KIOGE-2026
Women❜s Perspectives on Oil Production Forty Years of Kumkol: Five Stories of Professional Dedication, Responsibility, and Life-Changing Choices
Forty Years of Kumkol: Five Stories of Professional Dedication, Responsibility, and Life-Changing Choices
The history of Kazakhstan's oil industry includes fields that have become far more than industrial assets—they have evolved into centers of professional excellence and engineering expertise. Kumkol, whose commercial development began forty years ago, is undoubtedly one of them. Over the decades, technologies, production processes, and management practices have continued to evolve, but the driving force behind the field's success has always remained the same: its people.
The oil and gas industry is no longer an exclusively male domain. Today, women contribute not only in finance, human resources, and administration, but also play key roles in managing production operations, overseeing oil production, providing technical support for field development, and delivering major operational projects. Their professional expertise is no longer the exception—it has become an integral part of the modern oil and gas industry.
In Kumkol's milestone anniversary year, Petroleum magazine invited five women employees of PetroKazakhstan Kumkol Resources JSC to share their stories. Each has devoted more than two decades to the company. Over the years, they have witnessed and contributed to the company's major stages of development, played an active role in delivering large-scale operational initiatives, and today hold key positions across various areas of the company's business.
Our interviewees are process engineer Nazym Bakirova, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board for Operations Bakytgul Yesirkepova, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board for Production Yekaterina Osipova, Lead Cost Engineer Shynar Seitenova, and Cost Estimation Engineer Galiya Shembekova. Their stories are more than accounts of professional careers - they offer a unique perspective on how Kazakhstan's oil industry has evolved through the lives of the people who have helped shape its history and continue to be an integral part of it.
Nazym Bakirova
Process Engineer, Production Technology Group, Production Department
22 years of service
Bakytgul Yesirkepova
Deputy Chairman of the Management Board for Operations / Director
35 years of service
Yekaterina Osipova
Deputy Chairman of the Management Board for Production
20 years of service at the company
Q: What inspired you to choose your profession?
Bakytgul Yesirkepova: From an early age, I was drawn to the exact sciences and had a keen interest in engineering and industrial production. When the time came to choose a career, I decided to dedicate my life to the oil industry. Oil production plays a vital role in the Kyzylorda Region, and I wanted to be part of an industry that contributes to people's well-being and supports the region's development. After graduating from high school, I enrolled in the Faculty of Petroleum Engineering at the Almaty Polytechnic Institute, majoring in Development and Operation of Oil and Gas Wells.
Galiya Shembekova: I chose the profession of a Cost Estimation Engineer while working as an economist for a construction company. In the course of my work, I frequently collaborated with the Production and Technical Department (PTD) to prepare techno-economic feasibility studies and assess project profitability. This required me to study project cost estimates in detail, and it was through that experience that I decided to pursue a career in cost estimation.
Nazym Bakirova: When I graduated from high school in 1998, the oil industry was widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and promising sectors. When the time came to choose my future career and apply to university, my father encouraged me to consider pursuing a profession in the industry.
Shynar Seitenova: I was fascinated by the way large industrial companies operate and by the role that effective planning and efficient resource management play in their success. I also enjoyed analytical work, which was an essential aspect of the profession I had chosen. At the same time, the oil industry appealed to me because of its scale and its vital importance to the country's economy.
Yekaterina Osipova: Honestly? The stars aligned... along with a few circumstances of life.
Q: How did you find your way into the oil and gas industry? Was it a conscious career choice or a matter of chance? Was there a moment when you felt especially proud of that decision?
Shynar Seitenova: In 2004 I began working at the Kumkol field as a cost accounting specialist. Just a year later I was transferred to the KAM field, where I took part in building the cost accounting system and preparing budgets for the new production area.
I was always drawn to work that combines large-scale production tasks, high responsibility, modern technology, and constant development. Over the years I've become convinced that I made the right choice.
Ekaterina Osipova: Looking back, it was probably a combination of circumstances, unexpected turns, and a certain degree of chance. My mother was a doctor, and naturally she hoped I would follow in her footsteps. But I was very much drawn to the humanities, studied in a literature-focused class, and the prospect of becoming a physician simply did not resonate with me. I was always attracted to something more romantic - discovery, exploration, and research. That was what first sparked my interest in geology.
