VENTURING into a new career path, especially in the oil and gas industry, can prove to be nerve-wracking. Many are deterred by the uncertainty of unfamiliar career fields, external influences, and fear of making the wrong choice. For Kimberly Lachman, a Logging Geologist at Halliburton, her desire to expand her role in Guyana’s evolving landscape pushed her past these limitations to explore new opportunities in the growing energy industry.
Lachman, who was initially an accountant, ventured into the oil and gas sector as a sample catcher at Geology International, starting her journey at a junior level. During this period, she developed a passion for geology and a burning desire to do more in the sector.
“I wanted to be a part of Guyana’s development in a monumental way, and this is one way that I can do that,” Lachman recounted.
This desire landed Lachman at Halliburton, where she now serves as a Logging Geologist onboard the Noble Tom Madden drill ship. Lachman credits her career progression to Halliburton’s investment in training and capacity-building efforts for Guyanese who did not possess the needed skills. This training equipped her with the necessary skills and knowledge to function efficiently in the sector and propelled her to greater heights.
Lachman aspires to become a geosteering geologist. In this career path, she hopes to conduct real-time geological analysis data to find the optimal placement for oil drilling equipment and oil wells, thereby playing an even more pivotal role in the country’s development.
“That’s what I am interested in doing, getting these reservoirs and developing Guyana. It is going to be monumental being able to say that I have geosteered wells here in Guyana,” she posited.
To accomplish this dream, Lachman is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Geology, after which she intends to obtain a master’s degree in the same field. With training being provided by Halliburton, she is working towards moving up the ladder.
“Right now, I am cross-training for a MWD position, which is Measurement While Drilling and it is a big step for me because I am a Geologist and now, I am going to deal with tools that we’re drilling with. It is a big step for me and, hopefully, I will progress within that career path.”
Lachman notes that oil and gas development has created several opportunities that place Guyanese in advantageous positions to benefit from the sector. The sector has spurred several training and development programmes from the University of Guyana (UG) to prepare persons for entry.
“We have had a lot of development throughout the last eight years, significant improvement. There are a lot more opportunities for students coming out of, for example, UG,” she said.
Lachman’s story, which is still unfolding, is an excellent example of the result of ambition, a drive to succeed and a passion to develop the nation. The University of Guyana currently offers an array of courses to equip Guyanese for the petroleum sector. These include courses in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil Engineering. Coupled with that, scholarships and training opportunities are continuously offered to Guyanese by many oil and gas companies, equipping them to occupy positions in the petroleum sector.