June 2025 – LEMENTSTUDIOS

17 Jun

My Career as a Petroleum Engineer After Studying at RGU

RGU alumna Oluwatosin Abikoye shares her learnings from her time at RGU and how the University helped her build a career as a Petroleum Engineer.

Pursuing a master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Robert Gordon University (RGU) was one of the best decisions I ever made. Known for its industry-focused curriculum and strong ties to the energy sector, RGU equipped me with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that have been instrumental in shaping my career as a petroleum engineer. This blog takes you through my journey, from being a student at RGU to navigating the complex and dynamic world of petroleum engineering.

Life as a Petroleum Engineering Student at RGU

My journey at RGU was a blend of rigorous academic learning and engaging extracurricular activities:

Coursework: From production operations to well completions, the course covered all essential aspects of petroleum engineering.
Practical Labs: Working on drilling simulators and performing fluid property analysis in labs gave me hands-on experience.
Industrial Visits and Guest Lectures: Regular interactions with industry professionals kept me updated on the latest industry trends. I had the chance to attend the SPE iCota conference.
Networking: Being in Aberdeen allowed me to attend industry events and connect with professionals from leading energy companies.

Starting My Career in Petroleum Engineering

After graduating, I began my career with a strong foundation. My first job was with an oil and gas company, where I worked as a Field Operations Engineer. This role exposed me to the operational side of the industry, including:

Problem-Solving: Quickly adapting to challenges such as unexpected formation behaviour or equipment malfunctions.
Team Collaboration: Working with multidisciplinary teams, from geologists to mechanical.

My practical knowledge from RGU helped me quickly adapt to the fast-paced environment of the oilfield.

Growing in the Industry

As I gained experience, I transitioned to more specialized roles and got to share my knowledge and experience with others in the industry. Some of these specialised roles include policy and decision making, but also:

Production Optimization: Working on techniques like gravel packing to enhance well productivity.
Project Management: Leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex well projects.

I was invited to speak at the technical conference at Egypes 2025 where I also got to meet with other industry experts and network with top oil and gas executives.

My education at RGU not only gave me technical skills but also developed my problem-solving and leadership abilities, which have been crucial in my career growth.

How RGU Continues to Benefit Me

Even years after graduation, the connections and knowledge I gained at RGU continue to benefit me.

Alumni Network: Staying in touch with fellow graduates who are now in various roles across the industry.
Continuous Learning: Access to RGU’s online resources and webinars helps me stay updated with the latest industry developments.
Credibility: Having an RGU degree on my resume is recognized and respected in the energy sector worldwide.

Advice for Aspiring Petroleum Engineers

If you are considering a career in petroleum engineering, here are a few tips:

1. Choose Your University Wisely: Look for a course with strong industry connections and hands-on learning opportunities, like RGU.

2. Gain Practical Experience: Internships and field training are invaluable for building confidence and competence.

3. Network Actively: Build connections with industry professionals during your studies and early career.

4. Stay Adaptable: The energy industry is constantly evolving; keep learning and be open to new challenges.

Conclusion

My journey as a Petroleum Engineer began at Robert Gordon University, and the skills, knowledge, and connections I gained there continue to support me every step of the way. From field operations to advanced production optimization, my RGU education has been the foundation of my success in this dynamic industry.

If you are passionate about energy, problem-solving, and making an impact on a global scale, a career in petroleum engineering might be the perfect path for you.

Oluwatosin Abikoye

How RGU prepared me for a career in Renewable Energy

The post My Career as a Petroleum Engineer After Studying at RGU appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

10 Jun

Gray’s Degree Show 2025 – Jake’s journey at RGU

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Communication Design student Jake Irvine won both the Imajica Brand Evolution Emerging Talent Award and the FortyTwo Studio Emerging Talent award at the 2025 Gray’s Degree Show opening night last Friday. He answers our questions about his last four years at RGU and the work he is exhibiting in this blog.

What project are you presenting at the Degree Show?

For my Degree Show project, I wanted to show a variety of my video work from my Honours year. However, my spotlight project is an experimental short film exploring a small part of the Aberdeenshire coastline from Portsoy to Pennan. I chose to display this film as it represents a direction for my personal filmmaking style and journey, capturing the way I see a place, the details I noticed, and transports the viewers there with me through the lens of the camera.

How did the creation process go?

I enjoy every step of creating a film, researching and developing the first ideas I have into a plan and beginning to narrow down visuals and narrative elements as I go. For a film focusing on a space, I like to explore the area through photography, using this to capture quick moments or compositions I can refer to later, and possibly refine for the final product. I will eventually narrow down the shots I want, and over a few days start to record everything.

Finally, the place where the magic happens – editing. I love to use Davinci Resolve for the incredible scope the colour grading offers, in this case creating a vintage inspired film look based on Local Hero, adding grain, colour shifting, and warmth to the final image. This is the part I enjoy most.

What excites you the most about the Degree Show?

It’s incredible to finally see everything come together after four years of studying at RGU, not only for my own work, but being able to see everyone else’s, and share this with them across an amazing week to celebrate all the hard work and creativity we have built together. It’s an amazing feeling to have come this far, and see everyone else being there with you. We all create totally different work, but together it becomes the possibility of what we as a group can do.

How was your experience at Gray’s in the last four years?

I have experienced so much over the past four years at Gray’s that has shaped me as a creative but also provided a direction and purpose for my work. The later years really helped to build the independent feeling for my work, where it has become just what I do rather than feeling like studying for exams or coursework.

Having so many opportunities available to work with others inside and out of my course and develop skills and a portfolio different to any of my course mates is something I think is unique to Communication Design at Gray’s, and something that has helped me to become the creative I am and strive to become in the future beyond RGU.

