What’s your origin story for your current role?

I had an interesting transition into my current role. I started my career as a public education accountant. I was on the implementation team for a new financial application and was hired by the vendor. One of my colleagues and friend went back into the Oil & Gas industry and recommended me for a job in SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition). I knew nothing about the industry or SCADA but learned as much as I could. I enjoy the work I do and have become an 'expert' in the industry. I work with SCADA, Leak Detection, Control Rooms and Regulations.

What was your childhood dream job, and how has your career evolved since then?

When I was in elementary school, I told my mom I was going to be a corporate lawyer. So I started taking college classes at the age of 14 with that as my goal. I had to take some criminal courses, and I got frustrated with the process and switched to business. I hold two master's degrees: one in Business and another in Project Management and have expanded my SCADA knowledge into regulations. I work with PHMSA and API to assist with clarification of Oil & Gas Regulations and help others with audits and writing their procedures and plans to meet regulations. This career path has taken the place of my childhood dream of becoming a lawyer.

What’s your advice for women just starting their careers?

Ask questions and learn as much as you can about the business as a whole, not just the area you are working in. Learn the entire process at a high level. Listen to what people are saying to understand the culture of the people and business you work in.

What is your professional motto that helps you get through tough situations?

Keep emotions down and focus on the facts.

If you were given $10 million, how would that change your career?

I have a plan written for winning the lottery or receiving a large amount of money and know exactly what I would do with it. I enjoy what I’m already doing, and it keeps me learning so I would keep working. I am a helper and as long as I can assist people I would continue my day job. The plan for the $10 million would be to build an animal rescue center for lost and/or stranded animals. This was my college thesis for one of my degrees and I would love to put it into action one day. Animals are my passion and I’ve fostered over 100 dogs!

What’s your favorite thing to come home to after a long day at work?

I love my dogs. I enjoy coming home to them and cuddling up with them especially when I have a rough day. The smiling faces and unconditional love just washes away all of the challenges of the day.

Carin Meyer is a Regulation Compliance Specialist with Atmos International, a pipeline leak detection technology company. She can be reached on LinkedIn.