From student to new grad, Amber Kerr’s geoscience career comes full circle
Amber Kerr, Optimization Geoscientist-in-Training at Cenovus Energy, recently graduated from Western University in Ontario with a Bachelor of Science specializing in integrated sciences and earth sciences. Known by her classmates, friends and family for being fearless towards new challenges and passionate about sedimentary geology, Amber pursued a student position with Cenovus’s Oil Sands Geoscience Hydrogeology team in the summer of 2023.
During this enriching work term, she was encouraged to apply for Cenovus’s New Grad Program as the next step in her career. “Throughout my time as a student, my supervisors and colleagues spoke highly of the program, emphasizing its value for new graduates,” she shares. “Their encouragement inspired me to explore the opportunity.”
“I was particularly drawn to the rotational structure of the program, which provides opportunities to work across various teams and projects within my area of expertise to help broaden my skillset. I appreciate that the program prioritizes the development of transferable technical and professional skills while still allowing me to remain focused on my specific discipline, which mirrors the basis of my program at Western.” she says. “This balance supports my overall growth and equips me with the skills needed to navigate future challenges, whether in the oil and gas industry or another industry.”
With her career journey coming full circle, she is now deepening her geoscience hydrogeology knowledge on her first rotation as a new grad with the same team she supported as a student.
Amber will get a chance to support work on other teams in future rotations in the program. Working with different teams will not only broaden and round out Amber’s skillset, it will also help her develop a comprehensive understanding of Cenovus’s business and operations.
By collaborating with teams in Water Resources and Geological Development, Amber is expanding her understanding of our steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) projects at Cenovus, known as an industry leader in the use of this technology. She is particularly focused on incorporating best practices for water management and stewardship. These projects enhance her technical skills and improve ability to work within a multidisciplinary framework.
In addition to on-the-job experience, Amber also has access to several other professional and personal growth opportunities as a new grad, including networking initiatives through our New Grad committee, mentorship through our company-wide Mentorship Program, access to well-being programs and participation in any of our six inclusion and diversity networks.
LAST UPDATED: NOVEMBER 2024