Jake Irvine

From Undergraduate to Postgraduate studies at Gray’s

The post Gray’s Degree Show 2025 – Jake’s journey at RGU appeared first on RGU Student Blog.

3 Jun

The students behind the 2025 Gray’s Degree Show

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The 2025 Gray’s Degree Show is opening its doors on Friday 6 June to staff, students, and members of the public. Ahead of the opening, some of our students from across a range of disciplines tell us more about their artistic projects, their time at RGU, and their career aspirations beyond graduation.

Julie – Communication Design

Throughout my studies, I have been exploring the concept of national identity and how a nation presents itself visually to both its own citizens and globally. I have created a new fictitious nation called the Sona Isles, and have been investigating how visual and national elements including colour and symbolism can reflect and shape a collective sense of belonging and national pride.

During my time at Gray’s and RGU, I have really enjoyed learning and developing new skills. As a mature student, I have really appreciated the opportunity to challenge myself and grow creatively.

I’ve also had the chance to get involved in a variety of interesting projects including ‘Beyond the Grey’ which is a project that celebrates the creative and cultural scene within Aberdeen. I’m interested in pursuing a career within the creative industries; perhaps the world of graphic design and creating graphic props for film and television production.

Aberdeen is a great place to live and study and I particularly like having the seaside and the countryside all on my doorstep. It’s a time of renewal in Aberdeen as we transition into a bright new future of renewables and I believe that the local, creative scene will play a valuable part in this and provide lots of opportunities for creatives.

Sophie – Fine Art (Painting)

During my time at Gray’s, I have been exploring symbolism and slight motifs, re-imagining Victorian portraiture paired with the exploration of feminine layers through delicate handmade materials.

I have really enjoyed the conversations and support from staff and other students, and I have been encouraged to try new things and make the most of the workshops and unique equipment. I’ve had the chance to get involved in some fun and interesting projects including the mid-year Interim Show with the Look Again team.

After graduation, I will be travelling to Florence with the RSA John Kinross Scholarship; I am so excited and grateful to receive this award!

I have had a great experience in Aberdeen overall, with lots of laughter and support of friends within Gray’s and across RGU.

Hannah – Fashion and Textiles

During my Honours year, I explored how modular fashion can support sustainability—extending a garment’s life and using materials that are easier to recycle. I’ve been weaving in elements of my Celtic heritage, giving traditional patterns and silhouettes a bold, modern twist, and bringing them to life with creative mixed media touches.

My time at Gray’s has been great for exploring and figuring out my design style. I made the most of the open workshops, and the laser-cutter this year and trying out cyanotype. There’s a really nice sense of community too, a cool collaborative atmosphere!

I’ve also had the chance to be part of some really exciting projects, but a standout was my study abroad semester in Hannover, Germany. It was such an eye-opening experience and definitely a highlight of my time at university, I’m really grateful I got the opportunity to do it.

I’m interested in pursuing a career in modular fashion design, where I can keep exploring innovative ways to create with purpose. I’d love to continue blending heritage-inspired concepts with modern techniques, while focusing on responsible material choices and thoughtful design that encourages longer-lasting, more meaningful connections with clothing, while still keeping it fun!

Aberdeen has been a great place to live and study over the past four years. Meeting so many interesting people both inside and outside the art school has also given me fresh perspectives on so many new things. As a student in the city, there’s always something happening, and the crazy nights out are full of memories that I’ll cherish and laugh about for years to come!

Maryanne – Photography

During my studies, I have been exploring both fashion and portrait photography as I enjoy working with and learning about people the most! I have really enjoyed the fast pace of the creative environment. I have pushed and tested my abilities as a photographer both physically and intellectually and I have had the freedom to explore and produce work based on my own ideas and ambitions.

I’ve also had the chance to get involved in some fun and interesting projects including a collaboration on a magazine with the Fashion Management students and I received a ‘Highly Commended’ award after entering the new Charles Skene Photography competition which really boosted my confidence.

I have enjoyed meeting a variety of people from different backgrounds within the Gray’s community. In fact, that’s what I focussed my Charles Skene project on. Aberdeen is full of sparkling granite and people.

Dawn – Product, Ceramics & Jewellery

During the last four years, I have been exploring how design can help us find value in the undervalued, both in terms of materials and in ourselves. As a neurodivergent designer, I’ve found deep meaning in the process. My final project transforms wastepaper into mindful, functional objects that promote calm, presence, and self-worth.

Throughout my time at RGU, I have really enjoyed discovering my voice as a designer. The variety of skills, materials, and perspectives available here at Gray’s combined with the freedom to experiment and trust my intuition, has allowed me to grow personally, creatively, and professionally.

I’ve had the chance to get involved in a variety of interesting projects and activities, including live client briefs, exhibiting at Aberdeen Art Gallery, and developing a range of hands-on processes including my own plant-based glue and paper lamination techniques.

Each experience has helped me to build confidence and expand my creative thinking. I’m interested in pursuing a career in mindful craft and sustainable design by continuing to grow my creative business which is called Deefyne Design. My aim is to make work that connects people through materiality, storytelling, and care.

I enjoy living in Aberdeen and I particularly like the closeness to the sea; the long walks along the beaches are relaxing and calming. I have also benefited from the support and connections that I’ve made within the creative community at Gray’s.

Read more student stories on the Gray’s School of Art Instagram. Find out more about the Degree Show including dates and opening times on our website.

From Undergraduate to Postgraduate studies at Gray’s

The post The students behind the 2025 Gray’s Degree Show appeared first on RGU Student Blog.