Her Story
About Fernanda
Fernanda is a professional in the oil and gas industry. She holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Brazil, where her studies focused on industrial processes. She entered the field in 2013 after an internship program that provided exposure to the full process, starting on the technical engineering side with cementing operations. She then moved into operational roles before becoming a technical instructor for engineers on a global basis. She currently serves as Global Sales Manager, overseeing her department. Throughout her career, she has worked across multiple countries including Brazil, the U.S., Mexico, and Saudi Arabia, where she was the first international female professional assigned.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Fernanda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I always joke that we need to prove ourselves every time we step out or step in a new role. It's almost like we need to prove again that we're great enough to be there just because of the mental bias. I always had my feet on the ground. Whatever the expectation is higher, but that is also good at a certain point because whatever you actually meet those expectations, that is no doubt anymore. That kind of drives you a little bit further.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The imposter syndrome will be there no matter where you are. Always have that negative voice in your head, so start to create in the other persona that will do exactly the opposite. It will take time, for sure. I'm still building mine. Just try to make that voice speak louder than the negative.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
We're moving in the right direction. The more a woman gets in high levels, that will change naturally. We still see a lot of challenges, especially work-life balance with families and all that.
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