Catriona Stevenson provides her first blog as a mentee!

Sometime we just need someone to listen and offer a bit of advice, sometimes we need the support and guidance of someone that has been there and that’s where I was at when I applied to the AYP mentoring scheme in May of this year.
 


My career has taken real turn originally a banker for 15 years I took voluntary redundancy in Oct 2013 just as I became a mum again to baby Reece.  In 2014 when I was ready to return to the world of work again I wanted to use my banking skills but wasn’t really keen to return to the world of finance.  After a few tough months of searching I suddenly landed two offers of employment on the same day – office administrator for a law firm or PA to Thor Holt Ltd.  I am still delighted to say I chose the role with Thor and with his support and guidance I eventually found myself in a business development role for the company.  Fast-forward three years and with the Oil & Gas downturn still in full stride I have moved into a Business Development and Marketing role with RCP Ltd.
 
Whilst I am comfortable building relationships and getting out there to meet new people the Oil & Gas industry can be a real minefield and despite a great network both face to face and within LinkedIn I felt I needed some support from those on the inside.  Following a conversation with Finlay Johnston of Diamond Drilling he suggested I applied for an AYP Mentor.
 
AYP founded by Ross Jolly back in 2009 brings together young professionals either working or based in Aberdeen.  So off I set to apply for a mentor originally with a couple of people in mind I completed my application chose my 3 preferred and sent it back for consideration.  I am was delighted when just over two weeks ago I was appointed my Mentor and set about arranging to meet.
 
Last Friday I met my Mentor to be Ken Salmon, I was nervous, excited and slightly apprehensive as to what to expect from the meeting.  Instantly Ken made me feel at ease he’d certainly done his homework prior to the meeting and had a great understanding of who I was but was keen to find out what I was looking to gain from the experience. 
 
“A bit of guidance, support and the best way to use my time.  I’d also like a greater understanding of the industry”
 
And so my mentoring experience has begun I can’t wait to see where it takes me and as Ken said he is sure we can learn something from one another.
 
Follow my journey as a mentee with further updates soon….

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