Operations Manager

Name: Lenny Yadhira Mejía Méndez
Graduation Year: 2024
Country of Origin: Colombia
Institution: Geotechnical and Subsurface Exploration Consultancy

What are your daily tasks in your current position?

I work for a geo-consulting company where we conduct geophysical surveys to create detailed geological models of the subsurface. As an Operations Manager, I act as a bridge between geophysical theory and practical implementation. In my day-to-day work, I oversee the entire lifecycle of our projects. This includes strategic planning and the logistics of field campaigns to ensure that our teams have everything they need to collect high-quality data. In the office, I coordinate multidisciplinary teams and lead the workflows for data processing and evaluation. Although I hold a leadership role, I also work on the evaluation of geophysical data for some projects to build the geological model.

Which scientific qualifications and soft skills from your studies help you the most in your job?

The most important skill I developed was the ability to summarize complex technical concepts in my own words and communicate them effectively to any audience. This began with the challenge of oral exams, which was a new experience for me as an international student. In the industry, you work with various stakeholders who may not be geophysicists; the ability to explain in simple language why a specific geophysical survey is important can be crucial for project success. Furthermore, my studies at KIT strongly fostered my critical thinking, which is indispensable for processing geophysical data, for example. The professors in the program repeatedly emphasized the importance of understanding the theory behind the methods. This foundation enables me to truly understand what happens during data processing and thus recognize whether a result is a realistic geological feature or merely a processing artifact.

What excites you most about your job—and what is the most exciting challenge?

What I like best is the dynamic; I am never stuck in a repetitive routine. One day I solve a logistical puzzle for a new field campaign, and the next day I analyze geological models or collect geophysical data in the field. I thrive in this "active" role, where I respond to clients and witness how our technical planning becomes a successful, tangible project. The biggest challenge was stepping into a leadership role and learning how to lead people effectively. Being a good leader means finding the right balance between what is best for the company and what is best for the employees. Additionally, the pace of the industry is a constant challenge. Unlike in science, deadlines are often very tight and there is hardly any "extra" time. It can be difficult to find the space to stay up to date on the latest scientific research and figure out how to integrate these new advancements into our daily commercial workflows.

How did you get your current job?

I made the contact via LinkedIn.

What was your personal highlight during your studies at KIT?

On a personal level, the highlight was the vibrant and diverse student community. At KIT, it is not just about intensive study; it is a place where you can find a "home" through sports, dance, or student groups. My international friends became my second family, and this balance between studies and social life made my time in Karlsruhe truly unique and unforgettable.

What advice would you give to geophysics students or pupils for their professional future from today's perspective?

Don't wait until graduation to get active!. It is good to look for internships or attend conferences while you are still studying. These are the best opportunities to learn what is actually happening in the industry or research, and to meet people who are already working in this area—this helps you decide which specific path you would like to take.

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