Our interviewee this week Jehan-Eric Blumereau from Total Professeurs Associés is delivering a special module on Exploration and Production Contracts for Oil and Gas L3 students of UFAZ, on October 14-18, 2019.

Could you briefly describe your academic background?

I am a lawyer and I have made my PhD studies at Paris University. I have made almost all my career at TOTAL until I retired about 8-9 years ago. Within my career path at TOTAL, I have occupied various jobs, both in France and abroad, including South America and Middle East countries for quite some time. My main jobs were in the field of Human Resources Management, as well as, new business ventures that has been looking for exploration and production opportunities all over the world. I was also Chief Representative of the company in the United Arab Emirates for 5 years. My last job involved a bit different field - I was in charge of European Affairs, not in terms of business, but rather the representation of the company towards the European Institutions, such as European Parliament. Since I retired, I use my time to transfer part of my professional experience to the students.

Could you tell us about the module you teach in class?

My course is about contractual framework - the legal and fiscal aspects of exploration and production of oil and gas. We go through the different types of contracts, such as concessions, production sharing contracts, services contracts. Students have to do certain exercises to understand the nature of the contract and how host governments get the revenue through the production of oil. We also look at specific contracts, such as gas contracts, joint operating agreements and etc. On the one hand, they are supposed to calculate the economic rent of the contract and the revenue both for the company and the government. On the other hand, at the last day of class, students will be taking an exam of 20 questions on what they have covered during the one-week class. The ones who pass the exam will get a certificate.

What are your impressions and feedbacks about UFAZ students? How do they differ from the students of other French universities?

My impressions are very positive. I have a group of 31 students and most of them are very participative - they ask relevant questions. When I started my course on Monday, students felt a bit surprised by this type of course since they expected a technical course, either related to drilling, production or geology. I had to explain to them that if they are going to work in an oil and gas company, whether national or international, as an engineer, they will have to know the legal and fiscal background, to understand the environment in which they are working in.

I am delivering classes in foreign universities, besides French ones, and as far as French universities are concerned, students would be the same. However, since Azerbaijan is oil and gas producer (which is not the case of France), students in my class at UFAZ feel much more concerned with the oil and gas activities.

What are the current trends and career options for UFAZ students after graduation?

As far as Petroleum students are concerned, they can work in the Oil and Gas Industry, in either national or international companies, or services companies, such as seismic, or drilling companies. Those who wish and are capable of, can also go further and continue their master degrees and specialize in specific fields inside exploration and production activities.

What do you wish and recommend to UFAZ students?

I would advise them to always learn more! Their studies at UFAZ is just a part of their training. The most important training they will have will start once they begin working in the company and learn on the spot. It will teach them many more experiences that they are not aware of yet. University is just the beginning – just a preparation to further professional learning!

Interview realized by UFAZ PR department on October 16, 2019.