SES was selected to participate in this year’s two-day ExxonMobil Southeast Recruiting Short Course on “Subsurface Geology and Fluid Flow: Application in Basic Geologic Modeling”, November 6-9, 2025. This is a limited student opportunity hosted by the University of Georgia Department of Geology in Athens, GA. We were encouraged to submit resumes, transcripts and one faculty recommendation each for up to six graduate students (M.S. or Ph.D. within two years pf competing their degree) who have a strong academic background in geoscience, have a passion for science and problem solving, and have a curiosity about how geoscience is utilized in the Oil & Gas and/or Energy Transition industry. We were gratified that ExxonMobil picked three - Raegan Hepp, Matt Idzakovich, and Darren Leupp. 

The students were introduced to hydrocarbon play elements, deep water stratigraphy, and the impacts of geology on resource development. The concepts taught in this course can be applied to a variety of subsurface prediction industries, including Oil and Gas and Carbon Capture and Sequestration. Participants collaborated in several small groups with students from various other Southeast universities to create geologic interpretations of an assigned study area. The workshop culminated with a final presentation detailing each group's findings, interpretations, and conclusions. Participants were also given engaging talks about what it’s like to work at ExxonMobil and heard from employees about their academic journey and path into the industry. The ExxonMobil Short Course offered a wonderful opportunity for students to gain valuable experience with interviewing, networking with peers, and establishing a relationship with ExxonMobil that could lead to future employment.