Los Angeles.

If you were a character in a TV series or movie who would you be

• I’d be Richard Castle from the TV show Castle – he is excellent at reading people, understanding human nature, and spends his days working at a job he loves.

What’s on your bucket list – the things you still want to accomplish

• I want to restore an old castle and surround it with rewilded land. I know my target – I just need to work out how to get there.

What career advice would you give your younger self?

I’d give myself the same advice I give to young people now when I speak to them; get a customer facing part time job while you’re studying at school/college/university. I don’t think I realised at the time just how much this contributed to my own interpersonal and communication skills when I was working part time selling TVs and Laptops

What do you think are the benefits of being a member of SPE?

The opportunity – this could be the opportunity to learn something new or the opportunity to extend your professional network. Earlier this year I got a personal introduction to a NASA Astronaut and NASA Space Scientist…it’s not every day you meet someone that has been in space! Last year I met Bruce Dickinson, the front man of hugely successful rock band Iron Maiden. Amongst meeting some amazing people, SPE has completely broadened my own technical knowledge, extended my network and developed my interpersonal skills. I’ve also made some great friends along the way! The food at SPE events is pretty good too!

What did you want to be when you were younger?

Obviously I went through the footballer phase during the early years, before hanging my boots up, growing my hair long and kick-starting my skateboarding career. The board was then swapped out for two wheels, where I was super passionate about mountain biking for a while! Is it even a hobby if you don’t want to do it as a career at some point? Ultimately I’ve been breaking things and fixing them for years, so naturally I think I’ve always been destined to be an Engineer!

What are the main career stepping stones you have taken?

I attained a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Aberdeen straight from secondary school. I decided to complete four industry placements at Expro during my summer holidays from Uni – this was a great way into the industry and to learn more about the Subsea technology that I wanted to get involved with upon graduation. I started on a Monitored Professional Development Scheme (MPDS) at Expro in 2013 after graduating and started working towards becoming a Chartered Engineer. Having worked hard and demonstrated a breadth of competencies over the years, I was elected as Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and became a Chartered Engineer in June just passed.

Who has been your greatest influence?

Probably my family and friends. My family have always supported me and ensured that I worked hard in life. Their influence made me realise you get out what you put in, and this is what I live by today. I read something a while ago about your education being a lifelong process, and that the people you encounter along the way help shape you as a person along with the challenges you face. A lot of my friends have been a good influence over the years…professionally speaking, maybe not so much on nights out!

What’s your idea of perfect retirement?

Going to plenty of gigs, lots of road cycling, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.

What is the best way to motivate others?

Show your passion and enthusiasm. I’ve always been motivated by passionate and enthusiastic people – this is actually how I got involved with SPE!

Your favourite stress-buster?

Road cycling – I embraced the Lycra a few years ago, making the transfer to the ‘dark side’ from mountain biking! Nothing beats racking up the miles on the bike and pushing yourself each and every time you go out! Helps keep the beer belly at bay too!

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

As I type this, I am on the countdown of the days until I go to Mexico…

What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV?

I can’t stop listening to Bear’s Den – Red Earth and Pouring Rain! I’ve been to see them twice this year already and can’t wait to see them again. Strongly recommend everyone gives them a listen!

What do you think are the benefits of being a member of SPE?

Whilst it’s obviously an invaluable resource for connecting young people with experienced technical professionals, there’s a great deal of satisfaction to be had in supporting that interest with coaching and mentoring. That’s why I joined the SDC. The more you put in the more you get out.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I wanted to be a pilot. But given the amount of time I spent building stuff as a kid – be it with Lego, Meccano, and then hammer and nails, I think I was just a natural engineer at heart.

What are the main career stepping stones you have taken?

Well I didn’t have anything that could be called a conventional career path. (That would suggest a plan!) As a naïve youth I quit university upon discovering wine, women, and music. Eventually, I found myself at Shell. A few years in finance was followed by a short period doing some database design and programming. From there I fell into Petroleum Engineering. Twenty years later I look at my business card that reads “Head of Petrophysics Solutions”, and it makes me smile. I’ve been very fortunate, but like to think that I’ve earned it.

