Tecpetrol’s university talks give students the chance to hear directly from people working in the industry. Technology, career opportunities and the chance to contribute to large-scale projects in Argentina with a global reach are among the things future graduates value most.

For students considering a career in energy, one of the biggest questions is what working on a major project is actually like. Tecpetrol’s university outreach program is designed to give them a clearer picture, with a program of visits and talks that bring students in different universities face to face with people working across the business.

“We want students to get a real sense of what the energy industry is like, the challenges people deal with every day and how what they learn at university translates into large-scale projects,” says Felipe Harriague, Talent Attraction Manager.

The talks are part of an ongoing relationship with universities and other educational institutions, creating opportunities for students to ask the Tecpetrol team questions and learn more about different career paths. After the sessions, 86% of participants said they would be interested in working at Tecpetrol.

“What students value most is being able to talk directly to people who are already working in the industry, hear about real experiences and understand what the day-to-day job is actually like,” Harriague adds. “The Q&A sessions are usually very lively, and they give us a good sense of what students want to learn more about and where their interests lie.”

The students’ perspective: technology, learning and global opportunities

Feedback collected after the talks highlighted what the next generation most values about Tecpetrol. Most of the participants pointed to the chance to keep learning, grow professionally and build a long-term career with the company. As one University of Buenos Aires (UBA) student put it: “What stands out to me are the opportunities for interns and young professionals, the ongoing training and the chance to work from Buenos Aires on projects in other countries.”

Technology and innovation also came through as major draws. “I’m interested in the way the company plans and how quickly it adapts to new technologies,” said a student from the Buenos Aires Institute of Technology (ITBA). “I feel I’d not only gain valuable work experience, but also a much deeper understanding of the industry.”

Focusing on the strategic skills the industry will need

Harriague says Tecpetrol focuses on disciplines linked to engineering, geosciences, technology, data and other areas that are important to the company’s current and future operations. The aim is also to connect with students whose skills and interests are closely aligned with where the energy industry is heading.

During the last year, the company’s engagement agenda encompassed various initiatives through Over the past year, more than 600 students took part in Tecpetrol’s university activities. At UBA, the company held targeted sessions with students from Petroleum Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems and Data Analysis. At ITBA, Tecpetrol gave presentations to Petroleum Engineering students and took part in the national TRAMA event, which brought together students from across Argentina. At the Argentine University of Enterprise (UADE), the team also held technical sessions with Systems students

Hands-on learning and what’s coming next

Tecpetrol’s university outreach will continue with more hands-on activities, field visits and opportunities to connect with the industry in real settings.

From October 13 to 16, the Annual Congress of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) will take place in Neuquén, bringing together Petroleum Engineering students. Ricardo Ferreiro, President E&P, and María Laura García, Chief Human Resources Officer, will both take part as speakers.

Two visits to Fortín de Piedra are also planned for October, giving engineering students from different disciplines the chance to see the operation up close.