Dorcas Akrong

What do you love most about your profession? Why did you choose this career?

I am a seasoned Reservoir engineer with experience across the West African region. I love my job cos it allows me to interact with diverse people from multicultural backgrounds, and I learn from various nationals across the globe. I chose engineering as it opens your mind, and my industry being a diverse environment brought the best in me.

When did you realize you wanted to work in STEM or Skilled Trades?

In High school, I chose to do science.

Why do we need more women in STEM and Skilled Trades?

Women are still under-represented in the STEM fields regardless of the push. We keep a much safer environment when we are involved in operations, so we need more women in the STEM and skilled trades.

What was your first job? What skills from it continue to help you in your current role?

I was first employed as an Assistant Plant Metallurgist with a mining processing firm and enjoyed my work there. I learned to be a fast learner on the job, as my job required me to run operations in the gold processing plant of the mine. I learned to improve my interpersonal skills as the Operator I worked with was a junior staff, but I've grown to learn from anyone I come into contact with, especially in my career, and this has helped me grow so fast up in my career.

What is a common misconception about your field of work?

It is a male-dominated job, and some things are for men. This is never true, as we even do better than the men on the job after receiving similar training.