I ended my last column with the phrase: “Optimism pays dividends.”
I keep this phrase posted on my workstation. It is a constant reminder that optimism is one of the greatest skills we can possess as petroleum geologists. Optimism toward our future, our prospects, our companies and ourselves is a key to success in our careers as professional geologists.
I did not always adhere to this philosophy. I learned to be an optimist through difficult times and unexpected opportunities.
I remember the first time I was laid off, I felt terrible. But, I soon realized that I was still a geologist and that I had to keep working at being a geologist. Geology was my chosen profession and I had a passion to become a better geologist. I joined a petroleum log library, started calling companies, following leads and soon found consulting work. Somehow, I knew that the best days of my career were ahead of me.
This is the reason I am an active member of the AAPG and the Division of Professional Affairs. Through the AAPG and DPA, I continue to develop contacts, learn new skills and prepare for the next opportunity ahead.
You see, optimism continues to pay dividends and the best years are still ahead.
DPA Certification
Due to the cyclical nature of our industry and commodity prices, opportunities disappear and develop every day. Being optimistic means expecting these opportunities and being ready to seize upon them when they develop. You must keep up to date with new technologies and keep your skills fresh.
A great avenue for doing so and for raising your stature in our profession is to seek DPA certification in petroleum geology, geophysics or coal geology. We hope to add environmental geology to this list soon. DPA peer certification tells other geologists and potential employers that you care about your career and reputation among your peers. If you do not meet the years of experience required for certification, I hope you will consider provisional membership with the DPA. This is a great way to get started with the DPA. If you are interested in learning more about the DPA or certification, the place to start is our website: www.AAPG.org/Divisions/DPA.
Upcoming DPA Events
In the interest of keeping those skills fresh and being ready for opportunities, the DPA has a number of events slated for the months to come:
The DPA Playmakers “Moneymakers” Business Forum will be held April 4 at the Renaissance Hotel and the Cox Convention Center and the neighboring Renaissance Hotel in Oklahoma City, Okla. It will be co-chaired by Joel Alberts and Jason Hamilton.
Past AAPG President Charles Sternbach developed and implemented the first Playmakers Forum several years ago. He developed the idea to discuss new and developing plays and to encourage networking.
This installment of Playmakers will be different, because the focus will be the business of oil and gas. There are many ways for geoscientists to succeed in the oil and gas industry, but it’s often not easy to get started or to know what questions to ask. This Playmakers Forum will try to answer these questions. The event is called “Moneymaker Playmaker,” and this one-day meeting will feature talks by geologists who will share their history of successes and failures, new emerging trends, and a “guided tour” to private equity.
For more information and to register go to www.AAPG.org/career/training/in-person/forums.
The 10th Anniversary Edition Discovery Thinking Forum will be held on Monday, May 20 at the 2019 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition in San Antonio, Texas.
The Discovery Thinking Forum was also created by Charles Sternbach. This year’s theme is “Pioneering Discoveries Driving Prosperity.” Topics to be discussed are ExxonMobil Guyana exploration and discovery; discovery of oil in Belize after 50 dry holes; Permian Basin Wolfberry and Wolfbone: discovery of world class resources in a mature basin and new insights; and discovery to commerciality of the unconventional Vaca Muerta Shale play in the Neuquén Basin, Argentina.
The annual DPA Luncheon will be held Tuesday, May 21, also at the 2019 AAPG ACE.
Our featured speaker for the DPA Luncheon is past DPA President Deborah Sacrey, who has also held many other offices in AAPG. Deborah is a great example to all geologists that you can thrive in good and bad times. I believe her greatest qualities are her optimism and belief in herself. The title of her talk is “Re-inventing Yourself to Stay Relevant in an Ever-Changing Geoscience Technical Climate.”
There are also several other sessions at ACE that will be of interest to DPA members, including Session 2, “Deals and Investments Decisions,” which is co-sponsored by the DPA. Session 1: “Opportunity Valuation” and Session 3: “Financing” alre also highly recommended.
This is my last column as DPA president. I want to thank the DPA officers and committee chairs for their work and dedication to their profession. I also want to thank our headquarters staff, especially Vicki Beighle, Diane Keim and Karin Alyea for their support to the DPA and the AAPG.