Around that time, however, a new academic program in Environmental Science was introduced, and my classmates and I began exploring the opportunities it offered. But when I went to submit my application to the environmental science faculty, student volunteers spoke so passionately about the Geophysical Exploration of Mineral Resources program that their enthusiasm was contagious. I changed my mind on the spot and enrolled in that program instead.
After graduating from university, I was assigned to Kyzylorda, where I spent three years working as a geophysical engineer. I then decided it was time for a new challenge and joined an oil company as a Reservoir Engineer. At the time, I had no idea that the oil industry would become my lifelong career..
Looking back, I realize that every stage of my professional journey mattered in its own way. But I think what I'm proudest of is having made the journey from rank-and-file engineer to head of a production division — the result of years of hard work, a constant drive to learn, a willingness to take on responsibility, and the ability to work as part of a team.
Bakytgul Yesirkepova: After graduating from university in 1991, I came to the Kumkol field to work as an Oil and Gas Production Operator. It was a formative period for the company, when many processes had to be developed virtually from scratch. We were involved in bringing new wells on stream, building infrastructure, and advancing the development of the oil fields. I believe that at the beginning of my career, my decision was shaped by both circumstance and a genuine interest in a new industry. However, it did not take long for the oil and gas sector to become a conscious career choice and the work to which I have dedicated my professional life.
I began my career as an Oil and Gas Production Operator, which gave me firsthand experience of production operations from the ground up. Over the past 35 years, I have had the opportunity to progress through various stages of my career, work across different areas of the business, and take on both operational and management responsibilities. Each stage brought new challenges, broadened my experience, and gave me a deeper understanding of how the business operates as a whole.
There have been many moments throughout my career that I am proud of. However, what means the most to me today is knowing that the experience I have accumulated over the years has prepared me for a new level of responsibility. My appointment as Deputy Chair of the Management Board for Operations is both a tremendous responsibility and a confirmation that the career path I chose many years ago was the right one.
Nazym Bakirova: I'm glad I became an oil worker and built my life around this profession. I feel especially proud of my choice when I see the results of our team's work: the stable operation of production facilities and the successful completion of the tasks set before us.
I'm proud to have become part of an industry that plays an important role in the country's economic development. Over the years I've gained valuable experience, met wonderful people, and learned a great deal. That's exactly what convinces me that I made the right choice of profession.
Galiya Shembekova: I joined the company 20 years ago, when a vacancy for a Cost Estimation Engineer was announced. At the time, I was working as part of a team of estimators on the Kyzylorda Gas Supply Project at a construction company. Since I was already familiar with gas and oil pipeline projects, the transition into the oil industry came naturally.
Shynar Seitenova
Lead Cost Engineer, Materials and Cost Control Group, Production Services Department
22 years of service at the company
Galiya Shembekova
Cost Estimation Engineer, Maintenance Group, Production Services Department
20 years of service at the company
Q: What does your work involve today?
Nazym Bakirova: My responsibilities include the timely collection, analysis, and systematization of field and well data. I maintain records of oil and gas production and prepare and process data on work performed on wells.
Galiya Shembekova: Based on project documentation and defect reports, I prepare cost estimates for equipment repairs, buildings and facilities, reconstruction of existing assets, and pipeline replacement projects. I am also responsible for reviewing, verifying, and approving the cost estimates submitted by contractors.
Bakytgul Yesirkepova: Over the course of my 35-year career, I have progressed from an Oil and Gas Production Operator to the head of a department. This experience gave me a thorough understanding of production processes, the specific functions of different departments, and the interdependence of every stage of the production cycle.
Today, I am Deputy Chairman of the Management Board for Operations.
My responsibilities include coordinating the Company's operations, ensuring the achievement of production targets, improving the efficiency and reliability of production processes, and fostering effective collaboration among the production departments.
I place particular emphasis on ensuring the reliable operation of production facilities, addressing operational challenges in a timely manner, making efficient use of resources, and identifying solutions that support the Company's sustainable and efficient performance. At the same time, I believe that strong production results are achieved not only through advanced technologies and effective process management, but also through the professionalism, commitment, and teamwork of our people.
