Energy is the lifeblood of modern society. Hence, we need to accurately predict and assess our energy resources, which plays a pivotal part in shaping efficient strategies for energy management.
Partha Sarathi Satapathy, our next pathbreaker, works as Petroleum Engineer at Stronghold Investment Management, an investment firm which invests in real assets (mostly minerals) in the Energy sector.
Partha talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about a research project in Canada, where he was involved in devising a sustainable method for extracting bio-oil from canola waste, and creating an economically feasible methodology to bridge the gap between bio-oil and crude oil, which ignited his passion for innovation and sustainability.
For students, don’t make career decisions solely based on money. When you pursue what truly excites you, success will naturally follow.
Partha, can you share your background with our young readers?
I grew up in the vibrant city of Bhubaneswar, where I was an only child. From an early age, I was captivated by the intricate game of chess. My passion for chess was so strong that, between Class 1 and Class 8, I often found myself more engrossed in the chessboard than in my school books. My dedication led me to compete in several national and even a few international tournaments. However, despite my love for the game, I eventually had to step away from chess due to financial constraints.
I realized the importance of financial independence and became aware that to avoid giving up on the things I love I needed to choose a career that would provide me the most money. I clearly remember the next day after I packed my chess board, I went around and asked every adult whom I could find “What should I do to make money?” and the most common answer was, “Get into IIT.” Given my lack of focus on academics during my early years, this path was anything but easy. Yet, I was determined to make it happen.
Interestingly, the skills I honed through chess—sharp focus, strategic thinking, and perseverance—became invaluable assets in my journey to IIT. The countless hours I spent analyzing chess moves made the rigorous study required for IIT preparation seem more manageable. Additionally, the independence I gained from traveling alone for tournaments helped me navigate challenges with confidence.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Petroleum Engineering from IIT-ISM Dhanbad.
What made you choose such an offbeat, unconventional and unique career in Energy Investments?
The experience of having to give up something I dearly loved due to financial constraints profoundly influenced my career choices. My primary goal became finding a path that would provide financial security. After many conversations with IITians (thank you, Facebook), I concluded that Petroleum Engineering offered some of the highest-paying opportunities. Among the various domains within this field, I was particularly drawn to Reservoir Engineering. So, when one of the Fortune 3 companies extended an offer for a Reservoir Engineering role, I embraced the opportunity with gratitude.
My hard work and determination paid off, leading to multiple promotions and eventually a transfer to the company’s headquarters in the United States. From an outsider’s perspective, I was living the dream. But internally, something felt amiss. While I didn’t dislike my job, I realized I didn’t love it either. I found myself grappling with a lack of purpose and, most importantly, I deeply missed India. No place in the world can replicate the sense of belonging and connection that India offers.
Recognizing the need for change, I took deliberate steps to realign my life with what truly mattered to me. The first step was transferring back to India. The second was rediscovering my passions. Once I had clarity, I applied to several organizations and found my place in an Investment Management start-up, a role I now genuinely love.
Beyond my professional life, I sought fulfillment through volunteering. I’ve become involved with orphanages and charities, which has given me a renewed sense of purpose. And, in reconnecting with my first love—chess—I’ve started teaching the game to kids. This not only revives my joy but also allows me to give back, creating a sense of aliveness that I hadn’t felt in years.
Throughout my journey, while I didn’t have a formal mentor, I was fortunate to be guided and inspired by various individuals along the way. Books, too, have been a constant source of motivation, and I make it a point to read 30-40 books each year. Two that have particularly resonated with me are “The Courage to Be Disliked” and “Spaceman.” As a child, I was captivated by the story of Alexander Alekhine, the Fourth World Chess Champion. Despite not being naturally talented, he ascended to the pinnacle of the chess world through sheer hard work—a reminder that perseverance can overcome any obstacle.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path
My career journey has been a blend of curiosity, determination, and strategic decision-making. It began with an incredible internship opportunity during my undergrad to collaborate on a research project in Canada, where I focused on devising a sustainable method for extracting bio-oil from canola waste. My role involved not just research, but also the challenge of creating an economically feasible methodology to bridge the gap between bio-oil (oil created synthetically in the lab and hence a renewable resource), and crude oil (oil present underground and hence non-renewable resource). This experience ignited my passion for innovation and sustainability, laying a strong foundation for my future career.
