March 3, 2025
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We caught up with Serica Energy’s Northern North Sea Subsurface Team Lead, Danielle Whiteley.
Serica Energy is an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award holder in the Highland RFCA area. Serica first signed the Armed Forces Covenant in March 2021 and achieved the ERS Gold Award in 2024. The oil and gas company is a member of HRFCA’s Highland Gold Network, which consists of the current 47 ERS Gold Award holders.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
“I am the Team Lead of the Aberdeen-based oil and gas operator’s subsurface department. I am a professional working mother of two children. I enjoy spending time with my family, walking, and travelling.”
What was your dream job growing up?
“I always had a keen interest in design, maths, and geography, but during school, I struggled to see where I could pursue a career combining these subjects.”
What did it then evolve into, and why?
“I recall an advisor suggesting I look into a career in banking which didn’t appeal to me… I declined and chose to move into the oil and gas industry and never looked back.”
Tell us about your current job and employer.
“The Subsurface Team Lead role with Serica has given me the opportunity to partake in a wide range of reservoir and petroleum engineering projects, each with learning curves from which I have benefitted greatly. Every day, I work with many different disciplines across the company, all great teams who bring a wealth of knowledge from both operational experience and academic backgrounds.”
What are some of your proudest achievements?
“Number one above any are my children, but a close second would be when I gained my Master of Science.”
What advice would you give to young people starting out in the world of work?
“Do what you enjoy, be happy in your career choices, take opportunities when you can, and have the confidence to make a change for the better, no matter how big or small.”
Are there any past or future events within your employer organisation that you would like to highlight?
“Serica’s encouragement to support and participate in external forums, technical workshops, and professional group societies. On a more personal level, Serica has supported many local children’s sports clubs, including youth football and rugby teams, which is great to see the benefit in practice.”
Find out more about Serica Energy.
Find out more about the Highland Gold Network.
