When
it comes to the future of petroleum geology, AAPG's Visiting
Geologists Program provides the troops that are on the front
line.
Launched
in 1974 by AAPG's Academic and Industrial Advisory committees, more
than 200 colleges and universities have participated in the program,
which continues to grow through the interest and efforts of AAPG
and industry.
The program
gives students a chance to meet practicing geologists and to discuss
geological career options. Speakers usually give a technical talk
in their area of specialty, as well as a presentation on career
options and the best way to plan a career path.
The speakers
welcome an opportunity to discuss the changes that have taken place
in the job market, as well as present information on the new technical
challenges.
Last year,
VGP Committee Chairman Bob Cowdery reported there were 79 visitations
made; 48 were domestic and 31 were international. Cowdery said that
while the number of visits were down, the list of schools visited
indicates that there has been some increase in requests from schools
with lower enrollments.
"This would
appear to be a good sign," he said.
Cowdery
also said agreeing to be a speaker is the first step in joining
the all-volunteer program. The more volunteers and topics available,
the larger the smorgasbord for colleges and universities to choose
from.
International
speakers are becoming available in a number of countries.
To arrange
a VGP visit, the AAPG Web site lists speakers available in a geographic
area, topics and titles of their speeches.
For more
information — whether to arrange a visit or to volunteer as a speaker
— contact
Tulsa headquarters.