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High Performer Spotlight: Jigna Bhakta, Director – Key Account at GE Oil & Gas

High Performer Spotlight: Jigna Bhakta, Director – Key Account at GE Oil & Gas

High Performer Spotlight: Jigna Bhakta, Director – Key Account at GE Oil & Gas

What influenced your decision to enter the oil and gas industry?

While doing an internship for Texas Instruments I was exposed to many different facets of the manufacturing and electronics world.  With this exposure, I learned that an engineering degree would allow me to pursue a variety of avenues that interested me.  By joining GE Oil & Gas, I have the opportunity to flex and grow in a business that operates fullstream across the oil and gas industry.

What was your impression of the industry beforehand and how has it evolved?

A common misconception in the past was that the industry was only comprised of blue collar workers.  The industry today is incredibly diverse with many cultures, areas of expertise and people from a multitude of backgrounds.

What have you found to be most surprising about the industry? 

When I first joined the oil and gas industry, it seemed disjointed.  Today, I am amazed by the level of collaboration and partnership, across all parties in the industry.  We are now working toward a shared goal of enabling ongoing energy, using innovative processes, models and technology to fuel our future.

What do you find most challenging and most rewarding about the industry or your work?

I am in awe of the complexity this industry faces both in the upturn and the downturn.  Regardless of the cycle, innovation continues to be what drives the industry to be safer, more efficient and attractive to the younger generations.

Where do you hope to see the industry develop over the next 5 years?

Digital truly is the future of our industry.  Innovation is essential and my hope is that in 5 years we are working smarter and more efficiently to solve the worlds’ toughest problems.  This also means working hand in hand with regulatory bodies, to explore and produce wells at a faster rate, keeping safety as our #1 priority.

What role do you believe you will play in the industry’s future? 

I believe that my peers and I will be the ones who will come up with the “next big thing” in terms of innovation and efficiency.  The industry of tomorrow will look nothing like the industry today.  There are just too many good things about to happen with the digitization of the oilfield and the ability to use data to make predictive, informed decisions.

How has your involvement in PESA supported your career goals? 

I am active in PESA and support the mission of innovation, creating new and exciting roles, and driving economic stability. These pillars are shaping the future of the industry and align with my personal goals to support the continued growth of this sector.

Who are some of the people you’ve met while working in the industry and how they impacted your thinking?

Prior to joining this industry, as a college student, I had a different perception of how business was conducted. Thanks to the mentorship of industry experts, I am much better positioned to help solve the tough challenges facing the future. Above all, I have learned that speed, agility and problem solving are critical to delivering long-lasting solutions for our customers.

What are you most excited about for your career, your company and your industry? 

The ability to collaborate on projects is going to be a game changer in the industry.  Collaborative engagement is the essence of innovation and staying on this track will lead us to new avenues and solutions.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about entering the oil and gas industry?

This is a cyclical industry.  Don’t let that impact your decision to join the oil and gas sector.  Growth cycles confirm the impact of what we are accomplishing, while downturns require creativity and thinking smarter.  Both drive continuous improvement in the industry and offer unique challenges to be solved.

What do you wish other people knew about oil and gas?

We have the opportunity to truly impact the way we capture and utilize energy across the world.  This is a transformational industry that is filled with high-tech innovation and extremely talented and intelligent people.

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