Amina Bayram

About me

I was born/grew up in: El-Werdanieh, El Chouf, Lebanon

I now live in: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

I completed my training/education at: University of Calgary

What I do at work

I spend a lot of my time working on my computer. I use special software to create maps, calculate volumes, and areas using information collected. I also manage well and seismic data for the geologists and geophysicists in the business unit. Some of my time is spent troubleshooting problems with software that is used for mapping in the oil and gas industry. I work with other people in my team during the troubleshooting process. I mostly use my math, engineering and technology background in solving issues.

My specialty is Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Geomatics. I use GIS software to provide my customers with the geographic information and interpretation necessary to find oil and gas deposits. By supplying them with accurate data or by creating maps and displays I help them make decisions. The data I provide also helps them communicate their work with their management.

My career path is

I completed a Bachelor of Science in Geomatics Engineering with internship. I completed my internship as a Geomatics Engineer in training with a small oil and gas consulting company based in Calgary in 2008. My role involved supporting the G&G staff by providing all their GIS/Geomatics and mapping needs. I have worked for the same company part time until my graduation in 2009. In 2010, I joined Chevron IT department as a contractor to provide land mapping and GIS application support. In 2011, I was hired by Chevron as a full-time employee to do the same role. I decided to go into the GIS field working specifically for oil and gas because I really enjoyed my internship assignment and I really like solving problems and using computers.

A major challenge that I faced in my career was at university after the first year engineering. At that time I had to choose the engineering specialization I am interested in. I was not too sure about doing the Geomatics engineering because I didn't know what was involved. After getting into Geomatics I started to like it especially when I did my internship because of the hands-on experience and work I learned. Being persistent and knowing that I want to have a career and a specialty that I enjoy is what made me overcome all the challenges throughout university and work.

I am motivated by

I am motivated by the feeling of success by having satisfied customers that really value my work and look at me as an expert in my field. I really enjoy building solutions and colorful rich maps. What I enjoy mostly in my work is that I work as part of a team. From them I learn about their work which involves Geology, Geophysics and Reservoir Engineering.

How I affect peoples’ lives

My career and work help others in the company in making decisions. The products I make, such as maps, data, and procedures, give them the information to make their decisions. In my role I also have to share my knowledge and expertise with others that are new to GIS. I also help those who may not have the technical skills to use complicated software applications. By sharing or presenting my work to other colleagues I help build greater capabilities in our organization.

Outside of work I

I really like the outdoors and enjoy going for long walks on the river or do picnic with family and friends.

My advice to others

I encourage all students to pursue something they enjoy no matter what it is. I also encourage them to experience the post-secondary because it opens up doors to exciting opportunities that they might miss if they don't pursue post-secondary.