President’s Letter – November 2025
By Patty Walker, President, Houston Geological Society
Welcome to November
Welcome to November — and to the unofficial start of the holiday season for many of us. Your Society’s incredible volunteers continue to work hard to provide educational, social, and networking opportunities for our members. One recent event reminded me just how valuable organizations like HGS can be in shaping and supporting the professional journeys of geoscientists.
The Art of the Pivot and Geoscience Careers
This past Wednesday, I attended the HGS General Lunch, where the topic was *The Art of the Pivot.* As many of our members have experienced, the geoscience business landscape has evolved rapidly since 2020 — and so have career opportunities for geoscientists. The “typical” career path I knew from the mid-1980s through the early 2020s looks very different from what many of our early- and mid-career professionals are navigating today. The panelists offered thoughtful perspectives on building resilience, staying relevant, and adapting successfully in a changing world.
I came away from the luncheon with two key takeaways.
First, I was intrigued by the discussion around knowing when to pivot, identifying transferable skills, and building one’s personal brand. For some, the idea of a career pivot might sound like stepping away from geoscience — but in reality, most of us make pivots throughout our careers. It may be an internal shift within your company, such as exploring commercial or marketing roles; a move from a major energy company to a mid-size, independent, or service organization; or perhaps an exciting opportunity in carbon capture or alternative energy.
The common thread was clear: geoscientists possess a unique set of skills — we embrace uncertainty, think non-linearly, and thrive on solving complex puzzles. Those qualities are invaluable across industries. Personally, I believe every business could use a few more puzzle solvers like us!
Second, the discussion emphasized the importance of networking and broadening connections beyond your current company. As our industry continues to evolve, being part of an organization like HGS is more valuable than ever. Local geological societies offer countless opportunities to make meaningful connections through technical meetings, educational programs, and social events.
While living in the fourth-largest city in the U.S. certainly comes with its challenges (hello, Katy Freeway!), Houston’s size is also one of our greatest strengths. Our membership includes professionals from across the energy and geoscience spectrum — majors, independents, service companies, technology firms, and beyond. The HGS Board and its committees work tirelessly to offer events and programs that help members connect, learn, and grow. I hope to see many of you at one of these gatherings soon.
Upcoming Events
November 10 – 27th Annual Robert E. Sheriff Lecture
Join us for an evening featuring Dr. Jiaxuan Li, Assistant Professor of Geophysics at the University of Houston. His talk, “From Fiber-Optic Seismology to Geodesy: Operational Early Warning and Real-Time Imaging of Volcanic Eruptions,” promises to be fascinating. The evening will also showcase technical posters from UH Earth Science students.
November 21 – Third Annual HGS Sporting Clays Shoot
A fun and relaxed way to connect with fellow members. Registration is open!
January 15, 2026 – Case Studies Seminar II
A one-day conference featuring real-world field studies, geological insights, and geophysical overviews presented by geoscientists with firsthand experience in drilling successes and challenges. Co-hosted by the Houston Geological Society and the Geophysical Society of Houston. Registration is open.
It’s an honor to serve as your President, and I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming HGS event.
Warm regards,
Patty Walker
President, Houston Geological Society