Meet our Industry Person of the Week, Juliana Smith, a SHEQ Performance and Analytics Specialist for BOC UK & Ireland.
Q: How did you get started working in your field?
Juliana: After earning a BSc in Oceanography with a focus on Physics, I began my career in Data Science. Initially, I worked on an oceanic currents research project, but soon after, I transitioned to the Oil and Gas industry. My early roles involved supervising directional drilling operations on land, which set the stage for my dream job as a Marine Seismic Navigator. For many years, I thrived in this position, traveling worldwide and gaining invaluable experience. However, a work-related injury ended my ability to work onboard seismic vessels, forcing me to take a career break. This challenge became an opportunity for reinvention. Over the past five years, I’ve worked with several companies, searching for the same passion I once had. Today, I’ve found my niche in a role that combines my expertise in data strategy and business intelligence tools with a focus on Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ). Leading data-driven strategies and enhancing reporting systems to improve processes and performance has allowed me to bring my skills to a meaningful operational context.
Q: What do you love the most about your job? What are you most proud of?
Juliana: This is a tough one! Since my career change in 2020, I’ve often felt like a fish out of water. But reflecting on my journey, I realise that the skills and experiences I developed in the Oil and Gas industry have been instrumental in shaping my professional and personal growth. What I love most is the versatility that comes with a STEM background. It’s empowering to know that I can navigate different career paths, adapt to new challenges, and contribute to a variety of industries. As for what I’m most proud of, it’s undoubtedly my perseverance and resilience. Life has thrown curveballs my way, but these qualities have helped me overcome obstacles, pivot careers, and continue to grow.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work or new to the field?
Juliana: Stay curious and open-minded! Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and with it, new roles and industries are emerging. Always keep an eye on trends and developments, even in fields outside your own—there’s so much cross-industry innovation that can spark fresh ideas. That said, remember that as technology creates new opportunities, it also renders certain roles obsolete. Stay proactive, embrace lifelong learning, and remain flexible. The ability to adapt to new opportunities and pivot when necessary is key to thriving in today’s fast-changing job market.
Q: Can you talk about a project you recently worked on?
Juliana: One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on was during a secondment to the Strategic Pipeline Alliance (SPA) in the UK. SPA is an ambitious infrastructure program aimed at laying hundreds of kilometres of clean water pipelines across the East of England for Anglian Water. As a Data Analytics Coordinator within the PMO team, I was responsible for ensuring the program’s digital controls were continuously developed, populated, and maintained to enable efficient data-driven decision-making. This role was a steep learning curve but immensely rewarding. It allowed me to refine my analytical skills, gain insights into pipeline operations, and deepen my knowledge of Risk Management and BIM (Building Information Modeling). This experience was instrumental in earning my IT Professional Chartership from the British Computer Society. Beyond the technical achievements, I had the privilege of collaborating with inspiring professionals and mentors who profoundly shaped my career.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
Juliana: Having worked in both tech and the Oil and Gas industries, I’ve witnessed firsthand the significant gender imbalance in STEM fields. Women remain underrepresented, and this disparity presents unique challenges. Addressing the gender gap is essential—not only for fairness but also because diverse teams consistently deliver better results and foster innovation. I urge industry leaders and decision-makers to implement policies that promote inclusion and equity. Changing the culture and mindset among male professionals is crucial for this shift. Together, we can create a more inclusive STEM environment that encourages talent from all backgrounds to thrive.
Connect with Juliana on LinkedIn.
THANK YOU, JULIANA! WE LOOK FORWARD TO KEEPING UP WITH YOU THROUGH THE #PUMPTALK COMMUNITY!