Page 14 - FUGRO PR REPORT APRIL 2024

I managed here in the Middle East. Shortly after joining Fugro’s team
in Dubai in June 2012, I was asked to manage the new airport
development project in Qatar, where I worked as a geologist and

engineer. I learned a lot technically and in the field, collaborated well
internally within my new company and with the client, and successfully
delivered a high-profile project that led to further work for the next
couple of years.”

“At this point, Qatar was starting to prepare for the 2022 soccer World
Cup, and projects were starting to pick up, including stadiums, hotels,
metro systems, and associated infrastructure, not to mention ongoing
projects in the rest of the country to upgrade infrastructure. I
volunteered to stay there to help out with existing projects and ended

up moving to Qatar.”

Spencer also spoke about how she was lucky enough that she knew
since the very beginning she wanted to be an engineer. “ My father
and uncle convinced me that I should be an engineer. I had never
considered it previously, but my uncle was an engineer and my dad
was a geologist – they knew I was interested in math and science, so
encouraged me to look at engineering. I found a degree program in

Geological Engineering and I have never looked back. I love my job!”

However, that is not to say that she has not seen her fair share of
challenges. “When I first started in the Middle East, I expected that I
would be doing fieldwork, but it was not something that people even
considered. I enjoy the field work and being onsite (usually), but I had
to insert myself into the operational teams to get permits or to have
those conversations with the client. This was also the same as being
the technical lead or as a manager in meeting with the clients. I am a
very shy person, but I need to be curious and assert myself. After I

did it a few times, I was automatically included in the conversations,
and the client was usually welcoming once I was there – it was just the
first thought that they did not initially consider. Working offshore was a
very unique experience, but extremely memorable.”

“It is also the diversity; you have to navigate the different personalities,
cultures, roles, egos, and work ethics. This often leads to a

https://www.oilandgasmiddleeast.com/news/remarkable-women-in-energy-shattering-glass-
ceilings