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Developing Next Generation Petrotechnical Professionals in the Age of AI


 The most common challenge facing the oil industry in the Age of AI is talent scarcity. As digital transformation continues to redefine what it takes to work in the industry, staying relevant in the industry will require knowledge and understanding of the underlying technologies driving this transformation. It also requires a re-evaluation of how next generation petrotechnical professionals are nurtured, educated, and trained. The human talent that is needed in the Age of AI is different, and simply obtaining a science or engineering degree will no longer suffice to survive and thrive in the industry. While it is vitally important that students continue to take fundamental engineering and science courses and learn industry-specific skills, we must recognize when an existing curriculum or way of teaching and learning has either run its course or has evolved.
 This paper examines how artificial intelligence will impact the training and development of the industry's future workforce and what organizations must do to retain existing talents while at the same time developing new ones, so they are not rendered irrelevant by AI. It proposes novel ways by which practical digital transformation and energy transition technologies can be integrated into core oil and gas education and training curriculum. It also outlines various innovative ways that academic institutions can join forces with industry to educate and train technical professionals, who, right out of college are sufficiently grounded to analyze, evaluate, and communicate data findings to drive better business decisions. For students and young professionals, it lays out the roadmap to readiness, and how to thrive in a digitally transformed world, as well as several ways to robot-proof their career and stay ahead of the curve.
 The task of training industry leaders of the future is enormous, sensitive, and demanding. The ability of next generation petrotechnical professionals to succeed in the digital age, and compete in a data-centric world, depends on their ability to develop, adopt, and apply next generation skills. Having the right mix of skills is not only essential to their success, it is critical to the survival of the industry. In the Age of AI, classroom learning needs to be deemphasized and experiential learning needs to be emphasized.
 The workforce of the future will be dominated by people with analytics skills and capabilities. Preparing next generation professionals for the future of work calls for a re-evaluation, re-design and recasting of the synergy between academia and industry. Universities and industry will need to routinely intersect to create symbiosis and enhance our educational system. Success will depend on sustained partnership and collaboration, not merely shifting the problem to one another.