ExxonMobil’s Upstream Research President was a keynote speaker at the 2nd Annual Oil & Gas Admins International Conference and Vendor Exhibition, offering her perspective on the common attributes that lead to a successful career.

To reach their full career potential, people should never stop learning and always seek to gain new skills and insights. That was the broader message from URC President Sara Ortwein at the second annual Oil and Gas Admins International Conference on June 18 in The Woodlands, Texas.

In her keynote speech, titled “Mastering the Keys to Career Success in the Oil and Gas Industry of Today – and Tomorrow,” Ortwein offered the audience – which included nearly 30 ExxonMobil administrative professionals from across the corporation – an overview of the current business climate and the long-term view based on ExxonMobil’s Energy Outlook. She emphasized that creativity and ingenuity will be key in what the industry’s future holds.

“As administrative professionals, each of you has a key role to play in supporting your supervisor, your team and your company,” she said. “Believe me, your contributions are appreciated and your work quality and timeliness have a significant impact.”

Attributes for advancement
Despite the wide variety of responsibilities that administrative professionals have and their changing roles within an organization, Ortwein said there are several common attributes that remain keys to success:

• A keen desire to learn and grow: “Learn about the industry, what your work group does and how they fit in, and learn new tools and approaches. Your ability to influence will expand with the development of your expertise. Take the initiative to increase your value to the organization.”
• Flexibility: “Plan to be surprised. Ours is a fast-paced, changing business. It’s 24/7 and priorities change routinely. It can be frustrating if you let it, but if you approach it with the right attitude, it can be exciting and energizing.”
• Professionalism: “You are an extension of your supervisor and the entire team. What you project is a reflection of your supervisor and work group that others will see. Is it the positive, professional impression they would want?”
• Networking: “Regularly network with the other administrative professionals in your company, sharing ideas and best practices. You can also network with key people throughout your organization and get to know their roles and responsibilities. By putting a face to a name, you’ll build relationships and improve your knowledge of how the company works.”

Ortwein said she’s had the good fortune to work with many fantastic administrative professionals during her career, including current assistant Sally Slaughter. “Those who take initiative to learn the business, are flexible, anticipate change and keep me a step ahead, have been invaluable.”

Debra Womack-Bourghs
Executive Ambassador
Oil & Gas Admins International

*Reference ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company original article.

It is with great pleasure that we announce Linda D. Brown, our new Corporate Ambassador representing ExxonMobil for Oil & Gas Admins International in the Western Region! Linda brings a wealth of knowledge to O&GA, having served over 20 years in various roles throughout her successful administrative career, and she became OGAP Certified in June of 2015. Please join us in welcoming her to our corporate leadership team!

Jill D. Alexander
Western Region Ambassador
Oil & Gas Admins International, Inc.

It is with great pleasure that we announce Jennifer Garcia, our new Global Young Professionals Ambassador!  Jennifer brings leadership and a wealth of innovative ideas to help begin setting the stage to develop the young professionals in the O&GA International organization. Please join us in welcoming her to our leadership team!

Debra Womack-Bourghs
Executive Ambassador
Oil & Gas Admins International, Inc.

WE HEARD YOU AND WE WANT TO HELP.
Due to the current O&G economy, we are reducing the rates of Oil & Gas Admins International services for a period of time to ensure our members and supporters have the opportunity to take advantage of  ALL the great benefits that Oil & Gas Admins International has to offer.*

This is our industry.  We WILL support it.

O&GA SERVICE	DATES	CURRENT RATE	REDUCED RATE	REGISTER
MEMBERSHIP	N/A	$130.00	$50.00
OGAP CERTIFICATION	ON DEMAND	$250.00	$50.00
OGACVE 2ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE	JUNE 18, 2015	Late Rate $400.00	$100.00
OGACVE 1ST ANNUAL – CANADA REGION	SEPTEMBER 10, 2015	Early Rate $300.00	$100.00

*APPLIES TO ALL NEW REGISTRATIONS.

Oil & Gas Admins International would like to express a sincere appreciation to all previous and current participants in our services and programs and truly thank you for your support as we strive to ensure that all of our industry members have the opportunity to participate while the industry weathers the down turn.

Sincerely, 

Oil & Gas Admins International Leadership Team

WHAT IS IT?

This certification is the first of its kind created specifically for oil and gas industry administrative support professionals.  Industry administrative professionals, employed by global industry giants, independent E&P companies as well as grass-root small businesses, created the Oil and Gas Administrative Professionals (OGAP) certification.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

The certification’s robust criterion is designed to measure and validate the OGAP’s understanding and demonstrated knowledge of the oil and gas industry and oil and gas administrative support standards.  It adds to the OGAP’s technical knowledge and provides a venue that defines the OGAP’s value and improved marketability within the oil and gas industry.

HOW IS IT VALUABLE?

The program is endorsed by oil and gas industry experts and leaders from a cross-section of global oil and gas companies and organizations to ensure its value across the industry.  It demonstrates “industry” knowledge and is in no way specifically based on operations or policies of one particular oil and gas company or organization.

This certification is designed to expand your knowledge into areas of the diverse oil and gas industry. This exposure and demonstrated knowledge makes you more valuable to your company and most importantly, it gives you an advantage as you seek to stand out in the industry among your peers.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

• Recognition for your proven understanding of oil & gas administrative support standards in the oil and gas industry
• Demonstration of your knowledge of the oil & gas industry
• Adding to your oil & gas administrative professional technical knowledge
• Becoming more marketable and valuable in your industry for professional career progression

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

• Demonstrate at least 2 years of administrative professional experience in the oil, gas and energy industry OR
• Demonstrate at least 5 years of administrative professional experience in any industry with the intention of working in the oil, gas and energy industry.
• Complete all modules and pre-tests and take a final exam to measure your level of oil and gas knowledge for administrative professionals

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

Click the icon below for OGAP Certification FAQs.