As a civil engineer, why did you choose a career in the oil industry?
From the beginning of my career, I knew that I wanted to build big things in steel – something tangible. I worked in an office as a consulting engineer for a short time, but it was so quiet that I could hear a pin drop, and I started to miss interaction with colleagues and the smell of welding.

Following a few years as project manager with several sub-suppliers, I began consulting for Maersk Oil, and then became a full-time employee.

How would you describe working at Maersk Oil?
My management role is a dream job, because it allows me to combine my technical expertise as an engineer with personal and social values.

Every day is enormously challenging, with constant here-and-now tasks. A valve might collapse at 70 metres below sea level and if I do not respond immediately by identifying the valve type, finding divers, etc., it could cost the company a million dollars a day. I also have some large, long-term projects.

What is Maersk Oil like as an employer?
I work at Maersk Oil because I can perform interesting tasks. When things get really hectic, it makes me feel alive. I have a job where I am challenged and in which I can create results.

I think the company is good at making room for individual needs. In my particular case, we have arranged that I leave at noon every other Friday to pick up my daughter in the North of Jutland. I would do anything to keep that agreement, and my boss and my department understand that. Without their support, I could not work here.

How do you view your development opportunities at Maersk Oil?
Long-time Maersk Oil employees have a great deal of expertise and experience. If you are good at gathering that knowledge, you can keep on learning.

My big challenge as a manager is dealing with personal and social values, for example becoming good at communicating, relating to staff directly, and giving them space and responsibility.

In the long term, I dream of being stationed abroad. Esbjerg is a great place with easy access to good beaches, which I enjoy in my spare time, but I would enjoy being part of developing our new locations in Brazil or Houston.

How do you see Maersk Oil developing in future?
We just had three university students working in our office who were writing their Master’s theses. I made a real effort to present Maersk Oil as a good and challenging place to work and it is not just a front. We are ordinary individuals who go to work every day to produce oil safely and efficiently.

I see our values as an important foundation for the future. And personally, I want to show that the company is dynamic, energetic and able to adapt.