2025 SPE CTCE STUDENT DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT

Step into one of the key centers of the Caspian energy region and join outstanding students from across the area for an inspiring three-day journey of learning, professional development, and networking. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Baku’s modern skyline and historic Old City, this year’s Student Development Summit offers a unique opportunity to explore the energy sector up close while experiencing the rich culture and innovation of Azerbaijan.

Since its inception in 2005, the Young Members Activities series has grown rapidly in size, global representation and importance, offering a business platform for experts, researchers and leaders of the oil and gas industry to network, recruit and share technical and industrial information with high school and university students. SPE continues to play an important role in spreading the word and educating students on the latest technologies and give extraordinary examples from major companies within the oil and gas industry.

The Student Development Summit is a premier, transformative experience for top undergraduate students from Russia and the Caspian Region studying geosciences and engineering. Over the course of the Summit, participants will gain hands-on insights, sharpen their technical and professional skills, and engage directly with leaders and innovators shaping the energy industry.

More than just a learning opportunity, the Summit is a platform to connect with like-minded peers, exchange ideas, and build a network that spans the region. Designed to inspire, educate, and empower, the event encourages students to take an active role in the future of energy, equipping them with the tools and confidence to become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

The three-day Summit, held alongside CTCE, includes a combination of workshops, technical sessions, networking opportunities, and cultural experiences:

• Technical and Professional Skills Sessions: Attend presentations and interactive workshops led by industry professionals.
• Networking with Industry Leaders: Meet and engage with experienced professionals and potential employers.
• Team Projects and Presentations: Collaborate on group activities and present solutions to real-world challenges.
• Field and/or Cultural Visits: Experience the industry first-hand with site visits to local energy companies or a visit to local sites of cultural significance.
• CTCE Exhibition: Explore the exhibition and learn about the latest technologies shaping the oil and gas sector.

Below is an example of a 3-day agenda.  The 2025 agenda may differ.

Day 1 – Professional Development Summit Sessions and CTCE Conference & Exhibition
Opening sessions of CTCE and Executive Plenary, followed by SDS opening ceremony, workshops and sessions focusing on leadership, communication, and networking. Access to technical sessions, panels, and the exhibition with a full delegate pass.

Day 2 – Field and/or Cultural Visits
Experience the industry first-hand with site visits to local energy companies and/or a visit to local sites of cultural significance.

Day 3 – Team Presentations and Awards
Student teams will present their projects to an industry panel. Top teams will receive awards recognizing their work and collaboration.

Sections with the support of University Faculty Advisors will nominate students who should meet all of the criteria below. In general, the nominated students should be top-performing students – those who have shown excellence in leadership, participation in extracurricular activities, as well as academic performance. Students in their senior years of study (3rd or final year) tend to benefit more from this type of programme as they are about to enter the professional world. Our aim is to host students who excel in a variety of areas, not solely based on academic grading. 

Minimum criteria include:

• Current SPE student member.
• Enrolled in an undergraduate programme focused on geosciences and engineering.
• Part of a qualified SPE Student Chapter from within the Russia and Caspian Region.
• Be within the top 40% of their class and be able to demonstrate this with documentation.
• Be active with extra-curricular activities – for example, should have in the past or currently be involved with the SPE chapter or volunteer with another organization/club within the university.
• Must be nominated by their sponsoring section.
• Students should also be aware of current sanction laws which may not allow them to participate in this event. Details of current laws can be found here: https://www.spe.org/en/about/laws/

We aim to host students who demonstrate a combination of academic, professional, and leadership excellence. Senior-year students are encouraged to participate as they are preparing to enter the professional workforce.

Section Officers will be contacted via email once nominations open. 

Students may be given a project prior to the summit or at the summit, where they will have to work together in a group to develop. Grouping will be done by SPE staff and committee so that each group is a diverse mix of student representation from around the region.

If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact us directly by emailing Viktoryia Kavalionak, Regional Activities Manager at vkavalionak@spe.org.