The following is part of IADC’s 85th anniversary campaign, “Many Stories, One Voice,” which aims to showcase the real human stories behind the drilling industry.
The following story is from Imed Eddine Chaguetmi, Counselor, Founder and former Chair of the IADC University of Boumerdès Student Chapter and 2024 IADC Student Chapter scholarship recipient.
I’m Imed Eddine Chaguetmi, drilling engineering student at the University of Boumerdès, Algeria. But this is not just about studies — this is the story of how I built something from nothing… and how it changed everything for me.
When I reached my master’s degree, I was already active in several student chapters. But as a drilling student, I felt a deeper question rising: What legacy am I leaving for my field?
That’s when I discovered IADC. I reached out to Hisham Zebian, IADC Vice President Eastern Hemisphere, and after a few exchanges, we scheduled a meeting that would eventually change everything.
At the same time, I launched a new drilling club on campus — I built its structure, crafted the vision and formed a team of more than 50 students, including eight board members, from scratch. Balancing this with my studies was overwhelming. Meetings, general assemblies and strategy sessions were all packed into a short span. But I believed in it — and I knew it would be worth it.
And it was.
In April 2025, we received official recognition from IADC. That moment — seeing the IADC logo next to our university’s name — was unforgettable. We made history by becoming the first and only IADC student representation in Algeria.
We didn’t stop there. We organized impactful national and international events, formed partnerships with professionals and fulfilled our mission: to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
But behind every success were sacrifices. We faced internal conflicts – moments that tested our relationships and mental strength. Still, we never let go of respect, patience and vision — the values that held us together.
In less than a year, we built a strong, recognized community. I met professionals who already knew about IADC Boumerdès, and many who connected with me through the work we accomplished. That wasn’t luck — it was passion, belief and consistency.
More than anything, seeing our student members grow, lead with confidence and act like true professionals in every task they handled — that made me genuinely proud of the impact we could make together.
Imed representing the IADC Boumerdès Student Chapter during a technical visit to the Algerian Petroleum Institute in June 2024.
To every student reading this:
University is more than academics.
It’s your training ground for life.
Take that first step. Try new things.
Intern. Volunteer. Lead. Connect.
And never be afraid to dream big — because nothing is impossible when you believe in your purpose.
IADC has been a turning point in my life — a transition from being a student to becoming a young professional. It gave me the chance to speak on stage for the first time, to be supported in my studies and to grow through meaningful leadership.
I’m truly grateful to our faculty adviser, the board team, our alumni and especially to Hisham; Mike DuBose, IADC Senior VP of International Development; and the IADC leadership who believed in us from the beginning.
Happy 85th Anniversary, IADC — 85 years of legacy, excellence and impact.
We are IADC, advancing the drilling industry together.
