International Women’s Day interview with freelance Geophysicist Sarah Newnes (PART 2)

On March the 8th, it was International Women’s Day – a day where countries around the globe celebrate women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements while calling for more gender equality.

This International Women’s Day, we spoke with two of our freelancers, Ana Klanšek (Surveyor) and Sarah Newnes (Geophysicist). Read PART 2 now to find out what Sarah thinks can be done to achieve more gender diversity and inclusion in the oil and energy industry.

Tell me a little bit about yourself, your background, current job and for how long have you been in this industry?

I studied geology at Cardiff University and in my final year, when I was doing my Masters, I was basically led into the job. After graduation, I took a position as a geophysicist but after almost five years I decided to go freelance and have since worked for an offshore Australian company. I’m responsible for processing sidescan sonar data, sub-bottom data and we work in incredibly deep waters with AUV. The shifts are 6 weeks on, 6 weeks off which is a long time on a boat – but it suits me!

When did you decide you wanted to work offshore and why?

I never really intended to work offshore – in fact it’s more accurate to say I didn’t know it was an option before my Masters. My first job was a mix of offshore and in an office and I found I really preferred being offshore. I thought about it and decided if I was going TO do it, I needed to get stuck in now when I’m fairly young.

I like the environment –  it’s so different from working in an office. It’s far more relaxed and I love the time off. That’s possibly the biggest appeal for me. I’m currently skiing for seven weeks in Colorado –The downside is I had to work  over Christmas, but it’s paid off.

Is there still a need for International Women’s Day?

Absolutely. Gender equality is getting there and making progress in many ways but there is still room for improvement. It’s also a very good moment to celebrate women’s achievements. For the most part, I experience no difference in treatment, and it is good to be one of the lads, but men are quite receptive to having a woman on board so the dynamic changes. I often hear that the guys prefer having women on board to relax the macho culture. I can’t picture what it’s like when I’m not there, but it’s good when I am.

What’s one misconception people have about women working offshore or working offshore in general?

I get asked a lot if I get bored. People think you’re stuck on a boat in the middle of an ocean with nothing to do; but the shift is 12 hours long, and once you work out or sunbathe, have a shower and eat I find I don’t have that long to be bored! There are always things to do –  sometimes we even have bingo nights.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

Without a doubt, it’s being away from home. It’s great having time off and that time is quality time because you’re totally switched off from work. But you don’t have a choice about making weddings or parties or Christmas. It was tough this year being away from my family and friends over Christmas. But I take it as it comes – I’ve not got plans to change anything!

What are some key issues which need to be addressed to bring more women into the sector?

It’s really about educating girls from early age. Even at university there were not many women in science/engineering – you’ve got to start early.

What can be done to achieve more gender diversity and inclusion in the oil and energy industry?

Making it more normal to have women working offshore – it’s not normal to have women on the rigs or ships. Saying that – I don’t feel abnormal but I do stand out. There are up to 80 people on the  job I’m on at the moment, and usually around 5 of us are women. I used to work on smaller vessels when out of say 16, I would be the only girl. It’d be nice if that changed. When I worked for my old company, I used to do a bit of recruitment in job fairs and I always tried to talk to girls about it. I loved it – no reason why they wouldn’t if you like being outside and adventurous.

What would your advice be for women who are just starting out in your industry?

Stick with it. First time offshore can be terrifying. I remember my first time – it can be daunting. There is a lot of men! But honestly that’s more something that was my issue than any of theirs because after couple of days, it’s great. I know some girls find it very tough to cope with that environment, but we can create support networks which help. I worked for one company which had a what’s app group and the women could all chat and give each other support if it was needed.