NSBE Magazine - Fall 2010 - 24

Tayá Williams-Alfred of Schlumberger Embracing Challenge, Science and Math
By Lynette Locke
to conquer. Throughout my life, I have carried that belief; therefore, I am motivated by challenges and hard work,” she says. Williams-Alfred also credits Schlumberger’s corporate philosophy with helping to nurture her professional growth, adding that Schlumberger “is one of the top engineering companies worldwide to work for as a woman. Schlumberger offers a vast array of opportunities encompassing an excellent on-the-job training program which encourages you to learn new things. It is inspiring to be young in the industry with so many responsibilities.” Williams-Alfred recognizes that the work she does with Schlumberger has national and even worldwide impact. One of the jobs of which she’s most proud was a field assignment that involved a worldwide offshore unit project. The project’s main focus was to define requirements that could be applied to new and refurbished offshore units around the world. The project took her to Scotland, France, the United Arab Emirates and Africa to conduct field visits and interviews with key managers at Schlumberger holdings. “My parents taught me that no obstacle is too big to She also implemented an online marketing conquer. Throughout my life, I have carried that belief.” survey about the needs and concerns of Schlumberger employees working on offshore units worldwide. With such globe-trekking on her agenda, finding with the company as a field engineer. During her a fit between work and family is important to this eight-year tenure, she has transitioned from field new mother of young daughters and a 10-monthengineer to field engineer recruiter, field engineer old infant. She found in Schlumberger a familydiversity manager for North America, wireline friendly climate where she could flourish. She says technical communicator and her current position she lives by the motto “Work hard. Play harder.” as account manager. “Family comes first with me and (also in) SchEarly on, this University of Texas at Austin lumberger’s culture,” Williams-Alfred states. “Even graduate knew she wanted a career that drew on with my busy work schedule, I still enjoy spending her affection for math and science. time with family and friends. I have monthly dates “I have always had a love for (these subjects),” with my husband, play dates with my baby boy she says. “I used to solve chemistry problems for and girls, and girl time with my friends.” fun throughout the day. I enjoy math and science She also gives part of her personal time to combecause there is always a solution, even if the munity, Williams-Alfred says. Besides working answer is no solution.” with NSBE, she’s a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Williams-Alfred is determined to blaze new Sorority, Inc., participates in other community paths for women and has set herself on an upward service organizations, and mentors young women course not easily followed by others. Her ability to at her church. face big challenges is gleaned from her parents — “As an African-American female, I want to instill both educators — who stressed the importance of in (women) that they can achieve greatness in life education as a tool to achieve success. and that no dream is impossible,” she says. ■ “My parents taught me that no obstacle is too big SBE member Tayá Williams-Alfred has no trouble delivering her best for her family, church, community and career. Williams-Alfred is an information solutions account manager for the Oilfield Services Division of Schlumberger Limited, in Oklahoma City, Okla. Schlumberger is a leading, worldwide oilfield service provider. The culturally diverse company has locations in more than 80 countries and employs people of 140 nationalities. A company with this reach must develop a knack for spotting and cultivating talent. It is apparent that Schlumberger’s eyes have been on Williams-Alfred for some time. Armed with a degree in petroleum engineering, she began her career
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nsbe magazine • fall

2010

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NSBE Magazine - Fall 2010

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