Clairet Guerra’s studies and early career have taken her from Venezuela, to Colombia, Germany and the UK where she now works for SLB as the geomechanics product analyst. However, her lifetime preoccupation with space exploration endures, getting one step closer by completion of a space resources programme.
Venezuela beginnings
I grew up near the beach in Venezuela. My parents held positions in the national oil company until their roles were systematically taken over by regime supporters. Political loyalty mattered more than qualifications. We left Venezuela one day before I turned 21, leaving my civil engineering studies and my parents’ decades-long careers for an uncertain future in Colombia. The decision was about dignity, not just economics. My parents and sister have consistently shown discipline and courage throughout my life, teaching me that principles matter more than comfort and that you can rebuild anything with determination.
Bogota experience
Bogota was my first lesson in being a migrant. Universidad Javeriana gave me my first real shot. I earned a degree in civil engineering and later a master’s in geotechnical engineering. What made the difference were people who believed in me. Friends helped me navigate the social landscape, professors provided guidance on moving forward in life.
Move to Germany
Germany represented engineering excellence, but my first interview was a harsh introduction to racism and migrant shame. Instead of fighting to prove myself in unwelcoming spaces, I found TU Darmstadt and Prof Andreas Henk. I learned to appreciate the discipline and structure of the German system. Under this framework, I did two internships with SLB and completed my doctoral studies in applied geosciences.
First job at Wintershall
Wintershall was a significant reality check as industry demands translating results into effective action items that drive business decisions. Getting accepted into the company SPEAD programme was a major milestone that exposed me to the broader energy landscape and opened unexpected doors. It helped me understand the industry is as much about problem-solving and innovation as geology and engineering and taught me the skill of communicating findings in ways that lead to actionable outcomes.
Current role at SLB
My SLB internships during university showed me the service side of the industry operates at a completely different pace. When the opportunity came to return full-time, I was ready for the challenge. The learning curve has been incredibly steep; you must absorb complex technical concepts quickly while understanding how they translate into customers solutions. Geomechanics is one of the most integrative domains in the field. Now, I have a role that serves as a bridge between multiple domains, customer needs and technology development. It’s exactly the kind of environment where rapid professional growth happens.
Activism and mentoring
My ‘activism’ comes from lived experience. When I got involved with EAGE Student Affairs Committee, it was to ensure other students didn’t face the same barriers I experienced. GeoLatinas is particularly close to my heart because it addresses gender diversity in geosciences and Latino representation in STEM. While I’m not actively contributing, I maintain a solid network of mentors and friends through it, which is exactly the purpose of the organisation. I firmly believe in mentoring and the importance of a good network. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who saw and still see potential in me. Now it’s my responsibility to contribute for others.
Space fascination
I’ve been obsessed with space since I can remember. Space exploration represents humanity at its best: collaborative, curious, pushing boundaries we didn’t even know existed.
The Colorado School of Mines Space resources programme was a natural progression of this interest. The skills required for space exploration, systems thinking, risk management, working in extreme environments, align beautifully with oil and gas work. Both industries deal with hostile environments, require precise engineering, and demand respect for the power of natural forces. Do I have astronaut ambitions? Honestly, yes. Even when I am so pleased with my current context, if I could contribute to a mission while bringing my geoscience expertise to understanding other worlds, that would be a dream come true.
Work-life balance
I’m a strong advocate for burnout prevention and mental health awareness. I try to take time off work and focus on working out or dancing. Balance is key for progress.
