Young Professional Coordinating Committee Update: Make an Impact!

How to get more involved in SPE.

The Way Ahead logo on abstract background

The breadth and complexity of the technology deployed in our industry are such to potentially intimidate newcomers. Young professionals (YPs) are intrinsically prone to the downsides of specialization, whereby they may find it challenging to make significant contributions to the industry until later in their careers.

SPE has changed all that. SPE now provides the missing link between YPs and the oil and gas industry through its vast array of YP initiatives. Everything comes together in the Young Professionals Network (YPN). The YPN is a treasure of information. Log into the YPN and you will have access to everything SPE has been investing in for the past few years to enhance the membership experience of YPs.

Whatever your inclinations, you will find a program that meets and surpasses your expectations and that will enable you to make a difference.

You are: ALWAYS CONNECTED

SPE offers you: THE YP DISCUSSION FORUM

This is an online platform that offers geographically dispersed YPs a unique venue to discuss issues of prominence to them, in an environment populated by like-minded individuals. Training, hiring opportunities, MScs and MBAs, work/life balance, and overseas mobility are examples of topics that naturally generate more interest with YPs than more experienced professionals.

You are: THE JUMP STARTER

SPE offers you: YP PROGRAM BEST PRACTICES

Your local section has not yet started a YP program? The YPN empowers you with field-tested best practices to do just that. Capitalize on others’ experiences. There is no need to reinvent the wheel and start from the bottom of the learning curve. Take advantage of others’ experiences and help extend the reach of YP programs to new locations.

You are: MASTER OF PROSELYTISM

SPE offers you: AMBASSADOR LECTURER PROGRAM

A healthy stream of graduates is a prerequisite for our industry to enjoy a prosperous future. The Ambassador Lecturer Program answers that call. The YP Coordinating Committee has assembled slide templates for you to use and generate curiosity with high school and university students, and guarantee a rich pipeline of valuable human resources. Students will get excited about being part of the energy industry; get them a glimpse into career opportunities and cutting-edge technologies associated with the energy industry.

You are: THE TOP PERFORMER

SPE offers you: YP AWARDS

From the Young Member Outstanding Service Award to the Best ATCE YP Paper Award, SPE celebrates excellence and rewards contributions to our Society, our industry, and the communities in which our members live.

You are: A STUDENT

SPE offers you: THE STUDENT NETWORK

The Student Network aims to connect students with YPs and fellow student members. These interactions will give you insight into the opportunities that exist within the industry, help you plan your career, and give you a glimpse of the cutting-edge technology being used by the oil and gas industry.  Students have a big role in leading this industry into the future.  By devoting time to SPE, you may find that you not only grow the size of your chapter, but also get valuable perspectives on petroleum engineering. You will benefit as an individual. SPE not only helps you expand your technical expertise, but also empowers you to rise to the challenges facing our industry today and in the future. 

You are: INFORMATION HUNGRY

SPE offers you: THE WAY AHEAD MAGAZINE (TWA)

TWA is the materialization of SPE’s intention to engage young members. In its sixth year and with 15 issues under its belt, the magazine is thought out and produced by YPs, signaling SPE’s commitment to let YPs take the driver’s seat. TWA goes beyond conventional SPE technology-centric topics, looking at the oil and gas business through a prism that dissects the industry into its people, technology, economic, and geopolitical components.

Key to achieving our vision is to reach out to YPs everywhere, and so we have established a support team to help with the challenges faced by YPs globally. We need YPs to share with us either through writing us (yp@spe.org) or posting on the YP  network (YPN) discussion forum (http://communities.spe.org/PN/YP/Lists/Team%20Discussion/AllItems.aspx) their challenges. Additionally, we have created and published on the YPN best practices on how to start a YP program and bridge the gap between university students and professional members.