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Laura Roberts

Marketing Manager at

Be open-minded (and this applies to any career, not specifically to marketing). I started my working life as a pure scientist working in geology, but as my career progressed I realised I had other strengths and interests and I decided to explore. What you choose to study doesn't have to define your career for the rest of your life. The world is full of opportunities and it's totally ok to be good and interested in more than just one thing.
Laura is a...

Communicator

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Coordinator

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Explorer

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About Laura...

Who am I?

"The Explorer in me likes to learn and investigate new problems/challenges and fits well with the geologist in me. The Communicator in me is very well suited to my current role as a marketing manager, as my job is all about communicating with people. I like helping people and sharing my knowledge (and that of others) and that suits the Coordinator in me well too."

What do I do?

"My job is to tell the world about the software products my company builds. Our products help geologists working in the oil and gas industry visualise what the subsurface looks like. It is my job to explain the benefits of our products and encourage potential customers (oil & gas companies) to buy and use our products. I do that by managing our social media channels, creating, designing and maintaining our websites, hosting events, attending (and coordinating our attendance) at trade shows, designing and producing informative fliers, writing press releases, attending client meetings and managing our brand. I enjoy that I get to apply my technical knowledge (I have a PhD in Geology/Geophysics) to real-world problems and help people understand the value of the geology beneath our feet. My job means I work with a number of people whose roles and experiences are varied and it is a privilege to work alongside them and learn from them. My work also involves regular travel, something which I enjoy as I like visiting new places and experiencing different cultures. Finally, my job allows me to express my more creative side, which is always a bonus!"

How did I get here?

"Many people inspire me, from family members to famous scientists, right through to people I've come across in my daily life. I've been very lucky to meet a number of inspiring women in science throughout my time at University and at work and I'd say, they, in particular, inspire me. Their determination to progress in a male-dominated field where there are a number of challenges while at the same time producing outstanding science is very inspiring to me."

The life I live

"I love reading. I really enjoy spending time outdoors, particularly hiking. I'll go for walks anywhere, but the mountains are my favourite place. Capturing the landscapes I enjoy spending time in has lead me to develop an interest in photography. I also enjoy baking and cooking, hosting parties for my friends and family and spending time with loved ones is also high up there."

My typical day

"No two days are the same. But on average, I usually spend the early part of my morning dealing with urgent tasks and emails and then spend a good chunk of time either preparing written/visual content for our websites or briefing notes and/or our social media channels. I often have a couple of meetings a day where I discuss the details of projects right through to annual strategy or deal with suppliers."

My qualifications

"Secondary education (GCSE/O-Levels) Post secondary education (College, A-levels, NVQ3 or equivalent) A Level Biology (B) Chemistry (C) Physics (D) Spanish (A*) Undergraduate degree (BSc, BA, etc.) MESci Geology (Hons) Doctorate (PhD) PhD Geophysics As part of my continuing professional development I have attended a whole range of courses; from health & safety in the workplace to communicating with the general public, to specific courses on rock magnetism and field mapping, as well as courses on paid social media advertising. "