The SPE Saudi Arabia Section hosted its third Young Professional (YP) Technical Symposium in March at the Plaza Conference Center, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. “We as young professionals are cognizant that the future is laden with opportunities, but also full of challenges,” said Yousif Al-Tahan, vice-chairman for YP and Student Outreach (YP&SO), Saudi Arabia Section, at the opening ceremony. “The future doesn’t worry us—it excites us.” It was the largest YP gathering ever in the country, with more than 400 delegates from local and international oil companies participating.
Saudi Aramco President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Khalid A. Al-Falih opened the gathering by emphasizing his company’s support for technical professionals in their career growth. He highlighted the importance of volunteering within SPE for developing softer skills. Other speakers included Nabeel Al-Amoudi, manager, Saudi Aramco, and Noor Shabib, deputy manager, Rawabi Trading & Contracting. Al-Amoudi, a YP himself, shared accounts of exciting moments and challenges he has faced in his career. He advised YPs to expand their technical experience and knowledge in an area in which they are interested and work toward attaining a leadership role in their organization. Shabib spoke about her work experiences as a female field engineer and why she chose to work in the field.
The event also celebrated YPs’ achievements by showcasing 20 technical papers. On the symposium’s final day, a panel discussion was held titled “Your Professional Development—A Journey Toward Excellence.” The panelists focused on how training and development drives the motivation of YPs toward personal excellence, while enabling the company’s vision for workforce excellence. The section YP&SO plans to organize the first GCC paper contest, as well as courses, workshops, field trips, and social activities during the year.
SPE Saudi Arabia Section. In front, from left, Ali A. Al-Muhareb, vice president, Corporate Planning, Saudi Aramco; Al-Falih, president and CEO, Saudi Aramco; Amin H. Al-Nasser, senior vice president, Saudi Aramco E&P; and Mohammed Y. Al-Qahtani, executive director, Saudi Aramco Petroleum Engineering & Development.