Presented by I Gusti Ngurah Pandu Wijaya at Innovation Hub #03 x Special Class 2.0 SPE Java Indonesia Section x SPE SC Universitas Pertamina, December 7th, 2024.

Am I ready to take on the real world?

Every great career begins with a dream. For many students, the classroom feels like the perfect launchpad—an environment filled with knowledge, supportive classmate, and the promise of endless possibilities. Yet, as the day of graduation approaches, the question looms larger: Am I ready to take on the real world?

Current energy trends in Indonesia (2024)

In the oil and gas industry, the leap from academia to industry can feel daunting. Technical challenges, rapidly evolving trends, and the pressure to keep up with innovations like CCS/CCUS, AI/ML, Deepwater technology, etc make the transition seem overwhelming.

But what if there was a roadmap to guide you? A way to turn classroom knowledge into industry impact? This is the story of how students can navigate their path to a fulfilling career in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.

The Reality Check

As students, we spend years mastering the theory—poring over textbooks, completing assignments, and acing exams. Yet, the first day on the job often feels like stepping into a foreign world.

Field Development Activities

Imagine this: you’re fresh out of university, equipped with knowledge of petroleum engineering. But the reality of working on reserves estimation, production forecasting, and uncertainties of infill well development hits you harder than you anticipated. You quickly realize that success in the industry demands more than theoretical understanding; it requires adaptability, teamwork, and a deep sense of purpose.

Many young professionals struggle with imposter syndrome, feeling unprepared despite years of education. The question becomes: How can students bridge this gap and find their footing in such a competitive field?

Finding your IKIGAI & SWOT Analysis

Here’s the good news: the journey may be challenging, but it’s far from impossible. The key lies in preparation, skill-building, finding your ikigai—a Japanese concept meaning "reason for being." dan mapping your SWOT Analysis.

Japanese Concept "IKIGAI"

Your ikigai is where your passion, skills, societal needs, and the opportunities for growth intersect. Career is a prolonged journey. Ensure that you possess sufficient fuel (e.g. something what you love) to reach your ultimate destination.

SWOT Analysis and Strengthsfinder 34

A simple SWOT analysis, identifying your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats can help you chart your career path. Think about your skills—technical and soft—and how you can sharpen them.

Embrace More Skills and Having Growth Mindset

Skill Shaped based on Breadth and Depth

Success in this field requires both hard and soft skills. Develop your technical expertise while nurturing skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Remember, the more versatile you are, the more valuable you become. Having more than one deep skills, making you have more competitive advantage than others.

For a student aspiring to enter the oil and gas industry, this could mean:

• Leveraging classroom knowledge in a real-world context through internships or projects.

• Building hard skills in areas like AI/ML, CCS/CCUS, or unconventional resource exploration.

• Developing soft skills like communication, adaptability, and teamwork.

• Staying curious and committed to lifelong learning.

Practical steps include joining industry organizations like the SPE Java Indonesia Section, participating in data science hackathons or Petrobowl or case study competitions, and networking with professionals who’ve successfully navigated the same path.

My Career Journey

(1) College life (2) Practical Work at BP (3) MWD engineer at Halliburton (4) Assistant trainer of Prof. Sudjati Rachmat (5) Well Surveillance Eng. at VICO (6) Reservoir Engineer at VICO (7) Petroleum/Reservoir Engineer at Pertamina Hulu Indonesia.

Every journey has its milestones. For me, it started with my first role as an MWD engineer. Each subsequent step—whether as a reservoir engineer, development planning analyst, or my current position as a Senior Subsurface Operation dan Data Analytics—taught me invaluable lessons.

The roles were diverse, the challenges immense, but one truth remained constant: every experience added to my toolkit, shaping me into the professional I am today. By embracing opportunities, tackling challenges head-on, and aligning my career with my ikigai, I was able to find fulfillment in an industry that continues to evolve.

Practical Tips for students (and maybe for first jobber)

Be Prepared for the journey!

The journey won’t always be smooth, but perseverance is key. Be sincere, be authentic, and surround yourself with a supportive environment. Seek out mentors and never stop learning.

Your career is a journey, not a sprint. There will be challenges, detours, and moments of self-doubt. But with the right mindset, preparation, and guidance, every step will bring you closer to your goals.

Remember, the classroom is just the beginning. Your career is what you make of it, and the best time to start is now.