PetroStrat welcomes two bright students from Plymouth University who joined the team as part of their new summer internship programme. As a world-leading geoscience company, PetroStrat are proud to play their part in inspiring the next generation of geoscientists and nurturing young talent.

PetroStrat are excited to showcase the experiences of two bright students who have been part of the Company's team for the past three weeks. This studious pair spent a chunk of their summer break with us and gained practical, hands-on learning of the type of career they can look forward to when they complete their valuable geoscience degrees.

Bridging the gap, nurturing the next generation of geoscientists

PetroStrat's interns gained hands-on experience with their very own mini project, giving them a taste of routine workflows by studying on a real section of Jurassic core. Firstly, they learned the fundamentals of core logging, and sampling for thin sections and biostratigraphy. Following the samples on their journey through our laboratory, shadowing our experienced laboratory technicians, they gained insight into how we transform rock to slides. Next, they picked microfossils from the processed sample before moving onto learning about how we log and interpret microfossil assemblages, and how to organise and display biostratigraphic data digitally. Finally, they inspected petrographic slides, had a go on our point counting machines and had guided workshops on reservoir geology data processing and industry-standard software.

PetroStrat's internship programme was born with one simple goal: to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Following a career fair at Plymouth University last year, they were struck by the enthusiasm and curiosity of the students they met. Many were surprised to learn about the exciting career opportunities available in geoscience, particularly in biostratigraphy.

Traditionally, UK universities offered a strong foundation in biostratigraphy through MSc and funded PhD programmes. However, the closure of the MSc programme in Birmingham has had a profound effect on the number of new biostratigraphers graduating each year. As the years progress, there will be a serious skill shortage in this field.

As a world-leading employer of biostratigraphers, PetroStrat recognise the importance of nurturing young talent and want to start playing an active role in fostering a new generation of scientists.

Connor talked about what surprised him the most, something interesting he discovered during his time with us. He said;
“Before this internship, I was clueless about what geology careers existed outside the geotechnical or mining realm. I believed that those were the only options other than academia. However, seeing how PetroStrat cover such a wide variety of geologically related positions I’m fascinated at the idea of pursuing something potentially in reservoir geology consulting.“

Penny was asked about the skills and knowledge she feels she has gained during this internship. She had this to say;
“On this internship, I have learnt a range of new skills, which are going to be hugely beneficial to me in the near and far future. I have learnt how to prepare samples in the lab, how to sieve, pick and identify micro samples, how to use a range of industry level software, and how to pick count and identify minerals in thin sections using the Petrography scope. These are skills I have not yet learnt at university, but these will be hugely important for my future.”

“I also had a session in which I learnt some important CV tips and tricks from a HR point of view, as well as important things I need to remember for my dissertation, future University work and career presentations.”

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