The fossil fuel industry is drilling for fresh talent.
At the Brown Distinguished Lecture on Nov. 5, Merrill A. Miller Jr., chairman, president and CEO of National Oilwell Varco, said the petroleum industry is seeking to hire young people.
"We're an industry that made some mistakes retaining people back in the '80s and early '90s," he said. "And we have a big generation gap. We're trying to fill that today."
Miller described the industry as exciting, high-tech and suited for those who like to travel.
Miller told the audience in Belin Chapel that his company, a global provider of equipment for oil and gas drilling, is looking beyond students with traditional engineering degrees and seeking those with a liberal arts background.
Dr. Mohan Kuruvilla, dean of the School of Business, said Miller's remarks echoed the view of many at the University that a liberal arts education is important.
"You've come to the right place," Kuruvilla told Miller at the end of the lecture.
Miller also explained how the petroleum industry has evolved into a high-tech industry, one that relies on advanced software and robotic equipment.
He said that National Oilwell realized early the importance of technology and took steps to increase its technological resources through mergers and acquisitions.
Over the past 10 years, National Oilwell has acquired more than 150 companies, he said. His company currently ranks 200th on the Fortune 500 list.
Miller emphasized the global scale of the oil and gas industry, predicting that energy consumption worldwide will increase thanks to developing nations such as China and India.
Miller said his company is positioning for the future, adding that he draws inspiration from the words of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, who said, "Others skate to where the puck is; I skate to where the puck is going."
"We're trying to go where the puck is going," Miller said.
Miller added that companies should not let Wall Street dictate how they run their business.
Dr. Ernest Liang, associate professor of finance, said he agreed with Miller's emphasis on planning for the future.
"Companies need to go back to the long-term view of economics instead of focusing on short-term trading opportunities," Liang said.
Throughout the lecture, Miller used industry data, screen animations and personal anecdotes to communicate his message.
"He was knowledgeable, informative and very passionate," junior Brian Capes said.
Kuruvilla added that Miller's lecture marked a milestone as it was the 25th lecture in the Brown Lecture series.
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