Calling all Young Professionals!
October 2017
Each year the SPE Aberdeen Offshore Achievement Awards recognises excellence and talent within the industry. We are especially proud to incorporate a Young Professional Award in the proceedings, which has been awarded to some outstanding candidates from all areas of the energy industry over the years.
These Young Professionals are recognised for their professional capability, as well as their wider contribution to the energy industry. This perfectly describes our 2017 winner, Marianne Mckevitt. A Petroleum Engineer at BP, Marianne works in BP's Opportunity Progression team responsible for progressing Well projects across the North Sea region. As well as establishing a reputation for turning complex problems into executable options to deliver business results, Marianne also represents her team at university campus recruitment events and participates in STEM activities to encourage school children to pursue a career in a technical subject. She is also an active member of BP's Women's International Network and has already held leadership positions supervising two summer interns.
The judges were overwhelmed by Marianne's technical aptitude, commitment to her team and company, as well as her passion in encouraging others to consider careers in the energy industry. We spoke to Marianne about what it meant to win, and what has changed for her since picking up the trophy.
How did it feel to be recognised as a finalist, and eventual winner, at the Offshore Achievement Awards?
"Being announced as the YP winner is certainly the highlight of my career to date. I am delighted to have my achievements and impact to the O&G industry recognised both internally and externally."
Have you been able to use this recognition in any way as a stepping stone for growth?
"Yes absolutely - it raised my profile with senior leaders across the company and allowed me to build a stronger network that gives me exposure to more global opportunities. It has also allowed me to expand my network into other parts of the business outside my core discipline."
What have been the developments in your career since winning (either in your role at BP or as part of the wider industry)?
"I am being sponsored by senior level leaders and I have a clear accelerated development plan that will ensure my future roles are aligned with my overall career aspirations."
What advice would you give to the finalists who will be in the Young Professional category, in terms of the interview you needed to undertake?
"Be yourself – the judges want to get to know you and are interested to hear about your experiences, so there is nothing to be nervous about. Just be confident to let them know what makes you stand out from the crowd."
If you are a young professional, or know a young professional, who would be a good candidate for this year's awards, view full criteria and download your nomination form through our nominations page.
Nominations close 30 November. A shortlist of candidates in the Young Professional category will be invited to attend a short interview, after which the final nominees will be announced.