Who has been your greatest influence?

The company, and people I’ve worked with there, have had a huge impact. When I landed in Petrophysics, I had two bosses that really supported and encouraged my development. They believed I had something to offer and gave me every opportunity to show it.

Otherwise, my parents have always been very good at instilling a need to stay grounded. Show respect, never forget where you come from, and always be grateful for the good things.

Your favourite stress-buster?

Playing guitar. I play in a band, and have been doing so since I was 20 years old. I just love music, and it really is the perfect escape from just about everything and anything.

What’s your idea of perfect retirement?

I have a plan to ease myself into it, by going through a phase of part-time working, and then maybe some consultancy teaching role. I know I’d be bored if I just tried to stop. During this process, I’d like to work on building my own recording studio. An ideal combination of work and music time.

What’s your dream job?

I’m doing it! My ‘general’ day job is very interesting – also quite demanding, hence the need for the stress release above – but I also get to travel and see a bit of the world. Best of all, I get to teach various technical courses, and I love the classroom. (Just another audience, another gig to me.) Working with the SDC seemed liked a logical choice.

What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV?

Other than sport or the occasional drama series (Homeland, Elementary), I’m not a typical armchair TV fan. I do love films, and have a huge library at home. Particularly a fan of science fiction and war movies.

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

There’s no one ideal destination. There are many places I like, but I generally love travelling and seeing new countries. (One of the reasons I really enjoy cruise holidays) If pushed, I’d say China was up there as one of the most interesting places I’ve visited.

If you were a character in a TV series or movie who would you be?

Sheldon Cooper (Big Bang Theory). Whilst I may not like to believe that I’m as brutally honest, lacking in empathy, or averse to tenderness as that character, my wife seems to think we’re twins in many ways.

What career advice would you give your younger self?

Look closely at the company you are joining – sometimes all is not how it seems.

What do you think are the benefits of being a member of SPE?

Networking, networking and networking – plus a liberal sprinkle of keeping up to date technically.

Best Achievement so far?

Having the bottle to join three others and launch a new company (CO2DeepStore – a climate change business that was ahead of its time).

What did you want to be when you were younger?

An architect – but my Dad persuaded me to do civil engineering as there were many more successful and well paid civil engineers (unfortunately I loved the degree but hated being a civil engineer).

What are the main career stepping stones you have taken?

Biggest one was earning my M.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot Watt. Close second was earning my MBA from the Open University.

Anything you would do differently?

Strike a better work-life balance – our industry makes some pretty stiff demands on people and their relationships.

Who has been your greatest influence?

Undoubtedly my Dad – who taught me to be hungry to know about our world.

Also Jacob Bronowski, who present a TV series called “The Ascent of Man” which fired my interest in how the people tick.

What’s your idea of perfect retirement?

Continued (but very selective) involvement in our great industry – plus having my health so I can enjoy hill walking and travelling and share in my sons success.

What would your autobiography be called?

“The View from Up Here” (I’m 6ft 7ins tall!!)

What is the best way to motivate others?

Set clear and fair expectations – then let them get on with it – making sure you provide enough support to help them succeed – but to know that they did it.

Your favourite stress-buster?

A glass of cold white wine and a perfectly cooked steak.

What’s your dream job?

My current one – a mix of leading an amazingly effective team, moving in uncharted territory, supporting exciting technology and helping people create companies.

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

Anywhere with warmth and some history to go exploring.

What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV?

Last Tango in Halifax (TV series) – for its brilliant acting and the twists in the plot.

If you were a character in a TV series or movie who would you be?

I’m going to cheat a bit here – I’d like to be David Attenborough – finding, recording and showing people the wonders of our planet.

What’s on your bucket list – the things you still want to accomplish?

To visit a few really remote places – Greenland, Galapagos Islands, The Andes.

What career advice would you give your younger self?

Do not be afraid to try something new – it may or may  not work out but at least you will have tried. Don’t give up as you can turn that corner and find something different is there waiting to be grasped with both hands. Never be afraid to ask because“if you don’t ask you don’t get”.

What do you think are the benefits of being a member of SPE?

