On 1 September 2015, AAPG – ITB – Student Chapter held an informative talk presented by Robert C. Shoup, past DPA (Department of Professional Affairs) and current House of Delegates Chair. Students learned and were exposed to several different points on career development and leadership.

In his introduction, Bob drew an overview for students to survive against low oil prices that squeezed job availability for fresh graduates and suggested ways on how to be prepared for it. This talk was facilitated by the Indonesian Petroleum Association Bob's first take home messages to the students was to always have a backup plan or plan B and to build networking throughout your career. These messages could be useful to both who are entering academia or those seeking to join the oil and gas industry.

As the core module started, Bob explained the concept of Black Belt ethics that actually comes from practitioners of many of the Korean martial arts such as tae kwon do and karate; who adhere to a code of honor. An integral part of martial arts training includes learning the tenants of that code of honor. Black Belt Ethics examines the various tenets that define the martial artist’s code of honor.

During the talk, Bob reviewed each of these tenets and discussed how they can be applied in our personal and professional lives. Students enthusiastically examined tenets of respect, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, courage and community. Mastery of each tenet allows them to move toward their own Black Belt in Ethics.

In conclusion, he underlined Individuals and corporations that adhere to these tenets. They are not only highly respected, they are also generally quite successful. So if you are interested in learning how to live by the highest standards of professionalism and improve your chances of being successful, you should consider earning your Black Belt in Ethics.

Article written by Febri Adriandi and Grandika S. Primadani