Kevin Austin Mize – Petroleum Engineer
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EDUCATION:
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My favorite class in college was the senior project during my final semester. It was rewarding to see how all the different pieces of geologic and lab data could be put together in a computer in order to run a reservoir simulation. I also loved the "Wellbore Mechanics and Managed Pressure Drilling" class I took as a technical elective. It goes in-depth into the latest drilling techniques created to target previously undrillable formations. The SPE-GCS scholarship helped my financial situation immensely. Also, the fact that it is spread over 4 years and requires you to get above a 3.0 each semester is a great motivator to work hard and get good grades. I always knew I wanted to do Petroleum Engineering, so I wouldn't really say that the SPE scholarship helped to shape my career choice, it just made it easier to achieve my degree. My advice to students is to make sure you approach college with the right mindset. You are there to get an education. SPE-GCS is giving you a golden opportunity to help better yourself - don't waste it by getting poor grades or getting caught up in partying. There are extensive resources on campus, and the greatest skill you can learn in college is to become reliant on yourself for your learning and ultimate success. Whether that means putting in long hours at the library by yourself during the weekend, attending office hours, going to tutoring, making a group of friends to study with, or a combination of all of them; success or failure depends on your level of discipline and willingness to grind through the hard work. And there will be hard work - tons of it. Don't overload yourself either. It is better to take fewer classes if it means getting better grades. You will have a lot of freedom in college, but that is also freedom to mess up. Don't skip classes. Make school a priority, and all the freedom of college will be more enjoyable knowing you have your act together. I am currently still looking for a full-time position as a petroleum engineer. Contact me at mize-k@sbcglobal.net.