Alan Alexeyev: Tell us a little bit about your current (or latest) position and what you do.
Alex Ofoeze: I am a petroleum engineer for an independent E&P company with operations in the northern Delaware Basin. I am currently responsible for our midstream assets. One of my major roles is to maximize its efficiency by designing and modifying midstream facilities, implementing maintenance programs, carrying out inspections, and troubleshooting any operational problems that may arise. In addition, I work closely with governmental agencies, particularly the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Texas Railroad Commission to make sure that the relevant safety and environmental regulations are followed as well as the necessary permits for new projects or expansions are obtained.
Another crucial part of my work is to ensure the accurate measurement and accounting of hydrocarbon production. This involves choosing the most suitable instruments, like flow meters, and ensuring their calibration and accuracy. I develop and implement measurement procedures and protocols to satisfy industry standards and regulations. Additionally, I analyze measurement data to identify trends, deviations, and irregularities and work with the production, operation, and accounting departments to resolve any problem and make sure an accurate production volume is being reported. Accuracy is crucial. A wise man once told me that the “flow meter is like a cash register, and the engineers are the cashiers.
AA: What inspired you to start a career in the oil and gas industry? How did you decide to become a petroleum engineer?
AO: Growing up, I have always wanted to become an engineer. From a young age, I always had a constant curiosity about how things work and enjoyed tackling complex challenges. The oil and gas industry sparked my interest after high school. I was fascinated by the intricacies of the subsurface of the Earth and the potential of tapping on its resources to power the world.
I was captivated by the petroleum engineering field as I explored potential career paths because it offers a combination of technical difficulties, innovation, and practical applications. The possibility of being involved in projects whose output is not only energy production, but also environmental sustainability and infrastructure development is what really excites me.
AA: How do you see the oil and gas industry in the short, mid, and long term in the U.S. and around the world?
AO: It seems like the future of the oil and gas industry is at a point of transition resulting from a rather complicated interplay of factors. On the one hand, this sector is still the most significant of all the energy sources, with the demand for energy being strong, particularly in developing countries. On the other hand, the increasing focus on environmental sustainability, green alternatives to energy sources, and global efforts to combat carbon emissions are presenting a great deal of challenges. The industry is probably going to be a journey that will be a dynamic one as cleaner technologies will be used, operations will be made more efficient, and the environmental consciousness will be furthered. The resilient oil and gas sector will be shaped by strategic adaptation, innovation, and a balance between current energy needs and long-term sustainability goals. This will be pivotal in determining how the oil and gas sector evolves in the coming years.
AA: The oil and gas industry has tons of conferences and events. Have you attended any of them? If so, how useful do you find them and what’s your takeaway from them?
AO: Yes, I had the privilege of attending the 2021 Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE) in Dubai, and it was a truly valuable experience. The ATCE is one of the well-known events in the oil and gas industry, and it gathers people from all over the world who are experts in the field to share their experiences and innovations. During the ATCE, I was fortunate to attend sessions spanning multiple technical areas of petroleum engineering. I was also privileged to attend a massive exhibition where the most recent technologies, products, and services from top enterprises in the industry were on display. Networking was the best part of the conference for me, where I interacted with my peers, colleagues, and industry leaders in the field. In a nutshell, it was a splendid and insightful one.
AA: What advice do you provide to students who have an interest in the oil and gas industry? Should they pursue a career during these constant downturns?
AO: I would suggest being updated on industry trends, market dynamics, and geopolitical factors which have an impact in the oil and gas sector. Grasping the wider context will serve as a guide to take well-informed choices in your career.
Acquire a broad skill set that includes not only technical skills specific to the oil and gas industry but also transferable skills such as data analysis, project management, and problem-solving. This, in turn, provides you with the skill to adapt to different job market conditions. Acquaint yourself with the upcoming technologies in the field, too, including artificial intelligence and digitalization. Having these skills can enhance your competitiveness.
Develop a professional network by attending industry events, joining the relevant internet forums, and linking up with professionals in the field. Networking can provide useful information, guidance, and potential job opportunities.
Lastly, you should cultivate a flexible and resilient mindset. The industry is cyclical, and downturns are a natural part of its economic cycle. Being resilient and adaptable to changing circumstances is a valuable trait. While downturns can be challenging, they are often followed by periods of recovery and growth. Think about your career trajectory with a focus on both short-term opportunities and long-term goals.
AA: How valuable was the university experience, and did it help you in the workplace where you meet people with diverse backgrounds?
AO: The university experience was immensely valuable in shaping both my professional skills and interpersonal abilities, particularly in navigating diverse environments. Academically, my petroleum engineering education provided me with a solid foundation in the technical aspects of the industry.
Beyond academics, the university environment exposed me to a diverse community of students and faculty from various cultural, socioeconomic, and academic backgrounds. Interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds and with different opinions not only developed my own intellectual potential but also made me ready for the multicultural and dynamic environment most companies in the oil and gas industry have.
AA: How did you find the transition from an academic environment to an industry/corporate one? What would you tell people who are about to make such a transition?
AO: The transition from an academic environment to the industry/corporate world was certainly a significant and sometimes challenging experience, but ultimately one filled with growth and learning opportunities. One of the biggest changes that I noticed was the transition from a structured and theoretical learning environment to a dynamic and practical working situation. Although academia gave me a firm hold of the fundamental knowledge of technicalities and the ability to solve complex problems, I quickly realized the fact that the practical application of these skills in real-world situations and dealing with a multitude of professional challenges is equally important and necessary.
My recommendation to students who also want to undergo this transition is to have a proactive mindset, a readiness to learn, and a determination to establish relations and adapt to change.
Alan is a graduate from the University of North Dakota with a Master's degree in Petroleum Engineering. He previously earned his BA in Mathematics from the University of Houston and a BS in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Wyoming. Alan is an active SPE member and has presented at petroleum conferences and exhibitions.
- Alan Alexeyevhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/alan-alexeyev/
- Alan Alexeyevhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/alan-alexeyev/
- Alan Alexeyevhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/alan-alexeyev/
- Alan Alexeyevhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/alan-alexeyev/
- Alan Alexeyevhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/alan-alexeyev/
- Alan Alexeyevhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/alan-alexeyev/
Oil and gas operations are commonly found in remote locations far from company headquarters. Now, it's possible to monitor pump operations, collate and analyze seismic data, and track employees around the world from almost anywhere. Whether employees are in the office or in the field, the internet and related applications enable a greater multidirectional flow of information – and control – than ever before.