Ensuring the Future of the Oil and Gas Industry

The energy industry needs no crystal ball to get a glimpse into the future. In addition to upcoming projects, discoveries and technologies, oil and gas companies clearly see the immediate and long-term need for employees. A major topic of discussion at OTC 2008, the industry is undertaking a number of initiatives to encourage and ensure future generations of oil and gas employees.

Despite the rising price of oil, experts predict that the oil and gas industry will experience a void in employees in the coming years. In addition to the “Graying Workforce” phenomenon, there simply are not as many young people joining the industry.
Designed to give young professionals insight into the oil and gas industry and opportunity to grow their careers within the industry, The Next Wave held an informational session at OTC on Wednesday, May 7. Entitled “My Industry — the perspective relationships of NOCs, IOCs and Service Companies,” the meeting featured industry insight from veterans Karl Kurz, COO of Anadarko; Ryan Lance, President Exploration & Production for Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East for ConocoPhillips; and Pete Miller, Chairman, President and CEO of NOV.

The Leadership Team organizing The Next Wave program and its initiative is made up of 18 volunteer oil and gas professionals younger than 35 years old. In addition to the informational program, roundtable discussion groups were facilitated by industry experts to encourage open communication about growth within the industry. A networking reception was held after the session onsite at the OTC, as well.

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