Speed networking at Curtin University

RISC hosted a Speed Networking Event at Curtin University on the 25 May 2016, attended by over 50 Curtin University students and eight RISC employees.

The event involved RISC staff engaging with students to share their experiences of the oil and gas industry over their working careers. Students were able to interact with the RISC staff in small groups of 4-5 and pursue quite intimate discussion around issues ranging from interview technique and managing career development, to medium and long term prognosis for the sector, emerging technologies and the type of professional that will be required in the future. Despite the current turbulence in the oil and gas industry, there was great positivity and energy among the group which bodes well for the standard of emerging professionals and ultimately future leaders in our sector.

RISC sees these events as passing on its legacy to today’s graduates, recognising they are the future of the industry, and is pleased that this event continues to deepen the established relationship it has Curtin University.

Feedback from students

“The recent RISC Speed Networking Event was a fantastic opportunity for students to converse with leading professionals of the industry we are hoping to enter upon completing university. The small group structure allowed for detailed discussions to occur and valuable advice to be given from one generation of Oil & Gas Industry experts to the next generation of engineering professionals.”

Brendan Farrell
Final Year Chemical Engineering Student, Oil and Gas Stream
Curtin University

“It was fantastic to speak to the calibre of industry representative that RISC brought to the event. Usually at networking events we meet current graduates, which is great, however discussing a 10-30 year career gives us a different perspective. The advice given on job applications, resume writing and interviews was extremely valuable coming from leaders of the industry. I will definitely attend any events hosted by Curtin University and RISC in the future.”

Joshua Patat
Final Year Chemical Engineering Student
Curtin University

“I really appreciated the opportunity to engage with leaders in the oil and gas field. I particularly enjoyed discussing the presenters’ careers; how they progressed, the parts they enjoyed, the roles that challenged them, and why they think they were suited to particular positions. The ‘big picture’ work that Joe highlighted as a feature of consultancy has really sparked an interest for me in pursuing this type of career. I’d like to really thank RISC for a thought stimulating event, and I hope they can continue this work into the future!”

Elliot McPhail
Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical), Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
Curtin University

“It was a great opportunity to network with, listen to and learn from very successful and knowledgeable oil & gas professionals. It was a very well run session, with every member of RISC bringing their own unique and very helpful advice on beginning a career in the oil & gas industry, and what they found most beneficial in creating an interesting and rewarding career. I can definitely say that I walked away from the session having learnt a new perspective of the vast possibilities that a career in oil & gas can bring, and appreciate how open and genuine the RISC team were in answering queries and offering advice.”

Damon O’Brien
Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical)
Curtin University