Aided by the organization, I have attended more than 10 conferences for petroleum engineering students both internationally and within the continental U.S. through ticket sponsorships and opportunities to present. These chances gave me an invaluable platform to learn and present my skills while also meeting former students and professionals who have inspired me to excel in my discipline.

In addition to this, the SPE student chapter at Texas A&M (TAMU-SPE) affords all its members opportunities to learn skill sets one cannot gain from classrooms, whether through resumé reviews, mock interviews, oil and gas career fairs, industry-relevant software training events or even social events, to name a few. In fact, our chapter organized more than 20 such events for all affiliated students during fall 2021, notwithstanding all the restrictions that came with the pandemic raging amongst us. These types of events can present valuable internship and job opportunities to students. 

The chapter also provides its members with leadership experience through officer positions and directorships that open annually. I was elected the graduate student representative of the TAMU-SPE for 2021-22 after I served on other committees in the organization. I have tried to use this opportunity to continue the valuable work done by previous student leaders of this organization. My aim has always been to keep the morale high among the student community despite the challenges brought about by the recent downturn in the oil and gas sector. 

I can only hope that students continue to recognize how pivotal any student organization can play in their development from my experience, and I wish the TAMU-SPE chapter a great future in continuing their valuable work.