The opportunities to volunteer on some fabulous projects with the schools or universities. The networking with your peer group is amazing, learning new skills being part of a committee, attending brilliant conferences and events, that are there, because our volunteers are passionate about making it happen.

Best Achievement so far?

On a personal level that would be having my son Alex and cycling the NC500 for Friends of Anchor. Workwise organising an event that was run in four cities on consecutive days with eminent forensic scientists talking to the public about forensic science as part of National Science Week – that was such fun but hard work that paid off.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

A vet, an artist with Disney (I still love to draw) or a lorry driver – such opposite extremes.

What are the main career stepping stones you have taken?

Having the belief in myself to move from a science career to working for myself and making a good job of looking after the various clients that I gained – learning it’s all about trust in yourself and in others who believe you can do it.

Anything you would do differently?

Probably not – I am very lucky and privileged to get to do what I do and I think I needed to learn from the first part of my career to be able to believe that anything is possible if you try hard enough.

Who has been your greatest influence?

Probably my dad – who showed me that hard work and sheer determination will open doors, to have a great network of contacts and that always to be a good person. I remember being to Offshore Europe in the early days and going around all the stands with my dad – talking to his colleagues and contacts and now some of my contacts are sons and daughters of his network.

What’s your idea of perfect retirement?

Walking on beaches surrounded by a pack of golden retrievers – heaven!

What would your autobiography be called?

One woman, a houseful of goldens and the benefits of owning a Dyson!

What is the best way to motivate others?

Show people that you would never ask them to do something that you would never do yourself, always smile – be positive and above all always be kind.

Your favourite stress-buster?

Walking my dog by the sea and listening to the crash of the waves.

What’s your dream job?

I did want to be a pilot at one point.

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

I love doing USA road trips or travelling around France.

What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV?

Reading New Beginnings at the Birdie and Bramble by Alison Craig and I am totally addicted to NCIS.

If you were a character in a TV series or movie who would you be?

Oh – I would be Cameron Diaz in Charlies Angels – or Lara Croft in Tomb Raider – some sort of action character.

What’s on your bucket list – the things you still want to accomplish?

Sitting my motorcycle test, going on the trans-Siberian train journey, travelling through India by train, and so much more.

What career advice would you give your younger self?

My dear young Ritika,

• You are the creative force of your life; hence believe in yourself and your decisions.
• ‘’Smiling wins more friends than frowning’’- key to the success in life.
• Being rich is not having money but having enough time to do what you love.

A little more experienced Ritika Pawar

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

Staying home from past few months I realised I can go on any holiday if possible. However, Isle of Skye is what I am missing the most especially camping in the woods.

What do you think are the benefits of being a member of SPE?

Networking, enhancing technical knowledge and volunteering opportunities. Moreover you can boast about it on your CV and during interviews. Having SPE membership is like an investment for your next big job.

Best Achievement so far?

My best efforts have always been recognised by SPE for the contribution to the Aberdeen section.

Receiving one of the prestigious SPE awards – ‘’Regional Service Award for Aberdeen’’ for outstanding contribution at the regional level in 2019.

2017 Section Service Award received for leadership and sustained work

2015 Young Professional Award for outstanding contribution to the development and success of the Aberdeen Section by a Young Professional.

These awards keep me motivated and inspire me to achieve even greater heights within SPE and other segments of my life.

Who has been your greatest influence?

Almost all successful people inspire me, in fact I get inspired everyday as there is something to learn from everyone. Every single day is a school day.

However I believe that our early years of life are the foundation for the character that define us and hence my greatest influence are my parents.

What would your autobiography be called?

SPIRIT OF THE BUTTERFLY “Ability to transform with grace and finding joy in life’’

What is the best way to motivate others?

I get motivated by reading people’s success stories. Hence I believe the best way to motivate others is to ‘’tell a story’’- it doesn’t tell others what to do but engages people’s imagination and emotions. It shows people what they’re capable of becoming or of doing.

Your favourite stress-buster?

‘’Dance’’ (Dance the stress out); a cup of green tea and a sweet indulgence works wonders for me.

