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Oghogho Effiom
Production geologist in the Nigerian oil industry.
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STEM need more girls like you because you have something unique to bring to the table.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I’ve had a number of roles over the span of my career. First I started off as a geological software consultant - meaning I taught others how to use specific software to find oil and gas. Then I became a production geologist for Deep Water Nigeria; there were not many of us in deep water Nigeria when I started unlike today.
Currently, I do more of front-end project maturation and project management. This involves understanding the oil business and what makes projects profitable.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
I became a geologist quite by chance. As a child, I learnt of a senior friend of mine who was graduating from (what would become) my alma mater. He showed me some maps he drew by hand and coloured the different rock types in beautiful colours. I was mesmerized! That’s when I decided I wanted to be a geologist - a scientist that leans heavily on creativity, imagination and connected to the physical world.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
I wish I had been more intentional in volunteerism and extra curricular activities. I learnt the joy of service a little later in my career and it has brought an added richness to my existence. If I had known, I would have started sooner.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I look forward to learning new things. Making mistakes no longer scares me like it did when I was younger because I see every mistake as an opportunity to grow. I wake up in the morning determined to do an awesome job at work; to find solutions to problems and to add value to the business.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
STEM need more girls like you because you have something unique to bring to the table. It’s your curiosity, your desire to do something meaningful and to find a vocation that is stable. The world needs to solve the problems of tomorrow, and only the leaders of tomorrow can do that.
INSPO / FUN FACT
Aspire to be the best version of YOU.