Rockhound to rockstar: Jen’s career across the globe

A childhood fascination with rocks has evolved into a career that has taken Jennifer Erich around the world.

“My parents knew I’d be a geologist before I did. When we went hiking and camping, I filled my backpack with so many rocks that my dad had to carry it for me,” says Jen, Geoscience manager at ExxonMobil Services and Technology Pvt Ltd, India.  

“I named, sorted, and displayed them in my bedroom.”

While pursuing her master’s in geology, Jen met an ExxonMobil recruiter who encouraged her to join the energy industry. This marked the beginning of her 25-year career with the company. One that has taken her far beyond her hometown, as she now calls India home.

These early lessons – and global experience – put Jen in the position for an opportunity of a lifetime: growing a geoscience team in India to support ExxonMobil’s international subsurface projects.

The big move to India: Building a new team

When given the opportunity to live, work, and lead in India, Jen did not hesitate.

“It took only 10 seconds to consider the offer and respond with an emphatic ‘YES!’ I was thrilled at the prospect of living in India,” Jen says.

“It was a privilege to be growing and leading a new team that would become integral to ExxonMobil’s success!”

She was excited by her new team, which comprised experienced geoscientists who had spent their entire careers working primarily Indian basins.

For people looking to have a career like Jen, she says having talent, ideas and passion will be critical to meeting the global energy demand reliably while also reducing emissions.

“The career opportunities to be a part of the solution are as vast as this beautiful country.”