Members Fueling Progress
Empowering the Future: Natan Battisti’s Journey to Support Young Professionals in the Energy Industry
12 June 2024
Featured Member: Natan Battisti, Harbour Energy, SPE Member since 2013
Natan Battisti demonstrates the power of boldness, resilience, and the impact of collective effort in supporting young professionals in the energy sector. Over the past few decades, the energy industry has been in a state of constant change and adaptation, fueled by new technologies and the progression of cleaner and more sustainable practices.
Despite this drive forward amidst new generations entering the industry, there are still common misconceptions that young people often lack the ambition necessary to go above and beyond in the workplace. However, Battisti's story exemplifies how curiosity and determination can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.
Battisti's foray into the petroleum engineering industry was sparked by a simple yet impactful moment—a Petrobras ad on TV. This intrigue led him to enroll in the petroleum engineering program at the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), despite having no prior connections within the industry.
His eagerness and dedication laid the foundation for a career marked by leadership, innovation, and advocacy within the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and beyond.
Battisti's involvement with the UFPel Student Chapter of SPE began early in his university days. The chapter, founded in 2012, was in its infancy and faced significant organizational challenges.
“We took over the chapter with about $12 negative in the bank and left there with more than $2,000,” Battisti proudly states. Under his leadership, the chapter not only achieved financial stability but also established structured processes and documentation, laying a solid groundwork for future students. This transformation led to the chapter winning several awards, a testament to the strong foundation he helped build.
After his successful achievements with the UFPel Student Chapter, Battisti founded Até o Último Barril ("Until the Last Barrel"), a Brazilian advocacy organization dedicated to addressing energy poverty and supporting young professionals in the energy sector.
"There is a universal law, in my opinion, that is the more you help others, the more it comes back to you. I've been fortunate to be receiving this law and applying it for 10-11 years, and SPE was the vehicle."
Battisti was inspired to act during the COVID-19 pandemic when he saw friends losing jobs and a pervasive negative narrative about the future of oil and gas.
“I had friends that basically left university because the media was saying they don't need us anymore,” he explains. In response to their concerns, Até o Último Barril serves as a platform to highlight the ongoing importance of all energy sources and to support career development for young professionals.
Throughout his career, Battisti has seen SPE as a pivotal force in his professional growth. “SPE helped me to open every single door,” he says, emphasizing the organization's role in developing leadership skills and creating networking opportunities. Even as he transitioned to a more finance-focused role, his commitment to SPE remained steadfast. His involvement with the Ambassador Lecture Program (ALP) has been particularly impactful.
Through the ALP, he helps bridge the gap between students and industry professionals, fostering connections that are crucial for career development in remote regions far from oil and gas hubs. Battisti's approach to networking—focused on mutual benefit rather than personal gain—has been a cornerstone of his success.
"The ALP is powerful because, for most, it is the first connection the students have with the industry."
For young professionals entering the industry, Battisti offers sage advice: "Always look for someone who thinks differently than you or has a different view on the same subject and then form your own view." He stresses the importance of understanding data over narratives and the value of helping others, a principle that has guided his career and volunteer work.
From revitalizing the UFPel Student Chapter to advocating for energy sustainability and supporting young professionals through Até o Último Barril, Natan Battisti’s contributions to the energy industry and SPE highlight the importance of leadership, community, and innovation.