b'CommentaryEducation mattersa noticeable decline in undergraduateMP:What companies nowadays expectmeet the professionals enrolments in disciplines like geosciences,from their early career employers? and go for a meeting of reservoir engineering, and petroleumCO:Resources companies, especially engineering. This decline is partly due toa localchapter of your misperceptions among students about thein the oil and gas sector, can beprofessional societycareer paths associated with these fields,highly selective about their early fearing limited options beyond workingcareer hires due to requirements and for fossil fuel and mining companies. intense competition. Nowadays, they prioritise candidates with robust STEMare now more selective in their hiring To address this shift in demand andbackgrounds, particularly in mathematicspractices, with a greater emphasis on perception, universities have adjustedand physics. Surprisingly, having ascreening applicants from the outset. their undergraduate curricula. Manypetroleum engineering degree isntHR teams play a more prominent role no longer offer degrees specificallyalways necessary; companies are willingin the initial stages, often employing in petroleum engineering, insteadto train recruits internally over a three- automated or outsourced screening integrating energy-related topicsyear development programme. Thesemethods, which can feel impersonal and such as renewables and sustainabilityprogrammes offer exposure to variousmight be frustrating for candidates.into broader resource engineeringindustry facets, such as Carbon CaptureMoreover, the traditional approach of programmes. While this diversificationand Storage (CCS) and renewable energy,finding job vacancies in the paper media aligns with the evolving energyshowcasing the sectors diversity. and applying through letters has given landscape, it poses challengesHowever, these coveted graduateway to more digital and online methods, for students seeking specialisedprogrammes are limited in number,including questionnaires and digital education in traditional geophysics andintensifying the competition. To standvoice screenings. These advancements in petroleumdisciplines. out, its crucial for candidates to engagetechnology have streamlined the initial The restructuring of undergraduatewith industry professionals throughscreening process but have also made programmes reflects universities effortsnetworking events and affiliationsit less personal and more challenging to remain relevant and financially viable.with professional associations.for applicants, especially those with However, it also raises concerns aboutInternships, even unpaid ones, aredifferentbackgrounds.the depth of knowledge and skillsstrongly recommended as they providePersonal connections with the industry acquired by graduates in fields critical toinvaluable experience and networkinghave become more crucial than ever in the energy sector. opportunities. By taking proactivenavigating these challenges. Knowing Despite these changes, variations persiststeps like internships and networking,someone within the hiring organisation among regions and educational systems.candidates, particularly women, canmay enhance an applicants chances For example, students from the Middlesignificantly boost their prospects in theand provide valuable insights into the East may still seek classical petroleumcompetitive job market. So, meet therecruitment process. So, go for extra-engineering education, shaping theirprofessionals and go for a meeting of acurriculum activities, volunteer work, career aspirations and job prospectslocal chapter of your professional society.internships. Companies are also looking accordingly. This diversity underscoresfor people with double degrees, like, the complex interplay betweenyou have done engineering, but you cultural norms, industry demands, andTo stand out, its crucialalso have a degree in data science, educational pathways in shaping thefor candidates to engage withcommercial or maybe even legal. future workforce for the energy sector. industry professionals throughMP:What kind of specialists do we need networking events and affiliationsto ensure smooth energy transition? And what role will digitalisation play in This diversity underscoreswith professional associations this process?the complex interplay betweenCO:Yeah, indeed, thats a valid point cultural norms, industryand a good question. When you demands, and educationalBeyond academic prowess, establishing adelve into university curricula, youll pathways in shaping the futurerobust professional network and activelynotice a strong focus on energy participating in industry gatherings aresystems, renewables, sustainability workforce for the energy sector important for early career advancement.and commercial awareness- all vital During my MSc and PhD I did severalcomponents in our journey towards internships back in Europe. Its verythe nations electrification meeting net In summary, while universities play avaluable and it looks good on your CVzero aspirations. Graduates well-versed crucial role in supporting the energyby the way. So, its important to educatein these domains are indispensable. transition, changes in undergraduateyourself and to be proactive. Moreover, the prevalence of data curricula reflect both adaptation toMP:My next question is what hasanalytics is striking. Almost everything evolving industry needs and financialchanged in the recruitment process? is now managed through digital control considerations. Balancing the demandcentres, where real-time monitoring for broader interdisciplinary educationCO:In recent years, the recruitmentis possible via sensors. This digital with the specialised skills required forprocess has undergone significanttransformation necessitates a workforce the energy sector presents an ongoingchanges, particularly in the resourcesequipped with the skills to comprehend challenge for universities globally. industries like oil and gas. Companiesand integrate these systemsseamlessly.JUNE 2024PREVIEW 29'