career development

Academic research can help bridge the gap between innovation and industry. In this interview, 2026 TWA Energy Influencer Sherif Fakher, SPE, reflects on his experiences in academia, SPE, and the importance of collaboration, innovation, and rethinking waste as a resource in the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

SPE Gulf Coast Section’s Career Advancement Network successfully expanded its reach into the geosciences community at IMAGE 2026, connecting 217 job seekers with employers and demonstrating growing demand for in-person energy industry hiring events.

In this interview, Sushma Bhan, energy data, AI leader, and technical director of the SPE Data Science and Engineering Analytics Technical Section, shares lessons from 3 decades at Shell, discussing digital transformation, the future of AI in upstream operations, leadership development, and career advice for the next generation of energy professionals.

How do energy professionals stay relevant through downturns, restructuring, and technological change? Discover four pillars of personal branding that build a reputation capable of compounding across every stage of your career.

These outstanding young professionals are being celebrated for their work discovering, innovating, and sharing their knowledge, positively influencing and inspiring others.

Discover how the next generation of energy leaders is driving innovation and reshaping the future of the global energy industry in this SPE Live with 2026 SPE President Jennifer Miskimins and three young professionals, including Hitisha Dadlani, deputy editor in chief of TWA.

The 5-year multidisciplinary program will offer students the opportunity to earn a BS in engineering and an MS in business.

Brittany N. Cole offers career advice on how new graduates can avoid the “busy but ineffective” trap, prioritize high-impact work, and build strategic value in their first 90 days to accelerate long-term career growth in an AI-driven workforce.

Standing out in today’s AI-saturated job market isn’t about doing more, but about developing and communicating distinctive, thoughtful insights that make you memorable rather than just polished and competent.

Rita Okoroafor, SPE, reflects on her journey from petroleum engineering to academia, emphasizing how subsurface expertise, curiosity, and collaboration can drive innovation and support the transition to sustainable, low-carbon energy systems.