International Women’s Day: Emmanuella Uche

Meet Emmanuella Uche, our Subsea QAQC assistant based in Nigeria. Emmanuella has been with us for over seven years, starting out as an intern. She is now in charge of creating job packs for asset maintenance, lead auditing and document control within the subsea department.

What advice do you have for young women looking to get into your field/oil and gas industry?

My advice for them is to be focused, determined and be ready to learn. Be diligent in whatever task you have been assigned, no matter how insignificant you might think it is. If you are in doubt, please ask! In the oil and gas industry, no one is an island. There is lots of stuff to learn every single day, but only if you make yourself teachable.

Why do you think diversity is so important in the workplace?

Diversity is very important because it gives you an edge over your competitors and makes you a master at what you do.

Our industry has typically been dominated by men. Have you faced any challenges coming into the industry and how did you overcome them?

As the only woman in my department, I faced some challenges having to deal with egos, attitudes and perceptions of my role. Some people call me the “Subsea Police!” But over the years, with patience, tolerance and not allowing whatever they throw my way to get the better of me, made me overcome the challenges.

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?

It’s important because it has given me an opportunity to share my work experience with other women out there and to encourage them.