What’s your dream job?

I dream of being at a position where I can motivate others. The culture and the people you’ll work with is what really matters and hence a positive environment and team members would be bliss.

What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV?

TV series: Down to Earth on Netflix; this series focuses on finding healthy and sustainable ways to live. They are sharing the best practices and efficient ways on how some countries use their resources.

Reading: I am reading ‘’Seven Days’’ by Alex Lake; it’s entertaining and a gripping story with twists and emotions.

What career advice would you give your younger self?

You can do anything but you can’t do everything. I’m still trying to learn this lesson.

What do you think are the benefits of being a member of SPE?

The opportunity to meet stimulating people and learn from them through formal events and through building networks both within and outside your immediate area of expertise.

Best Achievement so far?

In my professional life I’m most proud of being part of the team that commercialised fibre optic downhole measurement in the oil industry. It was a genuine game changing technology and setting up and running the Middle East operations for a technology spun out of a UK University was a time of huge learning for me. I’m still applying those lessons today.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

Like most boys of my generation I wanted to be a footballer. By the time I was University age I wanted to be a research scientist. I worked in R&D for five years and realised that the application and commercialisation of technology was closer to my heart than pure research. My hero was James Watt rather than Stephen Hawkings.

What are the main career stepping stones you have taken?

The defining steps have been coming out of R&D in electronic printing technology after five years to join the Oil & Gas; Moving to Oman to set up Sensa Middle East, moving out of a large service company to work in a small technology company again.

Anything you would do differently?

Loads! However you have to take decisions with the information you have at the time, the learning comes when you find the success and challenges that follow from the decisions. In life the lesson comes after the exam so better get on and do the best you can.

Who has been your greatest influence?

James Watt is my professional hero. Taking an existing technology, making a crucial improvement and commercialising it round the world. What a story!

What’s your idea of perfect retirement?

Lots of travel and lots of music

What would your autobiography be called?

What’s Next?

What is the best way to motivate others?

Share your passion, understand theirs and align the two.

Your favourite stress-buster?

I’m a keen musician and there is nothing like turning it up to 11 to blow away the stress of the day.

What’s your dream job?

My “dream” job would be a professional musician. However I’m much better suited to what I do now and I’m lucky that I love what I do.

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

Somewhere I haven’t been before. My favourite past holidays have included Venice, Rome, Shetland and camping on the Oman coast.

What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV?

Books: Anger is an Energy By John (Rotten) Lyndon , Getting Things Done by David Allen, Mister Roberts by Alexei Sayle

TV: Any Drama by Sally Wainwright

If you were a character in a TV series or movie who would you be?

Jason Bourne- he’s always one step ahead, failing that Hong Kong Phooey.

What’s on your bucket list – the things you still want to accomplish?

See my kids through University and launched on the world. Travel round all the European Capitals, visit New York and Boston and visit the Fender Guitar Factory in California. Cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End. There is a long list but see question 1!

What career advice would you give your younger self?

Concentration is key, I was always the child who looked out of the window (distracted), wishing I was able to start on the career path as soon as possible. Ensure you get the most out of your secondary schooling, this will give you so many more opportunities and options on a career or progressing to a further vocational or academic education.

What do you think are the benefits of being a member of SPE?

The benefits which can be obtained as a member of the SPE, are to gain knowledge, network with industry like-minded individuals and mentor the next generation to inherit this great industry. Volunteering for SPE is a great way to give back, to an industry which has very much to give.

Best Achievement so far?

Obviously my best personal achievement would be my family, wife and 2 boys, and my best career achievement is graduating with an MSc in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management in November 2011; this was after working in the oil and gas service sector for 17 years. I wanted to take a different direction with my career and as I hadn’t obtained an undergraduate degree undertaking an MSc was a major challenge but a very rewarding one.

Anything you would do differently?

Not really but I probably would have concentrated more on the school subjects I had not much interest in, this would have offered me more options when leaving. The big question is does an individual really know what he/she would like to do career-wise at the age of 16 – 18 years old??

Who has been your greatest influence?

