Explorer Mike Daly turns tutor for a day
BP’s most senior explorer Dr Mike Daly, has been back to the classroom at Oxford University’s Department of Earth Sciences
The executive vice president for exploration offered third year students a geological overview of sedimentary basins and their origin, how oil and gas are formed and how to spot the characteristics of rock formations where oil and gas accumulations might be found. The lectures were alternated with practical work in small groups, interpreting regional seismic profiles from the North Sea and Alaska.
For the students, it was an insight into how the oil industry works and how their studies can have real world application. They appreciated the use of real data and said they benefited from a professional perspective.
“If we go into the industry, this is what we’ll be doing. It’s helpful to have an insight into a potential career,” said student Adam Robinson. Fellow third year Rob Flanders agreed said: I’m impressed and grateful that BP have come to talk to us.” Stephanie Jury added: “My course is very research based so it is good to see how what we know can be applied. Today has given me an idea of the paths you can take following your degree.”
The undergraduates at Oxford enjoy a short series of professional seminars from different company representatives throughout the year. Undergraduate Anders Ebbesen said he found BP’s particularly engaging: “They’re nice people on a personal level and willing to help and teach us. You get the idea that they’re there to help you progress.”
“If we go into the industry, this is what we’ll be doing. It’s helpful to have an insight into a potential career,” said student Adam Robinson. Fellow third year Rob Flanders agreed said: I’m impressed and grateful that BP have come to talk to us.” Stephanie Jury added: “My course is very research based so it is good to see how what we know can be applied. Today has given me an idea of the paths you can take following your degree.”
The undergraduates at Oxford enjoy a short series of professional seminars from different company representatives throughout the year. Undergraduate Anders Ebbesen said he found BP’s particularly engaging: “They’re nice people on a personal level and willing to help and teach us. You get the idea that they’re there to help you progress.”
Daly said he enjoys his time in the lecture hall and views it as both a way for BP to share some of its technical ability in exploration and as a way of encouraging potential talent to join the industry.
He was impressed at the standard of Oxford’s fledgling geologists: “I think it's important that the more senior you are, the more you question what your real job is. One aspect is replacing a company's capability, so getting involved with students and maintaining academic links are crucial. There are some very intuitive students here.” The Exploration division spends two or three days each year providing industry-specific expertise to students in the USA and UK. Engaging with universities in this way has advantages for BP as the company draws new talent from leading universities.
However, he says the lectures are not simply a method of enlisting new talent: “this is an academic asset in its own right and I enjoy preparing and delivering these seminars.”
He was impressed at the standard of Oxford’s fledgling geologists: “I think it's important that the more senior you are, the more you question what your real job is. One aspect is replacing a company's capability, so getting involved with students and maintaining academic links are crucial. There are some very intuitive students here.” The Exploration division spends two or three days each year providing industry-specific expertise to students in the USA and UK. Engaging with universities in this way has advantages for BP as the company draws new talent from leading universities.
However, he says the lectures are not simply a method of enlisting new talent: “this is an academic asset in its own right and I enjoy preparing and delivering these seminars.”
