Meet Michelle a Facilities Engineer at Famfa Oil Limited #IWD2021
Today we are honouring all the amazing women that make up the Famfa Oil Limited board, staff, friends, allies and community. Thank you for making us better!  To mark this special day, we bring you into the world of some of our wonder women who have chosen to challenge themselves by encouraging the education of the girl child in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics courses (STEM).
Meet Michelle a Facilities Engineer at Famfa Oil Limited
Who is a Facilities Engineer?
Facilities Engineering comprises a group of teams working together to design, review and implement processes or improvements in the operation or construction of a facility such as the Agbami FPSO. In the oil and gas industry, facilities engineering is made up of Process Engineers, Construction Engineers, Subsea Engineers and other Discipline Engineers. These sub-groups work together to support operations at the facility.
How did you get into this field? Share your journey…
Through school, I toyed with various ideas including studying medicine or architecture as I was always drawn to the sciences and technical subjects. I thoroughly researched various courses and found Chemical Engineering to be a robust course, which qualified graduates for a career in various sectors. I completed my undergraduate studies (as well as Masterâs Degree) at Imperial College.
I then applied to Famfa Oil Limited for a Facilities Engineering position and was delighted to be given the role.
What are the challenges you have faced getting to where you are?
When I first started work as a Facilities Engineer, I was thrown in at the deep end. I was required to do a lot of learning on the job and it was a steep learning curve. One memory that stands out was from my first trip to the FPSO: as a recent starter, I had to give a presentation to a room full of very experienced male operators. I faced similar challenges at the start, but I am blessed to be part of a great collaborative team who have helped me to overcome such challenges.
There was also the challenge of being one of very few women on the team, although I was used to that from my course at university. The truth is I donât even notice it now.
Lastly, of course, there is the balancing act many women have to perform: sustaining a demanding career while trying to be a present wife and mother. The reality, however, is that you have to do all well: when one suffers, the other is affected.
How has Famfa enabled your success as a female in a male dominated field?
Other than providing me with that all important career start, Famfa has equipped me with the tools to succeed such as the various overseas training in areas of my interest and specialization. I will also commend Famfa for creating a level playing field for men and women in terms of training, rewards and career progression.
Any words for fellow women who want to toe your line in a male dominated world (quotes, mantra you live by etc.)
âComfort is the enemy of Successâ. Stepping out of oneâs comfort zone is where success and achievement lies.