--> Abstract: Two Blueprints to Follow During Career Transitions, by Dean Clark; #90914(2000)

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Dean Clark1
(1) Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Tulsa, OK

Abstract: Two blueprints to follow during career transitions

Economic and technological changes will regularly alter (often profoundly) the professional lives of earth scientists in the new millennium. That is, to be sure, unsettling. However, two blueprints exist which detail "what you should avoid" and "what might get you through until the next boom" when the inevitable comes.

The first blueprint is easily obtained at any first-class bookstore. It is the famous play "Death of a Salesman" which provides, almost certainly unintentionally, a very complete description of exactly what NOT to do when professionally dislocated by factors beyond your control.

The second blueprint is somewhat trickier. It is being currently assembled by the professional societies (particularly AAPG, SEG, and SPE) as they cull case histories from members who have survived (and often thrived) downsizings in the past. Several of these stories, and the lessons they teach, will be discussed. Ironically, it turns out that the cyclical history of oil prices, and the resultant ups and downs in the fortunes of petroleum-oriented geoscientists, will probably be a major advantage for them in the 21st century.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90914©2000 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana