Whilst on my way to George Bush Intercontinental Airport – I flew a 10,000 mile round trip this weekend to attend my sister’s wedding – my thoughts of home were interrupted by a billboard slogan overhanging Interstate 10:

“Recession 101: Bill Gates started Microsoft in a recession.”

The Texan based tycoon embarked upon an entrepreneurial adventure at a time marked largely by caution and commercial inactivity only to go on to produce one of the world’s most successful brands.    

One’s ability to think ahead is widely seen as having a direct impact on their likelihood of long-term success.  The oil industry is one such case in point.  With existing reserves almost certainly due to run out in the foreseeable future, non-renewable energy companies are increasingly turning their attention to alternative means of revenue in a bid to survive.  This week, I have been lucky enough to see examples of this first hand during my time in the Business Development department here at Wood Group.

The unofficial theme of this week: change.  My primary focus has been to explore fresh business approaches and new technologies as well as research potential areas of growth – a case of “do or die” according to a member of the BD team.  “It may well lead to nothing, but the important thing is to be aware of what’s out there and use it to your advantage wherever possible.”

Throughout my stay in the US, I have also felt the importance of change in a more global sense; whatever your politics this is an interesting time and potentially one of great change. Rightly or wrongly, the US is on the brink of social reform following Obama’s recent healthcare proposals.  Headlines such as “The liberal suicide march” only serve to underline the fear that often surrounds the new and unknown.

Similarly – and on a more personal note – I cannot help but feel somewhat fearful about graduating in the current economic climate at a time of record unemployment.  Consequently, I believe that change or personal development is vitally important.  “It may well lead to nothing, but the important thing is to be aware of what’s out there and use it to your advantage wherever possible.”  With the help of programmes such as the Saltire Foundation, I can only hope that I adapt in such a way that will improve my own likelihood of long-term success.