IN THE SPOTLIGHT the world ’ s greatest challenges . It ’ s also constantly evolving so you ’ re always learning to keep up with the latest technologies . Jobs in the tech sector as a whole are hugely diverse , I ’ d recommend not just Data Science but Data Engineering , Software Engineering , Data Analytics and User Experience Design all as incredible areas to work in and will provide you with a skillset that ’ s in high demand across almost every industry and highly rewarding .
What have been the biggest or most unexpected challenges in your career so far and how did you overcome them ? Living in unfamiliar places including Angola & Oman was an unexpected challenge but I took the opportunity to be immersed in the culture , trying the most incredible food ( and embracing the 50 degree centigrade daytime temperature in Oman ) whilst also building a strong bond with my colleagues . The other big challenge was making the decision to change career path from geoscience to data science but a risk I am so glad I took . I would always say it ’ s worth following your interests and passions wherever possible !
What are your plans / ambitions for the future ? I am starting a new role later this year as the ‘ Project Advisor to Executive Vice President of Innovation & Engineering ’ at bp . I ’ m really excited about taking on the challenge of supporting a member of the Executive Team and building greater breadth of knowledge as Innovation & Engineering covers everything Digital , Engineering and Safety in bp . Following this , I ’ d love to continue my data science career leading the development of digital solutions for some of the biggest energy challenges . I would also love to continue building digital enablement both inside and outside of bp , particularly encouraging young women who are interested in STEM careers .
What are your favourite memories of Pocklington School ? Who inspired you ? My favourite memory of School is being part of the CCF . It enabled me to fly solo in a glider before I could drive and take part in adventurous training camps where we climbed mountains , abseiled and gill scrambled in the lake district ! These expeditions were led by my favourite teachers Mr Dare and Mr Evans . My favourite teachers for my academic studies were Doc Dyson for Chemistry , Mr McDougall for Geography , and Mr Smith whose door was always open for advice on everything from physics homework to university applications . It ’ s incredible how these teachers have shaped and influenced my approach to everything following my time at School and I can ’ t thank them enough !
What career advice would you give to younger OPs or sixth formers and who do you look to for advice ? There are three key pieces of advice from what I have learnt so far : ( 1 ) Always follow what you love doing and don ’ t worry if you have a winding career path , sometimes it takes time to find what you love to do . ( 2 ) Find a good mentor with experience in the area you ’ re interested in . They can help you identify opportunities and talk through challenges . ( 3 ) Gain work experience as early as possible and at university try and do an internship or final project placement . This is a great way to gain hands on experience .
I have a few incredible mentors that I regularly meet with for advice and guidance . For technical and career development , I am incredibly lucky to work with the Distinguished Advisor for Data Science in bp who has worked across a number of different tech companies . For performance , I have a professional development coach who helps to coach me through challenges . For everything else , my longest running mentor and source of advice is definitely my Dad ; he knows me better than anyone and can always talk through anything I need advice on .
Do you have any personal mantras that have helped you in your career / daily life and what are they ? This is a really interesting question and not really something I have thought about before ! I think I have two key mantras that I look to regularly :
‘ You can learn how to do anything ’ – if you find it interesting , just go for it ! There are blogs and YouTube videos on how to get started in just about anything ! ‘ Get comfortable being uncomfortable ’ – being outside of your comfort zone is the best way to grow and to learn and you ’ ll always be surprised at what you can do .
What do you do when you are not working ? Since completing my gliding scholarship at School , I ’ ve had a huge interest in aviation . After finishing university , I achieved my Private Pilot ’ s Licence and now fly as often as I can . I ’ ve actually found that I have learnt far more than just how to fly but also the critical importance of safety , engineering , communication , rapid decision making and problem solving – it ’ s been the most phenomenal journey .
I also really enjoy endurance challenges having completed four marathons in four days and I swam across the English Channel in a relay team for charity . I think it ’ s so important to push yourself out of your comfort zone whenever you can !
Hannah is contactable via LinkedIn https :// www . linkedin . com / in / hannahvcrompton / or through the OP office .
“ At School I had the opportunity to lead the CCF and was a prefect which were both hugely valuable learning experiences .”
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