“Mentoring – Setting the scene” Post Event Report
Written by Frances Eaton, Subsea Energy Australia
On the 2nd May, 65 oil and gas industry personnel got together at an Engineers Australia premises to kickstart an industry association initiative for a collaborative mentoring program. Everyone at the workshop represented one (or more) of four key oil and gas industry associations; Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Subsea Energy Australia (SEA/WISE), Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) and Engineers Australia (EA). Each industry association is very keen to show their commitment to involve young people in the oil and gas industry and recognise the importance of attracting, retaining and developing talent for the future.
The aim of this collaborative approach is to provide young people (as mentees) with an opportunity to directly engage with experienced industry personnel (as mentors) to discuss current challenges within their early career stage and to draw upon the mentor’s experiences, expectations and suggestions.
This mentoring program provides a supportive relationship between an experienced member of the oil and gas industry and a small group of early career professionals, students but also some more mature engineers looking at broadening their expertise. Mentors encourage and provide perspectives on their profession, experience, expertise and advice to mentees. In return, mentees discuss their questions, thoughts and concerns on diverse issues related to the energy industry with their mentor and their peers in the group.
The program, initially started by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), is now in its 6th year and has grown to include over 150 participants. Every month the mentor and mentee get together to discuss challenges, set goals and monitor progress.
The Mentoring Program also consists of several workshops around soft skills and concludes with an industry networking event towards the end of the year:
- May 2018 – The Art of Taking Intelligent Risks
- June 2018 – How to Take Charge of your Career
- July 2018 – Networking Strategies
- August 2018 – Goals, Procrastination and Prioritising
- September 2018 – Negotiating for Success
- October 2018 – How to Be a Leader
- November 2018 – Network event
If you’d like to learn more or be involved in this exciting collaboration, please visit click here for contact details and updates.
The next intake of mentees and mentors will take place in early 2019.