Meet Daniella, one of our graduates
Please introduce yourself?
My name is Daniella and I am a GIS and Permitting Officer at OceanIQ, a part of the Global Marine Group. I am based in the Chelmsford office and work from home 2 days a week. I joined the team in September 2023 after studying BSc Geography at the University of Lincoln.
What attracted you to this company as a graduate?
During my degree, I focused on developing my GIS skills as this was something I knew I wanted to explore further in my career. Once I came across this position, I researched the company and realised it was an industry I had never heard about before and found it extremely interesting. Subsequently, the niche industry attracted me to the company.
What’s a typical day like in your role?
I focus half my time on permitting where I may need to support the maintenance or installation teams on current projects. This can include meetings with various agents or stakeholders and collaborating with colleagues to ensure the timely delivery of permits required for our vessels to conduct the work. The other half of my time, I support the charting and GIS team to ensure the databases are being continuously maintained and updated. Each day can be different depending on the current demands.
How have you developed professionally since joining?
I first joined the team as a GIS Data Officer and then an opportunity came up to incorporate my current role with being a permitting officer. This opportunity allowed me to gain further experience in a field I never imagined I would work in and develop my understanding in other sectors of the industry. I have also had the opportunity to attend events in London where I am able to meet with other professionals in the industry and expand my knowledge.
What are some of the most valuable skills you have learned?
Since joining, the most valuable skills I have developed are communication and confidence. I believe good communication skills are hugely important in the workplace to enhance collaboration and reduce misunderstanding. Having the confidence to ask questions will inevitably be beneficial.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
I would say working in an industry that is so important, yet has little awareness. This can be challenging with there being frequent changes to regulations and processes, so it is always important to be adaptable, with no two days being the same. There are a variety of tasks to complete and so much to learn. The working environment of the company is also very enjoyable with lunch time activities encouraged including yoga and running, as well as charity volunteering events throughout the year.
What career development opportunities have been offered to you?
There has been a group set up in the industry called the ‘Next Generation Working Group’ a part of ESCA (European Subsea Cables Association) which I am thrilled to be a part of. It provides opportunities to gain further skills and knowledge to current early career professionals (ECPs). This facilitates networking opportunities to meet like-minded ECPs, as well as established industry professionals who can share experiences and expertise. As a group we are also looking to promote awareness to those not currently in the industry, but with a potential interest to join in the future.
What advice would you give to future graduates who want to join this company?
Be enthusiastic and take each opportunity that comes your way. This is a niche industry where people join with little knowledge beforehand and there are lots of people already working here who are keen to share their experiences. Ask questions no matter how silly you may think they are, everyone will be happy to help.