Shynar Seitenova: As a Lead Cost Engineer, I am responsible for monitoring and controlling the costs of the company's production divisions, as well as preparing operating and capital budgets. I analyze actual expenditures, prepare reports, and help evaluate the efficiency of the company's resource utilization.
Our team works closely with production and finance departments, as well as with contractors. The department plays an important role in ensuring stable production by participating in resource planning, monitoring budget execution, analyzing costs, and identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
Yekaterina Osipova: Today, I oversee the entire production cycle associated with maintaining and increasing oil production. Our team is responsible not only for delivering the production program but also for ensuring efficient field development, the reliable operation of the well stock, the planning and execution of major well workovers, the implementation of new technologies, and the continuous search for solutions that enhance production.
Oil production is always a team effort. Achieving results requires the combined expertise of geologists, reservoir engineers, process engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers, industrial safety specialists, contractors, and many other professionals. One of my key responsibilities is to maintain a comprehensive view of the entire production process, make timely decisions, and ensure effective coordination among all parties involved.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work? Which aspects of your job do you find the most challenging - and the most rewarding?
Shynar Seitenova: What I enjoy most about my profession is the combination of analytical work, responsibility, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on results. My role requires attention to detail, the ability to work with large volumes of data, and sound decision-making. I especially value the opportunity for continuous professional development, collaboration with colleagues across different departments, and the chance to take on new professional challenges.
Nazym Bakirova: My work involves modern technologies and large volumes of data that must be collected and analyzed within tight deadlines. The results of my work have a direct impact on the efficiency of oil and gas production, as I analyze the causes of production decline and identify solutions to improve well performance. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is preparing reports and production forecasts that support management in making important operational decisions.
Yekaterina Osipova: No two days are ever the same in our profession. Every well, every field, and every operational challenge requires its own approach. The most demanding situations are those that require rapid decision-making under tight time constraints and a high level of responsibility. The most rewarding, however, are the challenges of finding solutions that improve both production efficiency and equipment reliability. It is precisely these challenges that provide the greatest sense of professional growth.
Bakytgul Yesirkepova: What I enjoy most about my work is that it is directly connected with the Company's core operations and that I can see the impact of the decisions we make in practice. Production requires constant attention, a strong sense of responsibility, and the ability to respond quickly to operational challenges.
The most demanding aspects of my role are those that require balancing production performance, technical capabilities, project timelines, available resources, and the interests of our employees all at the same time. Yet these are also the most rewarding challenges, as they call for experience, a deep understanding of production processes, and effective teamwork.
What I value most is the opportunity to work alongside people who know the business inside and out and who ensure the reliable operation of our production facilities every day. For me, success is not simply about meeting production targets—it is about building processes that make our operations efficient, reliable, and sustainable.
Galiya Shembekova: The maintenance department brings together specialists from several fields — builders, mechanics, water and heating supply engineers, and power engineers — and each of them receives work requests from various shops across the company. We prepare defect reports, which we then use to calculate the cost of the work and put together the estimates.
Q: Which technologies or approaches have had the greatest impact on your work?
Yekaterina Osipova: The industry has changed dramatically over the years. Today, decisions are increasingly driven by the analysis of large volumes of data, digital models, and continuous equipment monitoring. We now have far more advanced tools for forecasting production challenges, evaluating well performance, and optimizing production operations. Yet despite these technological advances, people remain the industry's greatest asset. No digital system can fully replace engineering expertise, a deep understanding of production processes, or the ability to make sound professional judgments.
Galiya Shembekova: The field of cost estimating is constantly evolving, with new materials, technologies, and industry standards emerging all the time. To keep pace with these developments, Cost Estimation Engineers must continuously update their knowledge and skills to meet the evolving demands of the industry.
Bakytgul Yesirkepova: Production has changed significantly over the years. Automation, digitalization, and modern monitoring and data analytics systems have transformed the way we operate. These technologies enable us to obtain real-time information on the condition of production facilities, respond promptly to deviations, and make better-informed decisions.
At the same time, I believe technology is most effective when combined with the experience and expertise of people. That is why I place equal importance on a systematic approach to production management, close collaboration across departments, and the ability to anticipate potential risks before they arise. Modern production is about far more than meeting targets—it requires a continuous search for solutions that improve efficiency, reliability, and safety.
