Riding the Wave of the Energy Transition

After taking part in a surf lesson at one of Goal7's in-person socials, I feel qualified in saying that a career in the energy transition is a lot like catching a wave. My past 18 months at the company have been a journey of finding a new balance and riding the waves of opportunities that come my way.

I joined Goal7 after completing a BEng and PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Aberdeen. Having been in an academic environment for 7.5 years, I have certainly learned to adapt my research and communication skills from an academic to a more commercially-minded approach. Amidst this transition, the passion for sustainable development that I held throughout my studies has continued to grow through my work at Goal7. As someone with a research background in carbon capture, I have particularly enjoyed focusing on the technical aspects of the CCUS value chain. This work has taken me back to my core chemical engineering roots, specifically process simulation. This includes simulating CO2 processes like liquefaction, reconditioning for pipeline or shipping transport, and further processing for injection offshore. This work has been a springboard for my involvement in Goal7's simulation team, and I look forward to being part of growing our technical offering in this area.

Life at Goal7 outside of the technical aspects has also been enjoyable, most notably organising volunteering days. Our volunteering days have definitely highlighted to me the importance of being present in your local community, the power of collaboration, and the wisdom of wearing rainproof clothing when doing good for your community on a September day in outdoor Aberdeenshire.

On the topic of community, my involvement in our Network Development Group has been an ideal way to build connections and add to my experiences of professional life. Attending and representing Goal7 at various events including conferences, panel discussions, tech showcases and socials has allowed me to connect with the brilliant minds that make up the Aberdeen professional scene, keep up with industry developments and look ahead to what a sustainable future for industry will require.

For every Superman there's a Justice League, for every Lewis Hamilton there's a Team Mercedes and for every Harry Styles there's a One Direction. These analogies have less to do with my abilities and more to do with the emphasis on the team of talented peers at Goal7 who have brought the best out of me and whom I continually learn from.

Surfing the wave of a Goal7 career has taught me the importance of making the most of my skills, being continuously willing to learn, looking out into the horizons of possibility and always being brave enough to pursue whatever wave of opportunity comes my way, all while enjoying yourself through it all.

All things considered, I am grateful for the journey so far and look forward to continuing to be able to 'shred the gnar' of project work and professional life here at Goal7.