International Women in Engineering Day 2024 - Marcela Ferreira Thedim

Name: Marcela Ferreira Thedim
Location: Macaé, RJ – Brazil 
Job Title: Contracts Manager 

What is your background?
I'm a mechanical engineer with a postgraduate degree in Planning and Finance. 

What does your job involves?
My role as a Contract Manager involves various responsibilities. Overall, my role is to ensure that all contracts are managed effectively to support the company’s objectives, minimize risks, and maximize value for all parties involved 

As a Contract Manager, I oversee the entire contract lifecycle, including negotiation, drafting, administration, and compliance, while managing risks, financials, and stakeholder communications to support the company’s objectives and maximize value. Additionally, I handle dispute resolution and continuously improve contract management processes. 

How long have you been with Expro?
I recently joined Expro, but I already have 24 years of experience in other companies in the oil and gas industry. 

Whats the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I've ever received was to never underestimate the power of perseverance and resilience. In such a dynamic environment like the oil and gas sector, we constantly face challenges and unforeseen obstacles. Staying strong in the face of adversity and learning from failures is essential for long-term success. This advice has taught me not to give up in the face of difficulties, but rather to see each obstacle as an opportunity for personal and professional growth and development. 

What’s been your biggest career challenge so far?  
One of the greatest challenges I faced, especially as a woman in engineering, was overcoming gender stereotypes and biases in the workplace. In many situations, I encountered different expectations and pressures simply because of being a woman in a predominantly male field. This often resulted in having to work even harder to prove my competence and technical skills. 

However, I also saw these challenges as opportunities to promote diversity and inclusion. By facing these barriers, I was able to demonstrate that women have a valuable and equal place in the field of engineering, contributing unique perspectives and innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the oil and gas industry. 

Overcoming these challenges has made me more resilient and determined to achieve my professional goals, while also motivating me to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable work culture. 

What keeps you motivated?
What keeps me motivated is the desire to make a difference and contribute to the advancement of the oil and gas industry. The opportunity to tackle complex challenges, find innovative solutions, and see the positive impact of my work inspires me every day. Additionally, the support of my team and the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues are also constant sources of motivation for me. I firmly believe in the potential of engineering to create a positive impact in the world, and that's what drives me to continue striving for excellence in my work. 

What would you say to someone considering a career in engineering?
I would tell someone considering a career as engineer in the oil and gas industry that it is a challenging and dynamic field, but also extremely rewarding. Engineering in this sector offers opportunities to work on large-scale projects, tackle complex technical challenges, and contribute to the global energy supply. 

It's important to be prepared to face periods of high pressure and deal with often adverse working environments, such as offshore platforms or remote exploration sites. However, these experiences also provide valuable learning opportunities and the chance to develop essential skills like resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving. 

Furthermore, the oil and gas industry is undergoing significant transformation due to technological advancements and growing environmental concerns. This opens up opportunities for innovation and for those who wish to contribute to sustainable, low-carbon solutions. 

In summary, a career in the oil and gas industry can be challenging, but it also offers exciting opportunities for professional growth and positive impact on the world. If you're passionate about solving complex problems and willing to face the challenges of this constantly evolving industry, you can find a rewarding and stimulating career in this sector. 

What do you do outside of work?
Outside of work, I take care of my daughters and husband, study, and try to travel whenever I can. 

What’s a skill or hobby you’ve always wanted to learn and why?
I would love to learn to play an instrument, maybe the guitar. I really enjoy music, and I believe that when we're with friends and family, having good music playing along with a nice conversation is very gratifying.