“Pouring My Cup into Yours” or What to Expect in Your Career
Wayne Hamilton, CPG-06833
Thirty-four years ago, I was wonder- ing what the “real world” would be like and what my first job might be. Now that I’ve retired from Shell Oil Company, my thirty-four years of geological and environmental experience has produced many lessons I’d like to share with stu- dents who are starting a professional career. These are things I’ve learned over the course of my career that will help you enhance your career so you’ll be all you can be.
Lessons Learned
It takes about nine months to under- stand a new job and contribute in a meaningful way. Be patient, but work hard. The nine month rule-of-thumb is needed to understand the people, processes, and organization and then you’ll add value.
Develop your career with a blend of office and field work. In particu- lar understand the operations that you are supporting. As a consultant or employee, what problem are you trying to help your client or customer solve? For example, it might be a company issue or regulatory compli- ance, but understand the technical requirements and how they are car- ried out in the field. My early mentor recommended two weeks in the office and one week in the field. A good rule of thumb to apply field learning in the office.
Be an expert, the “go to person.” Develop a reputation as the person to ask about a particular technical subject. Air, groundwater, reclama- tion, geotechnical, soils, assessment, restoration, etc. Keep aware of current applications and thinking in your favorite practice area. One way to develop expertise is become a journal editor. You learn from reading techni- cal articles and get feedback from the lead editor.
Support your team. Most consult- ing and operations requires you to work with a diversity of disciplines. So reply quickly to email. Give easily understood answers to those outside your field. Don’t try to impress with technical jargon, it is the simple and
clearly articulated answers that get you a pay raise or promotion.
Greatest opportunities are between the disciplines. For exam- ple, understand the legal, land, safety, and engineering fields. Those who can apply their trade to other disciplines and help them solve their issues or make better decisions are those who will grow in their profession.
Learn how to sell an idea. We all sell constantly, even though as geolo- gists we desire decisions based on the scientific approach. But too often I’ve seen good ideas die because the person did not posses the writing and verbal skills to sell their recommended direc- tion. Become involved in groups like Toastmasters to improve your speak- ing and leadership skills. Learning to convey and sell ideas will pay out, over and over again.
Information technology has changed dramatically in 34 years. It will continue to change, so invest in yourself and buy quality computers, phones, pads and learn how to use them. Understanding and staying current with technology will make you more efficient and effective.
Learn personal finance. Your gen- eration will probably not have pension programs. But no generation has had guarantees. So don’t worry about that. Learn about personal investing in mutual funds, IRA, 401K, and all the saving programs. Learn how to take care of yourself financially. I’ve men- tored many in my company, several with PhDs from the best schools in the country, and not one had an hour of instruction in personal finance. I know you are broke now and money is not on your radar. But learn about per- sonal finance as your career advances.
Learn to ride the business waves or cycles. The oil and gas boom we are in will change. I’m not a prophet, and don’t know what the future will bring. So follow the business you are in, the price of the produced product. This also applies to regulators and government workers. I’ve seen regu- lators laid off, when industries went
away. Be aware of your business sur- roundings.
Blindsided by a sinking business. Yes, you’ll be impacted by several down cycles in your career, and either be asked to leave or forced out. Don’t let that make you bitter. You decide on how to respond to business cycles. Learn from what happened, start again, and move on.
Globalization is a reality. My expense statement was processed in India and contractor paid by staff in Malaysia. Don’t complain about this, accept that they work cheaper than us, so you’ll have to do a better job to get higher pay.
Get certified as a professional. Even if it costs you money and time, do it. You want professional credentials. Plan to take the required tests and when you have the years of experience become a credentialed professional.
Personal development. Learn how to speak before an audience and write concisely. Practice working with people and leading. There are a wealth of books and podcasts to help you grow. Start now with free podcasts on speaking, writing, and leading.
Learn how to stand out. I started learning how to play the guitar and sing when I was 37 years old. I changed words to common songs and sang about the team I was on. This made me known---so do something that fits your skills and competency that makes you standout.
Start your own business. This is one way to learn a tremendous amount about your field and possibly build wealth for your future. Some of you should be geological entrepreneurs. Start learning now about how the real world functions through your early jobs. Your experiences and training will serve you well if you choose to pursue your own business.
Finally, I have a presentation that I’d love to deliver to your geology depart- ment based on the above concepts as they related to my career. Please email me at
wayne.hamilton1@gmail.com if you are interested in scheduling me to speak.
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