Horia Prossaird
Dr Horia Prossaird is a petrophysicist in the industry sector, a Life and Leadership Coach and a mom of three! In her Q&A with our team, Horia speaks about her share of challenges working in a male-dominated field and how she passionately overcame them by staying true to her values.
LinkedIn: horia-prossaird-petrophysicist-acc-cpc-eli-mp-08b60b28
1. Please describe your job in one sentence.
As a petrophysicist, I collect, analyze, and interpret data from oil and gas reservoirs, including rocks and fluids properties, to maximize oil production.
2. What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why?
I aspire to inspire and empower young women to follow their dreams even if it is working in a male-dominated field, because no dream is gender attached. Growing up, I was discouraged from taking science courses because “it’s not for women”, they said. However, I still followed my dream and became one of, if not the first female in my country working on oil rigs (On and Offshore) as a Drilling and Measurement Engineer.
3. What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?
The most important achievement or milestone in my career was successfully holding different roles in different departments within my company and seeing younger female engineers empowered to drive their career fearlessly.
4. What career obstacles have you faced as a mother in STEMM? How did you overcome them?
As a mother in STEMM, I faced bullying, harassment, and discrimination from my male counterparts. I had to work harder to get promoted, and the shocking thing was being offered a high profile role with a lower salary because I had just returned from maternity leave. I overcame these obstacles by standing my ground, speaking up and staying true to my values.
5. What was the best professional or personal advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was from my manager. “As you trail blaze, never lose yourself in the process. Family is important; make a plan and make sure you build your own.”
6. How did MiS help you professionally and/or personally?
MiS helped me realise that I’m not alone, and other mothers in science are going through similar experiences, which empowers me to help others thrive.
7. What advice would you give to a mother in STEMM?
Motherhood is the most challenging job. Always follow your instinct in everything you do and reach out for help when needed. You don’t have to do it all alone.