LLM Oil & Gas Law with Professional Skills 2018 From Aberdeen to Presidential Adviser
Your Time at Aberdeen
Why did you choose to study at Aberdeen? I chose to study at the University of Aberdeen because of its strong global reputation in oil and gas law, and its strategic location in one of Europe's key energy hubs.
Why did you choose your particular course? I chose to pursue the Masters in Oil and Gas Law with Professional Skills because it offered a unique blend of academic depth and practical industry focused training, delivered in one of the world's most established oil and gas capitals.
What did you most enjoy about your time at Aberdeen? Did you have any particularly memorable student experiences? The University is perfectly located and the seminars during off-lecture hours provided further insights into the oil and gas sector.
If talking to a group of prospective students, what advice would you give them to help them make the most of their time at the University of Aberdeen? The University of Aberdeen is the perfect place to do your studies in oil and gas. The lectures and professors are world class, and the environment is very conducive to learn so much more.
Your Time After Aberdeen
What was your first job after graduating from Aberdeen? Deputy Director: Compliance & Regulation with the Ministry of Mines and Energy in Namibia where I was involved in ensuring that all stakeholders in the Namibian oil and gas sector were in compliance with the respective laws and were adhering to their contractual obligations. I was also responsible for providing legal advice on oil and gas matters.
What is your current job? Presidential Special Advisor & Deputy Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit with the Office of the Namibian Presidency in Windhoek, Namibia. I provide advice to the President on oil and gas matters while helping to establish a fully-fledged regulatory body that administers upstream oil and gas activities.
Please briefly describe the journey from your first job after graduating to where you are now. It was an exciting journey that was paved with a lot of positive challenges. I started off at the Ministry of Mines and Energy where I helped with the formulation of the Namibian Local Content Policy. The idea of a Namibian Local Content Policy was initially inspired through a course taught by Dr Mark Osa Igiehon called Oil and Minerals for Good. Thereafter, I got a job opportunity with Chevron Namibia where I took up the role as Deputy General Manager. After almost two years into this role I got a great job opportunity to work for the Namibian Presidency.
Was your degree at Aberdeen essential for getting to where you are now? If so, in what way? Yes, it was through this remarkable qualification that I could understand the industry better and make the necessary contributions to the country.
One Top Tip
Please share your one top tip that you think is most important for our current students or recent graduates that will help them when starting out on their career paths. Never limit yourself. The current moment in which you find yourself might only be temporary, therefore dream big, work smart and never relent on your goals.
