First-generation Aggie Miles Walker ’11 has witnessed first-hand just how influential and kind Aggies can be, including the power of the Aggie Network in opening doors to new opportunities. “I wanted to establish a gift at A&M because I would not be in a position to give it if it was not for the Aggie Network and the prestige of my petroleum engineering degree,” Miles said.
When Miles first came to Texas A&M, he was struck by the Aggie Core Values and comradery of the student body. Now the vice president of production at Hibernia Resources, Miles reflects on the time spent in the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, where he made lifelong friends and incredible study partners. He also was a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, advancing his network within his major. Now, to stay connected, Miles makes the trek back to Aggieland to play in the annual student-run golf tournament and for the occasional football game.
During his time at Texas A&M, Miles started an internship, as many Aggies do, but this internship rang a different bell — the company, Concho Resources, was exclusively recruiting and hiring Aggies. The CEO and COO of Concho Resources were both former students, and they wanted to add someone to their team with similar core values. Miles fit the bill.
After graduating, Miles went to work full-time for Concho Resources but eventually made a few career changes. Yet he always found himself working for another Aggie who knew the work ethic and skills of an Aggie Engineer.
The prestige and reputation of the Department of Petroleum Engineering has made it much easier for Miles to advance his career. “A&M opened the very first door to an interview to start my career,” said Miles, recounting the early years of his career. His time at A&M taught him the skills he would need to excel, and every Aggie he met moving forward recognized that.
Knowing that the Aggie Network was key in skyrocketing his career, Miles has chosen to provide support for other Aggies pursuing careers in the oil and gas industry. He wants to be part of creating the impact that other up-and-coming petroleum engineers will provide to the industry.
“My time at A&M has opened many doors in the oil & gas industry thanks to the reputation of the petroleum engineering program, as well as the vast Aggie Network within the industry…, and now I hope to help a current student become a petroleum engineer and join the oil & gas industry,” Miles said.
Miles and his wife, Katy, have two children, ages 2 and 5. While he is still the only Aggie in his family, he hopes his children will one day experience the Spirit of Aggieland for themselves.