Work Force Survey Hits Second Stage
Preliminary results are in for AAPG’s Work Force Retention Survey, a Web-based effort designed to determine why many women geoscientists leave the energy industry.
The survey’s first step, gathering the data from respondents to the AAPG Web site, was completed Sept. 30. Follow up interviews with selected individuals are now being completed.
The final analysis is expected to be completed for review by the AAPG Executive Committee and Corporate Advisory Board at the annual convention in Denver, set for June 7-10.
Some preliminary survey results include:
There were 2,048 responses; of that number:
- 27 percent were either in the 21-30 or 31-39 age group.
- 23 percent were 50-59.
- 21 percent were 40-49.
- 2 percent were 60 or older.
In terms of experience:
- 61 percent have been continuously employed in the energy industry.
- 13 percent are no longer employed in the industry.
- 12 percent were never employed in the industry.
- 10 percent left and then returned to the industry.
Asked to name the most rewarding aspect of being part of the industry:
- 27 percent said it was the industry’s intellectual nature.
- 26 percent said it was the scope of the work.
- 24 percent said it was the monetary rewards.
- 7 percent said it was either education or advancement.
- 6 percent said it was travel.
Regarding challenges that need to be addressed:
- 25 percent said career and family.
- 21 percent said advancement.
- 17 percent said the dynamics of a dual career household.
- 15 percent cited the need for female mentors.
- 12 percent said establishing a professional network.
- 8 percent said compensation.


