Studying at RGU offers countless opportunities to develop skills, build professional networks, and gain valuable experience beyond the classroom. One example is our Solutions, People and Energy (SPE) Student Chapter, which connects students with the energy industry through technical events, networking opportunities, professional development activities, and volunteering.
The chapter has recently achieved remarkable success, winning the Outstanding Student Chapter Award in Europe for Technical Dissemination and Professional Development, as well as claiming first place in the SPE Europe 2026 PetroBowl competition.
Adam Andrew, President of the SPE RGU Student Chapter, shares more about these achievements, his leadership journey, and the impact SPE has had on students at RGU.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Adam and I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree in Oil and Gas Engineering at Robert Gordon University. Alongside my studies, I have the privilege of serving as President of the SPE RGU Student Chapter.
I have always been passionate about volunteering, leadership, and creating opportunities for others. This has ultimately shaped my experience serving in my role with SPE RGU Student Chapter.
Could you tell us more about what the SPE Student Chapter is?
The SPE (Solutions, People and Energy) student Chapter at RGU is a student-led organisation that connects students with the energy industry through organising technical meetings, industry visits, networking events, leadership experiences, and career development activities.
The chapter works closely with our Faculty Advisors, industry professionals, RGU’s School of Computing, Engineering and Technology (SOCET), and the SPE Aberdeen Section in creating opportunities that help students bridge the gap between university and industry. It also serves as a platform to gain exposure to industry trends, build valuable professional connections, and develop skills that will be helpful even after graduation.
By the privilege of my role, I have seen how the chapter enhances the student experience at RGU by creating an environment where students can further prepare themselves for successful careers in the energy industry. It has been rewarding to be part of an organisation that plays such an important role in supporting students throughout their academic and professional journeys.
What inspired you to get involved with SPE?
When I gained admission to study at RGU, I saw an opportunity to contribute to a society with enormous potential. I recognised that SPE is an organisation that help individuals grow both technically and professionally.
Because of my passion for volunteering, I nominated myself for the role of President, and after elections I emerged winner. Since then, I have led the chapter into impacting the lives of students, working closely with our executive team, built relationships with industry professionals, and focused on creating experiences that would genuinely benefit our members.
For me, the role has been about creating opportunities where students feel inspired and empowered to pursue their goals.
What was your vision for the SPE Student Chapter when you became President?
When I became President of the SPE RGU Student Chapter, my vision was to create a lasting impact in the lives of our members and students through organising technical meetings, and professional development events, and beyond that, to make SPE more visible within our student community.
I also wanted to transform the chapter into one of the most active and recognised student chapters in Europe and create a community that students genuinely wanted to be part of. I wanted members to see SPE as a place where they could develop professionally, build meaningful industry connections, gain confidence, and create lifelong friendships.
How did you turn that vision into reality?
Turning that vision into reality required consistency, commitment, and teamwork.
I focused on setting clear goals and communicating the vision with the executive team, with an action plan to accomplish the vision. We commenced the work, organised a wide range of technical and professional development events, and increased engagement.
One of the challenges we faced included getting a very large number of students to attend some of the meetings. We had to do the extra work sharing what SPE really stands for and the benefits of being part of a society that is passionate about student’s professional growth and development.
What did winning the Outstanding Student Chapter Award mean to you and the team?
Winning the Outstanding Student Chapter Award was an incredibly special moment as a chapter and as a university.
It represented the culmination of months of hard work, planning, and dedication. It was rewarding to see the chapter recognised as the outstanding Student chapter in Europe for technical dissemination and professional development, and exciting to see that the efforts we invested had made a meaningful impact.
The award is a proud leadership milestone for me because it demonstrated that the vision set at the beginning had become a reality.
The team also won 1st place in the SPE Euripe 2026 PetroBowl. Can you tell us what that experience was like?
When we started the planning for the PetroBowl, we spent time studying past questions, practicing, and encouraging each other, also being optimistic that we will be outstanding, with the support from our Faculty Advisor and the entire executive members of the SPE RGU Student chapter.
The chapter competing against some of the strongest universities in Europe was an exciting experience, but winning the competition exceeded our expectations. It was a proud moment for the entire chapter and the University.
What do you think set your chapter apart from others across Europe?
I believe what set our chapter apart was the combination of passion, ambition, consistency, and a genuine focus on creating value for our members. From the beginning of my role, I wanted us to be more than just a chapter that organises occasional events. My goal was to build a vibrant community where students could develop technically, grow professionally, expand their networks, and feel connected to the wider energy industry.
We achieved this by having technical meetings, industry visits, professional development sessions, networking opportunities, and social events. Rather than focusing on a single area, we aimed to provide a well-rounded experience that catered to the diverse interests and career aspirations of our members.
Our collective effort led to remarkable outcomes, including winning the Outstanding Student Chapter Award and securing first place in the SPE Europe PetroBowl competition.
Ultimately, our success came from having a clear vision, a dedicated team, strong support from our Faculty Advisor, our University RGU, SPE Aberdeen Section, and a determination to continuously raise the standard of what a student chapter can achieve.
What has been your proudest moment during this journey?
My proudest moments have come from seeing the impact our work has had on students.
Through helping a student connect with industry professionals, seeing members gain confidence, and watching individuals take on leadership roles themselves, those moments have been incredibly rewarding.
Knowing that I played a part in creating opportunities that positively influenced other student’s experiences at RGU is something I will always be proud of.
How has this experience shaped your professional and personal development?
Serving as President has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life.
Professionally, it has strengthened my leadership, communication, project management, and strategic planning skills. It has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of leading with purpose.
And most importantly, it has shown me that leadership is about creating opportunities for others, bringing people together around a shared vision, and leaving something better than you found it.
What advice would you give to other students thinking about taking on leadership roles?
My advice would be to take the opportunity, even if you don’t feel completely ready. Leadership is something you develop by stepping forward and learning through experience.
Taking on a leadership role has been one of the most rewarding parts of my university journey. It challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, work with people from different backgrounds, solve problems, manage responsibilities, and make decisions that positively impacted others. The skills I gained extend far beyond the classroom and will continue to benefit me throughout my career.
The most effective leaders are those that support their teams, create opportunities for others, and lead by example. If you approach leadership with that mindset, you will not only grow personally and professionally, but you will also make a meaningful difference to the people around you. Also, look at every challenge as an opportunity to learn, improve, and become a better leader. The experience and confidence you gain will be well worth it.
What’s next for your and the SPE Student Chapter?
As I approach the next stage of my career, I remain committed to building on the experiences and lessons I have gained at RGU. My goal is to apply both my technical background and leadership experience within the energy industry while continuing to contribute to the development of future professionals.
For the SPE RGU Student Chapter, I am optimistic that the culture of ambition, collaboration, and excellence built will continue to grow. I am proud of what we have achieved, and I believe the chapter is now in a stronger position than ever to continue making an impact for years to come.
Adam Andrew
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