President’s Column: The Importance of Supporting Academia and Students in Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry

Abstract

Editor’s Note: This is a summary of the May episode of the President’s podcast. We encourage you to listen to the episode to hear the full conversation. In this podcast episode, I am joined by Jennifer Miskimins, department head of petroleum engineering at the Colorado School of Mines, to discuss the importance of supporting universities and students through the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. I chose Jennifer to be part of this episode because of her extensive experience in both academia and the industry. This episode aims to delve into the status of petroleum engineering departments and the importance of students in shaping the industry’s future. I emphasize the collaborative effort required from universities, SPE, and its members to attract the next generation to the field. Our conversation revolves around the importance of addressing the challenges faced by petroleum engineering programs and attracting students to the field. I explain that the SPE Board of Directors recognizes the significance of universities, students, and faculty in the industry, including naming them as core constituencies in SPE’s Strategic Plan. Attracting the next generation is one of the top concerns among SPE members. Young professionals and students play a vital role in driving innovation and addressing future challenges, emphasizing the need for a full pipeline of talent to sustain the industry’s progress. I believe that students are essential for shaping the future of energy and fulfilling humanity’s needs, as they aspire to make a meaningful impact in the world. We need the next technical breakthroughs, most of which will come from the students in university today. They want to feel like they’re making a difference in the world. Jennifer adds, “What I frequently hear from students is yes, they want a long-term career but making a difference is very important. And they can do so. So hopefully, we can get more students coming our direction.” Although enrollment in petroleum engineering programs has fluctuated due to industry downturns and external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, recent data suggests a modest increase in undergraduate enrollment, indicating a potential upswing. There are challenges such as the industry’s public image, perception of job stability, and declining enrollment in STEM education. Addressing these challenges requires reframing the narrative around the energy “transition” to one of “expansion” and highlighting the long-term career opportunities in the industry. We share insights into how universities are incorporating diverse energy-related topics into their curriculum, offering electives on emerging technologies, and engaging with industry professionals to provide students with real-world insights and opportunities. We also emphasize the role of faculty advisors and industry support in sustaining student chapters of organizations like SPE, which play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and industry. We further point out the critical role SPE members play in supporting students and universities through mentorship, financial support, and speaking engagements. Active involvement in student chapters helps bridge the gap between academia and industry.