Energy & Investments Professional Interview

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 works as a Petroleum Engineer at Stronghold Investment Management, an investment firm that invests in real assets (mostly minerals) in the Energy sector. Partha talks 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 graduated with a Bachelor’s in Petroleum Engineering from IIT-ISM Dhanbad. The experience of having to give up something he dearly loved due to financial constraints profoundly influenced his career choices. His primary goal became finding a path that would provide financial security. After many conversations with IITians, he concluded that Petroleum Engineering offered some of the highest-paying opportunities. Among the various domains within this field, he was particularly drawn to Reservoir Engineering.

His hard work and determination paid off, leading to multiple promotions and eventually a transfer to the company’s headquarters in the United States. However, he realised he didn’t love his job and missed India. Recognising the need for change, he took deliberate steps to realign his life with what truly mattered to him, transferring back to India and rediscovering his passions.

He now works in an investment management firm that invests in real assets (mostly minerals) in the United States. His 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, his work ensures that energy is utilised in the most effective way and contributes to the growth of capital funds for individuals and institutions.

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. These skills were deeply ingrained through childhood experiences, helping shape his analytical mindset and hone his problem-solving abilities.

What he loves most about his 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 him.

He takes pride in knowing that his efforts directly support the expansion of the global economy and the sustainable future of our planet.

His advice to students 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. Integrity, kindness, and compassion are the true measures of success.

In the long term, he aspires to establish a mentoring hub to contribute to society by sharing knowledge, guidance, and time with those who seek it. He is also committed to setting up a fund for underprivileged kids to help them pursue their passions.