As a family ingrained in the oil and gas sector I followed my father in to the industry, I’m now in my 23rd year. My father was a big influence in my career choice to join the industry; I left school at the age of 16 on a Thursday and started a workshop apprenticeship the following Tuesday, out of the frying pan in to the fire and right on the bottom rung of the ladder. But I think that is what I enjoyed the best learning the trade, earning some money and progressing through the ranks. That is what I gave my father great respect for, allowing me my first opportunity with plenty of life challenges.

What’s your idea of perfect retirement?

Retirement, what’s that? It hasn’t crossed my mind as it is obviously a long way, away. I will always be dabbling with something, but too early to say what but it would certainly involve my family, my wife and 2 boys.

What is the best way to motivate others?

Motivating others is best achieved with listening, respect and encouragement; the more you listen the better you can motivate others to achieve their objectives. Respect the views and opinions of the person to help them attain their goals. The more encouragement offered hopefully the better the outcome; everyone likes to feel that they have achieved their ultimate goal and some, though not all, like some sort of acknowledgement.

Your favourite stress-buster?

I believe my best stress-buster is exercise and hobbies, I’m a keen cyclist, swimmer, and skier. I also like a good competition, as it keeps a sharp mind, whether it is Go-karting or Clay Pigeon shooting.

What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV?

My wife bought me a Sonos system for my birthday, so I have been enjoying the clarity of my favourite bands since installing this unit in my living room, the best way to listen to it is VERY LOUD!!

If you were a character in a TV series or movie who would you be?

As a big fan of James Bond, I would like to the one on the villains. The franchise has gone through a big transition from the Sean Connery era… but I would have to have a unique name and world domination as my objective.

What career advice would you give your younger self?

Remain as flexible as possible and get ready for change through your career. Be ready when the opportunities arise and grab them. You will fail at some but be successful at most.

What do you think are the benefits of being a member of SPE?

Membership means I can share my knowledge and experience with other engineers outside of a professional of competitive environment. I have a chance to give something back to the engineering community in a truly altruistic fashion.

Best Achievement so far?

My chairing of the team who became the Wells expect committee of IOGP and the team who published ISO 17969, which is an international standard on competency of well operations personnel to reduce the risk of well control events.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

An engineer like James Watt and to get out of the shipyards of the Clyde like Billy Connolly.

What are the main career stepping stones you have taken?

My apprenticeship, Redundancy, Moving out of Greenock and going to Uni, joining the oil industry, and moving to Aberdeen, staying aware of the industry trends, joining ARCO British, Redundancy, joining Conoco UK, Chief Engineer for well ops, Redundancy and early retirement.

Anything you would do differently?

Nothing, including being made redundant 3 times in my career, which forced me to change and find a new comfort zone.

Who has been your greatest influence?

Each time I have had a job, I have found a peer who has been able to teach and mentor me. ( some of them did not realise they were doing this) each one has influenced me in some way.

What’s your idea of perfect retirement?

What I am doing now . — Good health, Enough money to live on from my pension, and able to give something back to the engineering community, spend time with my grandchildren and family, have a classic car or three to restore and drive when the sun shines, 2 holidays per year.

What would your autobiography be called?

Around the World on an Expense Account

What is the best way to motivate others?

Show them that they are going to get something out of the deal. Different people want different things however, eg, recognition, respect, being treated on a professional level, friendship and social contact and acceptance, a free lunch.

Your favourite stress-buster?

Tai Chi or restoring an old bit of engineering in a cold garage listening to progressive rock.

What’s your dream job?

Early retirement is a dream job and what I do now, but my previous position was also a dream job, as was the one before. Maybe I make myself and each job fit as I go through my life by remaining adaptable and looking on the good side and ignoring the down side.

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

Japan

What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV?

A Tai Chi manual, Pink Floyd, BBC channel 4

If you were a character in a TV series or movie who would you be?

Rick Stein the chef

Whats’ on your bucket list – the things you still want to accomplish?

See my children and grandchildren through a good education and into a good career. Go round the world, including Hawaii and New Zealand. Drive a classic Jaguar to Monte Carlo and round the Italian lakes.

What career advice would you give your younger self?