Nazym Bakirova: Today, the focus extends beyond production performance alone. Equal importance is placed on ensuring the health and safety of our employees.
Shynar Seitenova: In the past, a significant portion of calculations and reporting was performed manually. Today, information systems provide rapid access to data, enable efficient performance analysis, and facilitate effective monitoring of budget execution and operational activities. As a result, our processes have become far more structured, transparent, and efficient.
Q: What stereotypes have you encountered? What misconceptions about your profession would you like to dispel?
Nazym Bakirova: Perhaps the most enduring misconception is that the oil industry is better suited to men. In reality, women today are making successful careers across every area of the oil and gas sector. They hold leadership positions, contribute to major projects, and play a vital role in the industry's continued development.
Yekaterina Osipova: Over the years, I have come to realize that in our industry, what truly matters is not gender, but knowledge, responsibility, professionalism, and the ability to work as part of a team. Another common misconception is that the job of an oil professional simply involves putting on a hard hat, driving out to the field, and "producing oil," as if production were limited to field operations alone. In reality, every barrel of oil is the result of the combined efforts of engineers, drilling specialists, geologists, process engineers, electrical and mechanical engineers, construction professionals, and many other experts.
Shynar Seitenova: One of the most common misconceptions about my profession is that a Lead Cost Engineer is responsible only for working with numbers, entering data into SAP, and preparing reports. In reality, our role is far broader. Effective cost management requires a thorough understanding of production processes and project execution, close collaboration with different departments, and active participation in important business decisions.
Another common myth is that our job is simply to cut costs. In fact, our primary objective is to ensure that resources are used efficiently and responsibly without compromising production, safety, or project schedules.
Bakytgul Yesirkepova: One common misconception is that production management is primarily about meeting production targets and supervising the work of individual departments. In reality, it is a far more complex responsibility that requires balancing technical capabilities, equipment condition, available resources, safety, economic efficiency, and, above all, the human factor.
Another myth is that all key decisions are made solely from behind a desk. Effective operations management is impossible without a clear understanding of what is happening in the field, the challenges engineers and frontline personnel face every day, and the realities of day-to-day operations. That is why it is so important for me to stay closely connected to both our production operations and the people who keep them running every day.
Galiya Shembekova: Many people assume that a Cost Estimation Engineer is simply someone who enters numbers into estimating software without much thought. In reality, the profession requires a strong engineering background. Preparing an accurate and reliable cost estimate demands a thorough understanding of construction methods, materials, and equipment. A Cost Estimation Engineer must be able to interpret engineering drawings and understand how a project will be executed in practice.
Equally important are analytical skills. A good Cost Estimation Engineer does far more than calculate quantities-he or she evaluates engineering solutions, identifies more cost-effective material options, and recommends value engineering opportunities that optimize project costs without compromising quality or performance.
Q: What motivates you to keep growing and developing professionally?
Bakytgul Yesirkepova: Above all, I am motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to both the Company and its people. Every new challenge in production is an opportunity to improve, make better decisions, and strengthen the way we work. To me, professional growth means never standing still - it means building on experience, embracing innovation, and continuously striving for better results.
One of my greatest sources of inspiration is working with young professionals. It is important not only to share knowledge and experience, but also to help them gain confidence, learn to make independent decisions, and develop a strong sense of responsibility for the results of their work. Seeing someone grow into a highly capable professional who is then able to mentor others is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
Galiya Shembekova: Every challenging project is an opportunity for me to expand my knowledge and develop my expertise.
Nazym Bakirova: My greatest motivation is my family and my children. Their well-being and future inspire me to keep growing, developing, and striving to achieve new goals. The support of my loved ones gives me the strength to overcome challenges and achieve success both professionally and personally.
Yekaterina Osipova: I have always been motivated by the desire to find better and more effective solutions. The oil and gas industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, new approaches, and new challenges emerging all the time. Another powerful source of motivation is teamwork. When you see that collective effort delivers tangible results, it inspires you to keep moving forward and strive to achieve even more.
Shynar Seitenova: I am motivated by the opportunity to continuously grow and see the tangible results of my work. It is also inspiring to know that my work helps the company use its resources efficiently and achieve its strategic objectives.