On last Friday (3April 2009) I visited Sindh University Jamshoro, Pakistan on the invitation of Dr Safraz Solongi, Director of the Center of the Pure and Applied Geology. During this visit I delivered a lecture : ”Career as Petroleum Geoscientist, New in oil Industry, what you need to know. How to prepare yourself ”. This visit was very interesting and meaningful, not only for me but to the students and faculty members as well.
A wonderful experience; first, I was superbly hosted by University and provide fantastic accommodation to me and my family. Secondly, before the lecture I gave a short test to the senior students of Geology which was simply done to evaluate the present thinking trends among students about petroleum and about their current affairs knowledge that are one way or other affecting our lives and economies of the country. ( OPEC role, oil price, world reserves, export of oil etc)
At this point I also discussed about student membership in American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and describe the benefits of its members. Sindh University is presently having a student Chapter of Pakistan Association of Petroleum Geoscientist (PAPG ) an affiliated organization with AAPG since 1994.
About 100 students and 15 members from Geology faculty attended the lecture including very able Professor Dr Perveen Usmani (top formanifera micropaleontologist) and Dr Solangi (reknown top sedimentologist and director of the center).
Many intriguing questions were asked by students and faculty members about petroleum geology, business side of the petroleum and future career prospects for students in country and else where. I sincerely hope that Sindh University will play a key role in boosting geological education in the country and will provide good research opportunities to the petroleum, agriculture and civil engineering industry through their well equipped state of the art laboratories.
Dr and Mrs Solanagi also arranged a very fine dinner and lunch for which I am very grateful for their warm hospitality and all the care he gave during my visit. Before the lecture, in lines with local tradition, a Sindhi Ajrak (a red and black shawl of cotton of local tradition) was presented whereas at the end of lecture a Shield of the Sindh University was given to me as well. Appreciating my hosts kindness I have also given couple of gifts to Dr Solanagi and Dr Perveen Usmani.
Sindh University is one of the six universities of Pakistan where Geology is being taught and their graduates have been serving in all sectors of geological industry and Petroleum sector.
I wish for Center of Geology, University of Sindh Jamshor all the best in their efforts for education and research.
SYED TARIQ HASANY
Consulting Services G & G Team Leader
Schlumberger
Almaty, Kazakhstan