A reindeer driving licence may not be a qualification you need to work in the oil and gas industry, but one intrepid legal professional has picked up some interesting skills on the road to her dream job.
Alison Broomhall started her career as a part-time receptionist at the Enterprise Centre in Aberdeen in 2010 before she joined ITF, the industry technology facilitator for the global oil and gas industry, as a legal and communications assistant.
The organisation, which is based in the Bridge of Don centre, spotted Alison’s potential and she has been promoted to the position of legal and business analyst, where she is a central figure in high-level contract negotiations with technology development companies.
Drawn to the legal profession from an early age, Alison studied law at Abertay University before completing her postgraduate diploma in legal practice at the Robert Gordon University in 2009.
As well as learning the ropes for her legal career, Alison also developed her reindeer racing prowess while on a student exchange programme in Lapland.
Alison, 29, said: “I always wanted a career in law because I love a challenge and felt that it could open up a lot of opportunities.
“However, learning to drive a reindeer sleigh was something I never expected to tackle on the way.
“I’ve always had the drive to learn new skills and push myself, and ITF recognised that and gave me the chance to progress.
“It’s important to have a strong foundation to your career and the skills you learn while studying towards a law degree can be used in lots of other areas.
“I’ve been fortunate to move into a business environment where I’ve been encouraged to improve my skills as the organisation continues to grow.”
ITF is a not-for-profit organisation owned by 30 major global operators and service companies.
It aims to identify technology needs, foster innovation and facilitate the development and implementation of new technologies.
Alison’s job is vital to the company as it grows and takes on new members, with 12 companies joining in the last two years since she joined the organisation.
Alison has made good use of development opportunities to carve out a successful career at ITF and within a year of joining she was promoted to her current post where she leads contract negotiations with technology developers with a view to launching each of the organisation’s Joint Industry Projects (JIPs).
She said: “I feel really fortunate and still can’t believe I’ve come so far so quickly.
“ITF saw my potential and encouraged me to continue my professional development.
“Not long after I joined, the organisation began to expand into the Middle East and Asia Pacific and my focus turned to the legal work associated with international expansion.”
No stranger to international travel, Alison has spent time in the Far East exploring Cambodia and Vietnam and has also worked in St Petersburg, Russia, where she led activities for underprivileged children and orphans.
Alison said: “I’ve been lucky enough to travel overseas and it definitely broadens your horizons and gives you a greater appreciation of other cultures.
“I gained a lot of confidence and life experience which has been a great benefit in the workplace.”
Looking to the future, Alison aims to continue her professional development with ITF and help the organisation to achieve its aim of increasing its membership and securing £50million for new technology projects by 2015.
To date, the organisation has launched more than 180 Joint Industry Projects from early stage projects through to field trials and commercialisation.
Alison said: “ITF has invested in my professional development and I’ve benefited from a number of training courses which have increased my knowledge of the energy industry, health and safety legislation, as well as contract law.
“There are exciting times ahead for ITF and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
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