SLS brings student and corporate leaders together

By Chris Posey

On Friday-Sunday, 16-18 September, international geophysics leaders, both future and current, joined together in group activities and problem-solving sessions, as they participated in SEG's fifth annual Student Leadership Symposium (SLS). This year's SLS, sponsored by Chevron and held in conjunction with SEG's International Exposition and 81^st Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, played host to what Chevron's Cung Vu, Principal Advisor, Earth Science, referred to as "a truly international group of future leaders in earth sciences." This group consisted of 50 students from around the world who were given the opportunity to glean wisdom from 10 members of Chevron's Senior Staff, as well as 17 members of SEG's Executive Committee and Senior Staff.

After a welcome address from Chevron geophysicist Scott Glassman, students and Chevron geophysicists engaged in a "challenge quest" group activity. Following this leadership session, six SLS student participants had the opportunity to share presentations on best practices in leadership within the geosciences industry. Presenters included:

• Cristiano Nunes, Federal University of Para, Brazil
• Julio Galindo Guerreros , Freie Universitat, Berlin, Germany
• Priyadharshini Saptharishi, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, India
• Andrew Parsekian , Rutgers University, United States
• Mihai Furnica, University of Bucharest, Romania
• Emmanuel Titus, University of Lagos, Nigeria

After the presentations were given, SLS participants sat down to share a meal with SEG Executive Committee members and SEG Senior Staff, while Cung Vu addressed the group on issues of technical leadership, business leadership, and community leadership. Vu observed that 80% of SLS participants came from outside the US as he addressed challenging issues in geophysics leadership, such as the misrepresentation of oil and gas companies within the media, and the inevitable, impending "crew change" that is already starting to occur in the oil and gas industry. Vu extolled the virtues of "strong leadership in project management, asset management, capital stewardship and…safety and environment." He promoted strong working relationships with government and local communities and encouraged student leaders to consider external stakeholders and the "impact on the people" as they would eventually conceive, construct, and execute long-term geophysical initiatives. Vu concluded with one comprehensive assertion: "the underlying key to a successful and effective earth scientist is leadership," which Vu noted is indeed an acquired skill.

Following lunch, SLS participants partook in an extensive strategic problem-solving session with SEG's Executive Committee and after that, the group adjourned for the day.

On Sunday, SLS participants and Chevron employees joined again for a scavenger hunt through the San Antonio Riverwalk. The Symposium concluded with a few words from Melissa Presson of SEG's University and Student Programs department.

View the Student Leadership Symposium photo gallery

Go to the 2011 Annual Meeting news overview