Share Your Story

I started out by taking a job as a mud logger. At the time it was one of the few opportunities open to those with a degree in geology. A mud logger works for a service company hired by an oil and gas operator, to stay on a rig during drilling, to take geological samples but also to constantly observe all the parameters being monitored by sensors on the rig, in addition to tracking any gas being produced during the drilling process...When I took a sales role in Aberdeen, Scotland my rig visits became few and far between and I joined SPE... SPE provided exceptional opportunities for career development. Being in a technical discipline, I was given the chance to make presentations at technical conferences, such as ATCE, which led to being invited on technical panels, which led to being asked to moderate panels and webinars. I joined an active SPE Technical Section which in turn led to attending and eventually organizing symposia, workshops, and forums. The profile within the industry, enhanced by SPE activities certainly helped me reach career milestones. Following five years in Venezuela, I became the manager of Schlumberger (now SLB) Drilling and Measurements in Canada, became President of ReedHycalog drill bit manufacturing company, and Senior VP of Business Development for NOV. The most recent milestone was being offered a role at IBM, with a focus on applying advanced data science skills to the drilling process. I would always advise those building a career to seek out mentors. Throughout the years, I have had the advantage of guidance from some remarkable leaders and despite many years of experience, that continues to be the case in my current role. The mentoring can include not only for example, getting technical feedback for a new idea but also, how to write an abstract, how to construct a presentation and even, how to present. These are skills that many experienced SPE members would be pleased to help with and which can have a considerable influence on career development. It is very important to take the initiative, to ask for help and advice. It is also important to volunteer. Within SPE for example, submit abstracts to conferences. Wherever you are in the world, seek out the local SPE regional section and technical sections where one can both contribute and learn. There will always be those seeking help, thereby offering the chance to get involved and build a network of committed industry colleagues. In many cases there are opportunities that require, more than anything, commitment, enthusiasm and a willing to collaborate, which are exactly the attributes that will offer meaningful support to SPE.

SPE has been a community that gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This year marks 25 years of my membership in SPE. As I reflect on the past years, I realize that SPE has played a huge role in shaping me technically and professionally, helping me develop innate skills and creativity, and giving me fulfilling volunteer opportunities. Here is to many more milestones for SPE.

I'm a SPE member since 2012 when I was a student at Universidad de Oriente, Venezuela. During this 13 years SPE has allowed me to increase in this industry, improving my abilities as professional and as human being. This society is a professional community with many opportunities, thanks to it I've got a lot of great steps in my career. My main intention in SPE was obtain an "International Career" and now I believe did it.  My experience with SPE began as Student Chapter President, in 2014 the Latin America and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference in Maracaibo, Venezuela changed my life, transforming my goals and meeting new people related to my career; consequently I won the second place in 2017 Regional Student Paper Contest in Argentina, after my graduation as Petroleum Engineer I was Program Chairperson at Eastern Venezuela Section and Northeast Colombia Section, during this time I worked as Young Professional with several colleagues in South America and Caribbean Region, generating contributions to students in different contries. Now, I'm going to begin my PhD studies thanks to a SPE colleague who recommend me with a german university.  I am so proud to be a part of 100 years of this wonderful society that changed my life!

SPE has been part of my journey all along and offered great support for my growth and development. I got involved with the SPE Gulf Coast Section in Houston very early in my professional career and serving in the Gulf Coast Section as officer in different capacities from young professional chair to section chair to North America Regional Director. SPE has provided me with experience at different levels of leadership with increasing responsibility, sphere of influence and decision making. This experience with SPE translated well into both my key milestones of representing the company during international business development engagements and formally leading my first team in Chevron effectively because of all the experience leading SPE committees, groups, teams, etc… Q: In understanding the pivotal role organizations play, how has SPE influenced your career trajectory? Could you elaborate on specific instances where SPE support or resources played a crucial role in your success? Simeon: SPE has influenced my career trajectory significantly in giving me the network, the soft skills and influential leadership experience to succeed in any role. As a Regional Director, I have become the point of contact within the company I work for with all things SPE and I am glad that I can help connect people with SPE and share the many benefits of SPE membership. Q: Considering your wealth of experience, what advice would you offer to individuals embarking on their oil & gas careers? Simeon: My advice for any individuals embarking on an oil and gas career is to become active SPE members and take advantage of the wealth of benefits that SPE offers to its members. By actively participating in their local sections or serving on SPE international committees, they will maximize the full benefit of their membership and naturally it will expand their network and support their professional careers.

I joined the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in 2005, when I was a new engineer with limited skills and limited English language as well. I wanted to learn more about the industry, network with professionals, and advance my career. I did not expect that SPE would be a long-term partner, a source of inspiration, and a platform for growth. One of the first benefits of SPE membership was the access to a lot of technical information and resources. I received the Journal of Petroleum Technology, attended webinars and workshops, and participated in conferences and exhibitions. I learned from the best practices, innovations, and challenges of the industry, and applied them in my own projects. I also gained insights from the diverse perspectives and experiences of SPE members from different regions, disciplines, and backgrounds. Another benefit of SPE membership was the opportunity to work with other members, both locally and globally. I became a part of the SPE Saudi, London, and Gulf Coast Sections, where I met many colleagues and mentors who helped me with my career development. I also volunteered for various SPE committees and initiatives, such as the Young Professionals, the mentoring program, and as a member or co-chair of many workshops and events. I enjoyed working with people who had the same passion for the industry and the society. I also made lasting friendships and connections that improved my personal and professional life. I have been involved in ATCE more than three times as a committee member. I also mentored younger members who were starting their careers and helped them reach their goals. I also got feedback and recognition from my peers and leaders, which motivated me to improve and excel. SPE has been an important part of my career journey for the past twenty years. It has helped me to learn, collaborate, and enhance my engineering skills and to contribute to industry and society. I am proud to be a member of SPE, and I look forward to many more years of membership and service.

Graduating as a Petroleum Engineer amongst only 100 in a country of a billion people was already a sign of how niche the oil industry is; Pune, India was where I had the opportunity to start my journey in the oil and gas industry. I started my career working as a drilling engineer offshore Qatar followed by moving to Denmark and working offshore Denmark and within a year I was exposed to the vast contrast this industry can have, scorching heat of the persian gulf to the cold and harsh North sea conditions. I soon settled back into the office as a Petroleum Engineer and since worked as a production engineer, Reservoir Engineer and saw different facets of this awe-inspiring industry. My 17-year career has taken me through 2 companies, 3 continents, 4 countries and countless life experiences. I met people from all parts of the world, learnt 2 new languages and it has definitely a big role in contributing to the person I am today. I am currently working as a reservoir engineer within an exploration team in Houston and learning new things every single day. I encourage the younger generations to join the energy industry as it really has been a satisfying career so far albeit with its ups and downs. Remember, every step you take in this industry contributes to global energy security and innovation. Embrace the challenges, learn continuously, and make a positive impact!