Gatsby Benchmarks
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What has been the highlight of your
career so far?
ANNE CLAUDEL
UPSTREAM TECHNICAL AUDITOR
Why did you pursue an engineering career?
My parents work in the health sector, there
are no engineers in my family. After high
school, I had to choose a field. I don’t like the
sight of blood and I am not overly patient, so
I decided health was not for me. The remaining
options were business or engineering school.
Besides the fact that I liked sciences, part
of the reason for choosing engineering is that
I thought it would be easier to stand out in a
male-dominated sector. Boy, was I right. A
competent woman on the rigs is the queen!
40 // STEM
Don't think you
have to be
one of the boys
if you want to
succeed in
engineering;
bring your
whole self
There have been so many, and I expect them
to keep coming. The people I meet, the
countries I have lived in, the odd places and
environments I have worked in are all highlights.
The oil and gas industry is inherently diverse
in terms of ethnicity, culture, backgrounds and
experiences. I recall this company man on a
platform in the North Sea, with this white
beard: I was stuck on the rig on Christmas day;
he looked like Santa Claus. It took me some
effort to gain his trust and to prove that I was
technically capable. I still have the picture of
us hugging before I flew off.
I was presented with the Rising Star award
for the oil and gas sector in June 2016.
What advice would you give to young women
who are considering a career in engineering?
In engineering, you will be able to prove your
technical capability and add value by the soft
skills you bring to work. Don’t think you have
to be one of the boys if you want to succeed
in engineering; you have to bring your whole
self and you will make a difference. Just
go for it.