CAREER ED. 2201CAREER INTERVIEW PROJECT!

BY: TYLER HUMBER AND JAMIE MORAN

INTERVIEWEE: TERRY HUMBER, OIL AND GAS, OPERATIONS MANAGER AT OCEANEERING

1. . WHAT IS YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE?

• My work experience consists of 19 years in the Oil and Gas Industry working in both the Seismic and Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) Fields. My career started in 1996 with Western Geco in the Seismic Industry. I left the Seismic Industry in 2001 where I moved into the ROV Industry where I still work today.

2. WHAT IS THE ROV INDUSTRY – FOR PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW?

• The ROV Industry deals with subsea work using a Remote Control Vehicle(ROV). The ROV is tethered to the surface and controlled via topside computer which controls its sensors i.e cameras, depth, lights, power, thrusters. It is flown by a ROV pilot with assistance from an ROV copilot. The ROV is used to observe, inspect or work subsea depending upon the task.

3. DID YOUR JOB REQUIRE POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION?

• Yes. I have 3-year Diploma in Mechanical Technology. Today when we hire we look for people with Technology Programs or Engineering Degree’s.

4. IS IT POSSIBLE FOR YOU TO BE PROMOTED FROM YOUR CURRENT POSITION? IF SO, TO WHAT?

• Yes, my current Job Title is Operations Manager; my next step in promotion would be Business Manager or General Manager.

5. HAVE YOUR LIFE DECISIONS INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER?

• Yes, I became a Father at a very young age. The Oil and Gas Industry provided a chance to have steady work and make a good living.

6. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

• Flexibility & good pay

7. WOULD YOU RECOMMEND YOUR JOB TO OTHERS? WHY OR WHY NOT?

• I would recommend my job. It enables a person to work in a fast paced environment in which they can make a difference. If you are motivated, driven, have good work ethic and confidence, then the sky is the limit. I would add that certain characteristics & personality traits would also help – you need to have “thick skin”, be able to multi-task, good people skills, be willing to go above & beyond (it’s not a 9-5 job) – you have to be available 24/7.

8. DID YOU REQUIRE TRAINING TO GET THIS JOB?

• Yes, I was promoted to my current position because of my work experience. However, the company I work for is always looking to improve their employees. This is done through Company Leadership Courses, University Based Programs, etc. Recently I received my Professional Engineering Limited License (ENG.L), I am a Certified Engineering Technologist(CET), currently I am enrolled in University completing Project Management Professional(hopefully PMP ). Also every 3 years I need to complete/pass BST (Basic Survival Training) as a requirement to maintain my certification to work offshore for Canadian and Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board(CNLOPB). You never stop learning or improving!

9. . HAVE YOU EVER BEEN LAID OFF? EXPLAIN.

• No, I have been very fortunate.

10. HAVE YOU EVER REGRETTED YOUR CAREER CHOICE? WHY OR WHY NOT?

• No, it hasn’t always been easy, but I have a great life, beautiful family and everybody seems happy.

11. DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT.

• My environment is called 24/7/365. I work and I am on call 24 hours a day for 7 days a week for 365 days a year.

12. WHAT SAFETY PROCEDURES/PROTOCOL ARE FOLLOWED IN YOUR WORKPLACE?

• Our Company is a compliant ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001. This ensures our Quality, Environment and Occupational Health and Safety Plans are met and followed through auditing. As a company we also have our own initiatives such as Hazardous Energy Plan and Learning Management System which keeps us compliant internally as a Company.

13. HOW HAS THIS JOB IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?

• Earlier in my career I worked offshore, that lifestyle has its own benefits & challenges, I think because of that experience I appreciate being able to come home every night to my family. It has enabled me to have the things I want in life.

14. IS TRAVEL A PART OF YOUR JOB? EXPLAIN.

• Yes, in the early part of my career I travelled the world such Brazil, England, Malta, Trinidad, etc. With my current position my travel is usually every 3-4 months within North America.

15. WHAT KIND OF TASKS ARE PRESENTED TO YOU AS PART OF YOUR JOB?

• I have to maintain a business model. This includes daily financials, client requests and demands are taken care of, day to day operations of the business, safety programs are followed and training is continuous. I am also responsible for a team of 10 people directly and 100 indirectly.

16. DOES YOUR JOB OFFER INSURANCE BENEFITS?

• Yes, we offer Health & Dental & Life Insurance and a Retirement Plan.

17. DID YOUR HOBBIES INFLUENCE YOUR CAREER CHOICE? EXPLAIN

• No, I loved hockey and wanted to be a Gym Teacher. However Oil and gas gave me the opportunity to provide a living for my family. (also a hockey injury when I was 18 had me re-thinking my goals)

18. ARE YOUR HOURS FLEXIBLE?

• Yes, I can leave for family appointments or other commitments.

19. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEWCOMER ENTERING YOUR FIELD?

• Get a good education. Don’t take things personally

20. WHAT ENCOURAGED YOU TO ENTER YOUR FIELD?

• My Dad worked in the Oil Industry at and enjoyed it. So I thought I would also.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!