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Q&A: The Women of Oil and Gas

by Jaime Kammerzell

Rigzone Contributor

Monday, February 06, 2012

Although far fewer women work in the oil and gas industry compared to men, many women find rewarding careers in the industry. Five women were asked the same 10 questions regarding their career choices in the oil and gas industry. One question and one answer from each woman will be shared with our readers each day for the next 10 days.

Disclaimer: The women in this questionnaire have asked to remain anonymous.

Question 1: Why did you choose the oil and gas industry?

Woman 1: Cool technology, applying science and money.

Woman 2: It seemed interesting and the pay was good.

Woman 3: They offered me a job! I couldn't turn down the great starting salary and a chance to live in New Orleans.

Woman 4: I did not really choose the oil and gas industry as much as it chose me.

Woman 5: I chose the oil and gas industry because of the challenging projects, and I want to be part of our country's energy solution.

The Women of Oil & Gas Series

Q&A: The Women of Oil and Gas - Feb 6

Q&A: How Women of O&G Got Their Start - Feb 7

Q&A: Did the Women Choose Career or Did the Career Choose Them? - Feb 8

Q&A: Career Paths of the Women of O&G - Feb 9

Q&A: How the Past Has Shaped the Women of O&G's
Career Today - Feb 10

Q&A: The Roads Traveled by the Women of O&G Career Today - Feb 13

Q&A: A Day in the Life of the Women of O&G - Feb 14

Q&A The Women of O&G Describe Work Environments - Feb 15

Q&A Skills the Women of O&G Use Every Day in Their Job - Feb 16

Q&A Career Advice from the Women of O&G - Feb 17

Jaime Kammerzell is an experienced upstream and downstream O&G journalist who has worked for many of the top petroleum publications. Email Jaime at eandpsessions@gmail.com.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

Kyoko | Feb. 13, 2012

Working place in US and Nigeria only is one-sided, and compensation USD100,000 + is not expensive, isn't it, compared with men in O&G industries. I wanted to see more samples in the world, and there must be variety of salaries and variety of carrier of women in O&G.

S A Visotsky | Feb. 11, 2012

We feel mislead by the name of the article. We were expecting a calender.

Against affirmative action | Feb. 10, 2012

"I did not really choose the oil and gas industry as much as it chose me." Honest answer and which is what I have always known. Schlumberger used to t come to our campus for recruitment and they had to take a girl irrespective of where she stands in competitiveness for the job compared to other male candidates.

Rabbit | Feb. 10, 2012

Loving the oil industry, work in it myself. Blood sweat, and tears all sown into working with everyone to get the job done. I work in maintenance of the machines right now, but thinking of trying my hand as an equipment operator! Yall Women step up! I love my job, and everyone in it! Frac Tech Reppin!

Duncan | Feb. 8, 2012

Timely article. Thank you!

Rigzone Staff | Feb. 8, 2012

Thanks for your feedback Mike and Nicole. We reached out to many women in the industry. Many did not respond, and of the ones who did respond, we did not edit their answers. We'd like to hear from other women in the industry about their experiences in the O&G industry too. Please feel free to add your comments below!

Mike | Feb. 7, 2012

Good subject but I was hoping for in-depth interviews rather than one line blogs.

J W Crowe | Feb. 7, 2012

I retired from a major oil & gas company and I have the good fortune to work with a geat number of fine young ladies They have all been excellent co-workers. Thank you Ladies for joining the oilo & gas industry

Mr. H. | Feb. 7, 2012

In 1967, my mother joined the oil and gas industry at zero pay. My father had just passed away at age 54, leaving behind seven children aged 3 to 17 and a company mired in debt. We all endured many years of hardship but ultimately prevailed, and today are thriving and successful. Hats off to all women of this industry.

kolawole kolade | Feb. 6, 2012

There are alot of many opportunity being a professional in oil and gas field i love the course alot. It my dream course im presently in school to have my bachelor degree toward the course and work in nnpc.

Nicole Tetrault | Feb. 6, 2012

I find the answers shockingly shallow. Surely you could have had a better cross section of professionals? How about the executive level? The answers alone these women gave should have rang the alarm bells that you could do better "It chose me?".

Danijela | Feb. 6, 2012

I like the answers, because I'm a woman too, Msc. of chemistry, and I'd like to work for some oil & gas company. I like new technology, challenge and good salary....so, I will be so happy if I could be a part of that team!

Patricia Cleary | Feb. 6, 2012

I think this is a great topic for conversation. Although, I have never been treated unfairly or differently because I'm female. Sometimes, there is a perception particularly from older executives, and those men have not problems making comments that one could construe as inappropriate. I've been working in HSE Oil and Gas for 14 yrs and I love the job..... I wouldn't change my experiences, my failures or my successes.