During campus hiring, I was fortunate to receive an offer from an organization (ExxonMobil) in a sector that aligned with my interests, coupled with a competitive compensation package. In this role, I was tasked with the complex job of creating equations to define the properties of hydrocarbons—work that demanded precision and a deep understanding of the principles governing our natural resources. Over time, my dedication and expertise led me to become one of the technical experts in the company, eventually leading a team of seven members, including contractors.
However, my journey didn’t stop there. The transition to my current role came about through an unexpected opportunity. A recruiter from my present organization reached out to me on LinkedIn, opening the door to a new chapter in my career. I embraced the challenge and went through the entire recruitment process, securing a position where I now have the responsibility of collecting and analyzing data to forecast the value of hydrocarbon reserves. This role allows me to apply mathematical and physics-based approaches to solve real-world problems, a perfect blend of my skills and passions.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
My career has been mostly steady. One of the biggest challenges that I faced was finding happiness and a sense of belonging. By self-reflection and careful career transition, I was able to overcome that.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
I work in an investment management firm which invests in real assets (mostly minerals) in United States.
Energy is the lifeblood of our modern society. From powering our homes to fuelling our vehicles, the world as we know it simply cannot function without it. My role involves the critical task of valuing energy resources, which plays a pivotal part in shaping efficient strategies for energy management. By accurately predicting and assessing these resources (which are hydrocarbons), my work not only ensures that energy is utilized in the most effective way but also contributes to the growth of capital funds for individuals and institutions.
What skills are required for your role? How did you acquire the skills?
To excel in this field, strong analytical skills, coupled with problem-solving abilities and critical thinking, are essential. A solid understanding of the energy sector is also a significant advantage. Reflecting on my journey, I believe that these skills were deeply ingrained in me through my childhood experiences. The challenges I faced, whether on the chessboard or in navigating life’s complexities, helped shape my analytical mindset and honed my problem-solving abilities. These early lessons became the foundation of my strengths, equipping me to tackle the multifaceted challenges of the energy industry with confidence and precision.
What is it you love about this job?
What I love most about my job is that every day feels like solving a complex puzzle, where the challenge lies in finding the most efficient solution. The analytical work and critical thinking involved in this process are what truly captivate me. It’s this constant engagement with problem-solving and the opportunity to apply my skills in a meaningful way that makes my work both fulfilling and exciting.
How does your work benefit society?
I take pride in knowing that my efforts directly support the expansion of the global economy and the sustainable future of our planet.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring several individuals, guiding them through their professional journeys. One particular instance stands out vividly in my memory. My mentees surprised me by taking me out for dinner, where they each shared stories of how my mentorship had positively impacted their lives. Hearing them express their gratitude and recount the ways in which my guidance had helped them grow was incredibly touching. Knowing that I had made a meaningful difference in their lives filled my heart with immense joy. This moment of acknowledgment and connection is, without a doubt, the most memorable and rewarding experience of my career.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
My advice is simple: don’t make career decisions solely based on money. Instead, follow your passion, and trust that the universe will take care of the rest. When you pursue what truly excites you, success will naturally follow. But beyond any career path you choose, remember that being a good human being should always be at the core of your journey. Integrity, kindness, and compassion are the true measures of success, and they will guide you toward a fulfilling life.
Future Plans?
In the long term, I aspire to establish a mentoring hub where I can contribute to society by sharing my knowledge, guidance, and time with those who seek it. My goal is to create a space where others can grow, learn, and thrive with the support they need.
Additionally, I am deeply committed to setting up a fund for underprivileged kids to help them pursue their passions. Having faced economic constraints that prevented me from fully following my own passion, I want to ensure that as many children as possible have the opportunity to chase their dreams without the burden of financial limitations. By doing so, I hope to alleviate the pain I once experienced and empower the next generation to reach their full potential.
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