This month Cryopreservation manager for Benchmark Genetics, Rosana Estevez, talks about the importance of broadening your skillset, how aquaculture is an industry for the future and why Iceland is such a great country to live and work in.
How did you come to work in the aquaculture industry?
I come from Spain where there’s a large coastline, so it’s a big industry for aquaculture. I’d already started doing aquaculture related work in Spain, and then decided to move to Iceland when there was an opportunity to do a masters degree in fish genetics.
Tell us about your current role.
I am Cryopreservation Manager for Benchmark Genetics, so I work on the cryopreservation of salmon milt and I supervise the technical staff. There are three cryopreservation labs, one in Iceland, one in Norway and one in Chile. I also work on training and inventory of the milt, as we need to know numbers for breeding and customers.
Why is aquaculture a good industry for women to work in?
To be honest I don’t think it’s either good or bad as an industry, we have to make the best in every industry. I think any industry can be good for women, as long as we are given the opportunity to show what we can do and how good we are. Aquaculture can be very male dominated, but I think if we treat each other with kindness and respect women can do very well in any industry.
What has been the most challenging thing in your career to date?
Every single step is a challenge for me, as I very much want to try to improve my skills and learn and grow daily. For example, I have a masters in genetics, but it’s also really important to have knowledge of statistics and if you are manging people, it’s really important to know how to improve your management style.
What are you the most proud of in your career?
I’m very proud of what I’m doing now. When you are working very hard and the results are good, and you see how things are helping to improve the industry, to me that is something to be very proud of.
How do you see your career progressing?
It will! I’m very proud of my role and the results I’ve achieved, and I have a lot of respect for the job I’m doing. I really see my career continuing as it is now. Aquaculture is the future of fish, and I really think it is the future for me. I see my future here and my career being developed in this industry.
How does your company compare to others in terms of diversity?
I really have to say Iceland is a very nice country to live and work in, and Benchmark is a great company to work for. Everybody in the company is very supportive. Both the country and company policies really support women. Sometimes it can be difficult to be wife, mother and worker 100% of the time. Working in Iceland and working for Benchmark really helps a lot with that. Men and women have the same rights and the support I’ve received has been invaluable.
What personality trait do you think has caused you the most problems at work, and what personality trait has been an asset?
The most problematic is that I’m very direct. If I have to say something, I’ll just say it. Probably some people don’t understand my direct style. I probably need to learn how to be more diplomatic. My strongest personality trait has been patience. I’m very patient when I have to teach new technologies and train new team members, because it’s important that everyone understands what they are doing.
If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Just keep doing what you are doing, you are on a good path. Don’t hesitate and be self-confident. Even if you are not sure what you want to be in the future, just keep going. Don’t’ change anything. I’m really happy with the way things have turned out.
What would an ideal day look like to you?
I’d enjoy the day with family and friends. I’d start with a nice breakfast, then go to the swimming pool with the kids and my husband. The swimming pools in Iceland are fantastic, the water is very warm. I’m from Spain, so there’d be a very long after-lunch, talking and chatting. That is my perfect day, with family and friends.
What is your favourite aquatic animal, and why?
I should say salmon, but it’s not! I’m going to have to say octopus. They are very interesting animals. They can adapt, they are very smart and have great memories. I can’t think of a better animal.
