Making oil and gas a woman’s job

It takes passion, drive and hunger to be the best, according to Gloria Arabagali.
With a background in computer science and business, Arabagali became the first woman and citizen staff at Oil Search to nationalise the Sydney-based PNG Oil and Gas reporting analyst’s role in 2016
According to Oil Search, Arabagali did not stop there and has recently been promoted to financial planning and analysis supervisor with the business unit in Port Moresby.
From the Juha clan in Hela , Arabagali joined Oil Search in 2014 through a graduate development programme and said a defining moment in her career was the opportunity to present the annual budget at a joint venture Partners Technical Committee meeting in 2016 and ’17.
“That was definitely a highlight for me,” she said.
As the financial planning and analysis supervisor, she’s now responsible for each of the business unit financial reporting cycles such as the monthly and quarterly forecasts and annual budget.
She is also responsible for reviewing and coordinating all joint venture financial data in collaboration with the business unit planning team and looks to identify and execute projects that are focused on continuous improvement opportunities.
Arabagali enjoys the work environment at Oil Search and says she feels privileged to work alongside highly skilled individuals in the fields of science and business.
“Oil Search provides an environment for employees to learn and grow in the oil and gas industry irrespective of gender,” she said. “It has an amazing pool of leaders from Peter Botten, the CEO right down to the managers who have this deep sense of commitment to develop future leaders for the company and for PNG. It’s all about having the passion, the drive and hunger to be the best in any profession.”
Has she any advice for women?
“Take an aggressive approach towards learning and never limit yourself,” she said. “Science is for all and I encourage young women and girls to conquer and dominate.”