Gain as much experience as you can and take every opportunity. It may mean getting up early and doing things you don’t want to do, but any experience is good experience.

What do you think are the benefits of being a member of SPE?

There are three things that are fantastic about being part of SPE:

1. the events. I try to go to them, and don’t always get there, but the slides and the information that comes from them is priceless. I have learnt so much, and without SPE I would not be able to bridge the law-science-engineering divide anywhere near as well.
2. sense of belonging. This is a network of people who are interested in what I am interested in, and are from all parts – government, industry and academia. I can’t think of any other organisation that brings people together like that.
3. when you come to a new city you instantly have people to connect with by attending chapter events.

Best Achievement so far?

Being skilled enough to be employed at University of Aberdeen, and then gaining my professorship.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

A veterinary surgeon. And I would have been if my maths, chemistry and physics skills were up to it!

What are the main career stepping stones you have taken?

Trained as a marine geologist/sedimentologist, but a rig injury meant no more field work. So then became a librarian (Was a bit too noisy for that, and its really boring), so then I went back and did law, and a PhD in law/field development at the University of Bergen, and have worked as an academic for the last 12 years.

Anything you would do differently?

Break less bones. Other than that, I have really loved the diverse background and the changes in career. It has been difficult in starting again, but worth it. I probably should have spent less time as a librarian. 10 years was more than enough.

Who has been your greatest influence?

Probably not a who, but a what? History. If we look back over what we have done, whether it be extracting petroleum, wars, etc, we can usually see that we have done it before, and if we learn, we can avoid the same mistakes. By looking into the history, and the experiences of others, we can learn so much.

As for a person – Joseph Stalin. Vicious brute, but amazing that he could set a country on a path of collectivisation, and stick to it, and still have the vast majority of the population (except for the ones in gulags) love you for it .

What’s your idea of perfect retirement?

Bothy in the Highlands, walking the hills, and writing papers about petroleum.

What would your autobiography be called?

‘Don’t jump onto the deck of an oil rig from a helicopter, and other stories of stupidity and disaster’.

What is the best way to motivate others?

Lead by example, give them the confidence to do the job by imparting the necessary skills and information, and support best endeavours.

Your favourite stress-buster?

Walking in the highlands with Hamish my stupid but adorable chocolate Labrador, who is the size of a small pony, yet only the brain capacity of a chicken.

What’s your dream job?

Professor of Law at the University of Aberdeen, travelling the world teaching and researching – living the dream!

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

Russia. Next trip is the Trans –Siberian Railway.

What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV?

Occupied. It is a Norwegian show that is about Norway turning off petroleum because of climate change, and the Russians ‘coming to help’ put it back on stream and staying. Helps me to maintain my Norwegian language skills, and proves how rubbish my Russian is.

If you were a character in a TV series or movie who would you be?

Elmer Fudd

What’s on your bucket list – the things you still want to accomplish?

Professionally, would love to do petroleum engineering

Personally, lots of travel things. Sleep in a monastery, drive the R504 Kolyma Highway (the Road of Bones) from Yakutsk to Magadan in Russia, and also to learn to speak Russian fluently.

What career advice would you give your younger self?

Spend as much time in the field learning the nuts and bolts before moving to the office-based role. Later on, this experience will be priceless as it opens many doors and also because one can’t hide incompetence for very long!

What do you think are the benefits of being a member of SPE?

Undoubtedly, networking and access to educational events.

Best Achievement so far?

Being recognised for my expertise, I got to manage a multi-million portfolio of contracts in one of the world’s biggest operators. But, as a young engineer, taking charge of wellsite operations in the desert, comes a close second.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

Growing up in the Soviet Union, children aspired to be cosmonauts or ballerinas. I wanted to follow in my father’s steps and become a military commander so that one day I would be sent on a secret mission. I could have been a female Bond 007 agent!

What are the main career stepping stones you have taken?

My early career experience included hammering 2” pipe and cementing wells in the desert. But of course, no-one wants to do that forever, so I took the plunge into a business suit to get commercial and contractual experience. I still feel equally at home onsite or in the office.

Anything you would do differently?

