Oil and Gas Industry and Women

AK – I know you came to UK all by yourself, how do you find being so far without your closest one? I am asking,as I went through the same phase as well. Do you miss your family? When are you going to see them?

 Nano – I miss my family so much, I do and I plan on seeing then before the end of this year. I am very much looking forward to that. I can be lonely experience living in a different country at the beginning, I think I am well adapted on here by now. But still – family is family, it is a home.

 

AK – You are not only beautiful; you are not only a ‘pretty face’ how it’s called. What do you do and why?

Nano – I am currently pursuing a career in the oil and gas sector as a petroleum engineer. I need to be well grounded in the geophysical, economic, political and environmental factors affecting both upstream and downstream sectors in the industry a large in order to make credible policies in my country in the near future. I want to change the ‘world’ however optimistic it may sound, it is true. Maybe I don’t want to change the whole world, but if I would have an impact into Nigeria oil and gas policies and change the environmental awareness and create an impact in benefiting people – I think I would be a happy person.

 

 

AK – What pushed you to this specific are of studies? And what would you like to do with your knowledge?

Nano – The fluctuation of oil prices and its effect on daily life in Nigeria, those – and a  relationship between consumption and export in my country backed by my problem solving skills created my interest in the oil and gas field. There is no better way to gain experience than to get involved, I want to use my knowledge in the geographical, petro physical, political, economic and environmental aspects to encourage unconventional methods. I want to  significantly reduce the differences between the upstream and downstream sectors.

 

AK – How hard is it to be a ‘girl’ in this industry?

Nano – In the past, it was almost impossible to make it up the ladder to an executive position and retaining a job in this field as a woman in the industry. But now, thanks to the increase wave of female interest in the energy industry, freedom of expression, improved female rights, equality campaigns and the ‘Women In Energy” programme devoted to curbing sexual related bias in the industry and harnessing a co-habitable environment considering the fact that it is a male dominated industry, it’s not too challenging, it is possible. It still is male dominated industry, but if you are good at it and you work hard, I believe I can make it wherever I want.

 

AK – What is the ultimate goal? A dream job for you?

Nano – For me, the dream job is to be in a position of policy making in petroleum resources in my country, in Nigeria. I would like to make an impact, have a say in changing my country, or at least part of the industry.

 

AK – What about your other dreams?

Nano – My other dreams are not to be worried about. In due time, they’ll be unleashed.

 

AK – I often ask women what is their superpower. What would you answer to that?

Nano –  My super power is definitely my character. It comes with patience, joy, faith, wisdom and love. My character is my superpower and I think being patient while ‘fighting’ for your dreams.

 

AK – Do you feel beautiful? What do you like and don’t like about yourself. It doesn’t need to be a body part, it can a personality feature or a skill you would like to improve?

 

Nano – I do feel beautiful, best of all it feels like from the inside. What I like most about myself is my large heart and worst is the fact that I have too much patience for humans, which can be overused by others.

 

AK – What do you think women should do to earn more and be more visible in business? To be considered as equal in the business world? Especially in the areas, that is considered more male cantered?

Nano – From my experience I think that women should be more confident about themselves and their purpose. As females we kind of accept that someone else can ‘overtalk’ us, not giving us a chance to speak. We need to stand up and just say it out loud and believe in ourselves that we can do it. We allow self-doubt to rule us, while we should be proud of our journey and be determined to reach the ultimate goal.

 

AK – You are also a model, is it easy or difficult to break through and build a career? Would you have any advice for models starting in this industry?

Nano – Its definitely not easy, I’ll be dishonest to say it is. In a very fast paced industry with high standards and very competitive market where supply surpasses demand for models, the right way to go about it is to put on your confidence always, be yourself, always show up. Never give up because you will be rejected at some point, be self-driven and open minded to personal development, taking instructions and building your portfolio.

AK – Finally, what should I wish you for the future?

Nano – ´Best of luck and favour” I’ll need lots of those. Thank you so much.

AK – Therefore, I wish you all the luck possible. But I think you will do great anyway.