Job highlight: Collaborating with (and learning from) colleagues to solve problems that have never been solved before! Building on the decades of work of those who came before me, and knowing that I am playing my own small part in laying the foundations for those who will come after me.
My research training set me up… with a variety of transferable skills to succeed in a range of industries. Before joining CGG I had no previous experience in geophysics or signal processing, but the critical thinking, problem solving, and presentation skills I developed throughout my Ph.D. ensured I was able to hit the ground running and progress quickly with all aspects of my role.
I completed my MSci in Mathematical Physics at the University of Nottingham prior to spending three years in R&D in the British Intelligence sector. Following this, I returned to academic research at Nottingham, obtaining my Ph.D. in Atomic & Molecular Physics in 2009. I joined CGG in 2010 as a Geophysicist in the Subsurface Imaging department, moving to Research and Development in 2014.
I wanted to apply the expertise I developed during my Ph.D. in a more practical way. I enjoyed the abstract elements of my academic research, but there is a unique satisfaction in working to solve real-world problems.
I applied for a position as a Geophysicist directly after completing my Ph.D. Following a successful face-to-face interview I started my career in the Subsurface Imaging department as a Processing Geophysicist in 2010, and moved to into Research & Development after an internal interview in 2014.
Despite having no experience with geophysics prior to working at CGG, my scientific background had already prepared me for much of the work involved in my job. In addition, CGG has provided me with specialist technical training in all aspects of geophysics required for my role, both at the outset and throughout my career.
A Ph.D. is about much more than demonstrating problem solving and analytical abilities. Learning to collaborate and communicate effectively with others is a key aspect of research, both in academia and the workplace. Often this will relate to oral communication and presentational skills, but it also extends to honing written communication skills. Writing papers for peer-reviewed journals during my Ph.D. developed my critical thinking and reasoning, both crucial features of my current role.
My primary role is to develop new capabilities for CGG’s Subsurface Imaging department. However, a typical week is about much more than just software development, and can include technical support for colleagues within Subsurface Imaging, line management and developing others, liaising with external clients, delivering presentations and training courses, attending seminars and conferences, peer-reviewing (and writing) journal papers, and preparing patent applications.
CGG has a collaborative and progressive workplace culture. Everyone is friendly and keen to help, and there is as much emphasis on staff wellbeing as there is on getting the job done. Outside of the office, there is a busy and wide-ranging calendar of events organised by the social committee.
Collaborating with and learning from colleagues who are experts in their field. Developing others through training courses and technical support. Solving problems!
One of the advantages of working at CGG is the flexibility to choose your own career path and broaden your experience and horizons. I am very happy in my current research role but I would always be open to considering a new challenge within CGG if the right opportunity arises.
