1. Michael Gaskins ExxonMobil Exploration Company
West Africa Operations Manager
CCE – Bite of Science
March 18, 2013

2. ABOUT ME
Degree in Geology – Oklahoma State University (first in my family to go to college)
Employed by ExxonMobil ~30 years
Current position
West Africa Operations Manager
ExxonMobil Exploration Company
Married with 3 kids; youngest in high school
For the career presentations, we are envisioning a job description, and how they landed in that position. For example, college major or what experience is needed. Often what you majored in in college has nothing to do with what you are doing, so the students need to hear about how one opportunity can lead to another, etc.
Handouts are not necessary, but if you want to have them that’s fine. We have projectors in every classroom, so you will have computer access. I would recommend having something to guide the talk, a powerpoint would probably be easiest, but it is by no means a non-negotiable! Also, I would have your contact information. In case our students would like more information after the career day is over.

3. What is GEOLOGY?
Study of the Earth, the materials of which it is made, the structure of those materials, and the processes acting upon them
For the career presentations, we are envisioning a job description, and how they landed in that position. For example, college major or what experience is needed. Often what you majored in in college has nothing to do with what you are doing, so the students need to hear about how one opportunity can lead to another, etc.
Handouts are not necessary, but if you want to have them that’s fine. We have projectors in every classroom, so you will have computer access. I would recommend having something to guide the talk, a powerpoint would probably be easiest, but it is by no means a non-negotiable! Also, I would have your contact information. In case our students would like more information after the career day is over.

4. What does a geologist do?
Study the physical aspects & history of the earth
Analyze seismic information to identify the location of oil, natural gas, minerals, and underground water
Study, preserve, and clean up the environment
Examine chemical and physical properties of specimens in laboratories
May study fossil remains of animal and plant life
Use two or three-dimensional computer modeling to portray geologic layers
Apply geological knowledge to engineering problems in constructing large buildings, dams, tunnels, and highways
For the career presentations, we are envisioning a job description, and how they landed in that position. For example, college major or what experience is needed. Often what you majored in in college has nothing to do with what you are doing, so the students need to hear about how one opportunity can lead to another, etc.
Handouts are not necessary, but if you want to have them that’s fine. We have projectors in every classroom, so you will have computer access. I would recommend having something to guide the talk, a powerpoint would probably be easiest, but it is by no means a non-negotiable! Also, I would have your contact information. In case our students would like more information after the career day is over.

5. Current Assignment What do I do?
Exploration - West Africa Operations Manager
Evaluate geologic opportunities in the West Africa region in the pursuit of new Oil and Gas deposits
Evaluate seismic / geologic data
Identify and drill prospects;
evaluate economic potential
Maintain relationships with
partners and governments
Travel, learn new cultures
For the career presentations, we are envisioning a job description, and how they landed in that position. For example, college major or what experience is needed. Often what you majored in in college has nothing to do with what you are doing, so the students need to hear about how one opportunity can lead to another, etc.
Handouts are not necessary, but if you want to have them that’s fine. We have projectors in every classroom, so you will have computer access. I would recommend having something to guide the talk, a powerpoint would probably be easiest, but it is by no means a non-negotiable! Also, I would have your contact information. In case our students would like more information after the career day is over.

6. Past Assignments
Began my career in Oklahoma City, OK working the Midcontinent and Rocky Mountain areas of the US
Moved to Houston, worked Texas, Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf Coast
Worked Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and the Caspian Region
Moved to London, England as Manager over Russian exploration activities
Returned to Houston, Manager over our US production geology activities
Currently Manager of our exploration activities across West Africa

7. Path College degree in geology or geophysics Skills Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree may be needed for some jobs
Skills
Solid background in mathematics, chemistry and physics
Effective oral and written communication skills
Computer modeling, data processing
Ability to think independently and creatively
It is impossible to see inside the earth so geologists leverage other sciences & techniques to predict what lies below the surface of the earth – explain to others why this is important

8. Plate Tectonics Demonstration

9. Questions?