The first few years after college can be a big shock. While it is exciting to work with a team, and the pace of drilling and new projects can be exhiliarating, after a year or so, you may start to feel that you’re starting to become a bit isolated. It’s not that you’re physically isolated — it’s more an issue of breadth of vision and knowledge, and the constant challenge to keep up to date with the “big picture.”

Another challenge is that fact that you may not have time to develop the skill level you need or knowledge of the formations / reservoirs, etc.

There are many ways to overcome the sense of isolation, and to remedy the knowledge and skills gap. Here are a few: e-symposia, short courses, online resources, shared knowledge networks / repositories (such as Search & Discovery), certificate programs, informal presentations, and applied science workshops (such as the AAPG Geosciences Technology Workshops).

The key to gaining a deep understanding is to combine application and relationships. Find people with whom you can discuss the topics, and, if possible, develop a mentor relationship. These can be informal as well as formal.

In the meantime, sign up for all kinds of courses and workshops — and continue to develop your networks / lifelines.