Colin Campbell is a gas generation maintenance team leader at Marathon Oil. He has done very well for himself, but why did he choose a career in the North Sea offshore industry?
“The main reason I chose a career in the oil&gas industry was because it promoted areas that were of interest to me, for example, mechanical engineering, engineering development and innovative engineering breakthroughs,” says Campbell.
“My career gave me the best possible apprenticeship that was around, which included full-time study as well as valuable practical ‘hands on’ experience, enabling me to be prepared for the offshore industry.”
But what does he want to achieve in his career?
“I feel I have developed well in my career path already and achieved great things to date. I do feel that you always need to push yourself towards fresh challenges outwith your comfort zone. I’m sure I will progress further as I gain more technical and man-management experience in my current role as gas generation team leader within the Brae field.
“After recently completing my Master’s degree, I wish to continue and work towards becoming a chartered engineer and use my knowledge to benefit my work offshore with Marathon.
“I’m aiming towards a maintenance supervisor’s role offshore, or a mechanical engineering role offshore within Marathon’s worldwide organisation.”
What motivates Campbell to get up in the morning to go to work?
“The thing that motivates me to get up in the morning is the challenges that working in an offshore environment brings. Complex work scopes, challenging environments and timeframes, planning ahead to cover every eventuality, as well as working with a lot of knowledgeable individuals, all come together, giving me the drive to undertake my working day in the Brae field.”
So what does he most value most about his job?
“There are a number of things I enjoy about working offshore in my present position, especially the family atmosphere and camaraderie that working for Marathon within a close team brings.
“I also value the challenge and variety of work that the offshore environment offers. The balance between offshore time and home time is also a great aspect of my job, none more so of late, with the addition of my baby daughter to our family.
“I also feel that working for a company that looks after you in every way, whether it be offshore, assisting in my technical and managerial development or at home, when an understanding employer is required.
“All these important aspects add up to the reasons why I value my job within Marathon Oil.”
What is the best piece of advice that Campbell reckons he has received?
“I have received vast knowledge and priceless advice from numerous experienced work colleagues and managers, offshore and onshore, but the one piece of advice that stands out above the rest was – focus on your goal, drive safely for results and work hard to achieve excellence in every task you undertake. I feel I’ve followed that advice closely, and it has certainly helped me achieve my goals to date.”
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