| Bronwyn McCormick (25) is with Schlumberger. She works as a drilling services engineer. She studied engineering at university. This is the story of her career so far...
1. Aberdeen, Scotland
After an intensive health & safety course in London, I spent three days in Aberdeen. I had a superb time getting cold, wet and dirty on an offshore survival and firefighting course.
2. Port Harcourt, Nigeria
The company I work for was acting as consultant to the oil company, so I had to adapt to a new company culture, as well as to life in a new country. The initial research took several days. Then at last I was allowed to go offshore for the first time. There was a four-hour drive through the jungle (and a dozen armed checkpoints), before we arrived at the helicopter base. I learnt a lot in my 20 days on the rig. I think they did too - I was the first female they had ever worked with!
3. Houston, USA
I spent 10 weeks at the company training school, learning yet more about drilling technology. The only word to describe this experience is 'intensive' - my brain hadn't been this full in years!
4. Calgary, Canada
Suffering from the climatic changes from the humid heat of Nigeria and Houston to the dry cold in Calgary was a little tricky. However, it was more than compensated for by the great people and the gorgeous scenery! And of course, I got a chance to wear my bright orange thermal coveralls!
5. Louisiana, USA
Now I'm back in the USA, I'm enjoying southern hospitality to its full. Thanks to all the training, I'm now able to take on an awesome amount of responsibility. Preparation and adaptability are the keys to life offshore, as it's impossible to just run down to the shops if you forget something! I'm not sure where I'm going next, but my experience suggests that the world really is your oyster in the oil & gas industry. | 