My motto is “No regrets!”. Whatever the experience, there is always something to be learnt from it.

Who has been your greatest influence?

One that springs to mind is Edith Head. She did not allow her lack of formal training to hold her back from achieving what she wanted. After 25 years she had been recognised for contribution to her industry and been awarded a prestigious eight Oscars.

What’s your idea of perfect retirement?

Being fit and sane. As the great Russian poet Pushkin said in 1833: “The Lord forbid my going mad.” I’ve seen nothing worse than when one’s mind leaves them.

What would your autobiography be called?

Don’t know what it will be called but it is gonna be a bestseller!

What is the best way to motivate others?

It’s an old saying but I always try to remember it: “Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I’ll copy; but involve me and I will understand.”

Your favourite stress-buster ?

Dinner at Hawksmoor followed by a jazz concert at Ronnie Scott’s. If I have no access to either, gardening until I can’t feel my back muscles.

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

I can’t get tired of the Iberian peninsula, sampling it’s perfect food and wine while practicing my Spanish.

If you were a character in a TV series or movie who would you be?

It has got to be Miranda Priestly, Meryl Streep’s character in Devil Wears Prada. Just imagine all that bottomless closet of shoes and bags and a steak for lunch!

What’s on your bucket list – the things you still want to accomplish?

Visit New York.

They say everyone has a book in them, so becoming a published author would be awesome.

And making wine from my own grapes.

What career advice would you give your younger self?

Look at each opportunity as it becomes available. Listen, learn, then act.

What do you think are the benefits of being a member of SPE?

An opportunity to learn, an opportunity to share, an opportunity to meet great people.  Coupled obviously with the high quality events and activities throughout the year.

Best Achievement so far?

Aside from my family, surviving in the oil and gas arena over 20 years, through 3 downturns and 4 lay-offs and still getting a buzz from it.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

Always something related to engineering, even from a young age.  Although in my late teens I was obsessed with Total Quality Management.

What are the main career stepping stones you have taken?

There have been a few significant ones; I started off with an apprenticeship in a factory, as soon as I finished I moved into precision equipment design.  I joined the Oil and Gas Industry on the strength of a phone call interview, which was over 20 years ago so I must be doing something right.  Finally, taking the plunge to move from Engineering into Sales and Business Development around 17 years ago.  Luck and timing has played a large part in most of the above.

Anything you would do differently?

Not really.  With the benefit of hindsight I have had a few questionable career moves and made a few interesting decisions, but I’ve gained experience as much from any negative aspects as I have from positive ones.  You can go through life with regrets but it’s not going to change anything.

Who has been your greatest influence?

I got my interest in engineering from my father initially but I have typically been influenced by a number of former managers and mentors.  I’m also fascinated by historical engineers who have knocked up the most amazing things in their sheds or on their kitchen table.

What’s your idea of perfect retirement?

Hopefully still being able to contribute something to the world, whether that’s to the Oil & Gas industry, engineering or just life in general.  Otherwise, a quiet life at home with family and friends nearby.

What would your autobiography be called?

Right place, right time.

What is the best way to motivate others?

Show passion and enthusiasm in everything you do and always lead by example.  Treat everyone with equal respect, give everyone a voice and have the courtesy to listen.

Your favourite stress-buster?

I try not to “do” stress but on occasion I shut myself in my music-room and play my electric guitars very loudly.

What’s your dream job?

Most likely music related, probably running/owning a music studio or venue.

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

It’s not so much about the place, it’s the company.  Warm and sunny can always help though, maybe a quiet Greek Island away from the crowds.  I am equally happy and content spending time at home.

What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV?

Books – non-fiction typically biographies, Music, mainly rock orientated but anything that has real artistic value, so not the churned out manufactured stuff that seems to have appeal these days. TV, I genuinely watch very little TV other than the news but I do enjoy movies.

If you were a character in a TV series or movie who would you be?

Scotty from Star Trek, you can fix anything and always save the day.

What’s on your bucket list – the things you still want to accomplish?

To finishing rebuilding my Land Rover, it’s become more of a lifestyle choice rather than a project.  Learn to play the piano properly.