ExxonMobil Guyana is paving the way for female professionals in the energy sector, with 52% of its local workforce comprising women.
Jennifer Elliot, Geoscience Manager at ExxonMobil Guyana, highlighted the company’s commitment to gender diversity during a recent interview on the Energy Perspectives podcast.
Elliot shared her journey into the oil and gas industry, noting that she never expected to work in the field but was drawn in by the opportunities at ExxonMobil. “I knew nothing about oil and gas…but 22 years later, I’m still here,” she said, emphasizing her long-standing career with the company.
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Addressing the challenges women face in the industry, Elliot recounted her early experiences. “There weren’t a lot of women in the field. When I went to my first drill ship…I was the only woman on the rig,” she explained. She also mentioned the absence of basic amenities like appropriately sized coveralls, which have since improved.
Elliot highlighted the strides ExxonMobil has made in promoting gender parity, particularly in Guyana. “Right now, if you look at our Guyana landscape, 1,400 women work offshore. That’s a significant change from when I started,” she noted. Additionally, she proudly shared that “52% of our Guyanese employees are women,” surpassing the company’s global average of 34%.
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Elliot emphasized that ExxonMobil is dedicated to maintaining this progress through mentoring programs, equitable pay, and a focus on retaining women in the workforce. “We want to make sure we don’t have large drop-off periods…so we have a diverse and rich pool to pull from for senior leadership roles,” she said.
For women aspiring to succeed in the industry, Elliot’s advice is to persevere and seize opportunities. “It’s a story of perseverance…when those opportunities present themselves, you have to go full bore at it,” she encouraged.
Elliot also stressed the importance of work-life balance, particularly for working mothers. “You can’t do everything…but make sure you’re there for the diamond moments,” she advised, referring to the critical family moments that should not be missed.
With ExxonMobil’s ongoing efforts, Elliot affirms that there is “plenty of space for women in Guyana,” and the company remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
