Jesse Carter, Integrated Solutions Specialist, DistributionNOW, is a member of Energy Workforce’s Emerging Executives Committee. He recently shared his insights on the energy services and technology sector.
ENERGY WORKFORCE: What is your role with the company? What does a typical day look like?
Jesse Carter: My role is an Integrated Solutions Specialist, rolling up under our Operational Excellence team. My core responsibilities are developing and implementing internal and external integrations, including project management and execution of any and all activities related to the integration(s). A typical day for me usually entails conducting touchpoint meetings with key project stakeholders and ensuring all tasks are within scope and on schedule.
EW: Why did you join the oil and gas industry? Was there an individual who influenced your decision? Was there an event or piece of technology that got you excited?
JC: While attending the University of Houston and getting immersed into the energy career fairs on campus, I knew that it would be a great fit for me from the awesome experiences and stories told by alumni and company recruiters. I also grew up around the Gulf Coast/Greater Houston area, and I realized all the opportunities out there in relation to the oil and gas industry!
EW: What was your impression of the industry beforehand and how has it evolved?
JC: My impression of the industry was one that did not involve much innovation and that change was always a bad thing. Now after being in the industry for some time, I see the push from leadership and our business to pursue more technological advances and organizational changes in terms of unmanned remote stocking sites, robotic process automation and a strong push towards carbon capture/ESG initiatives to just name a few.
EW: What has surprised you most about the industry?
JC: Seeing firsthand how volatile our industry can be and how it affects our organization.
EW: What role do you believe you will play in the industry’s future?
JC: I believe I will continue to play a very “forward thinking” role in which I will continue to pursue ideas, technology and innovations that will continue to drive the industry towards a more digital landscape.
EW: What’s a technology or innovation you’ve seen in the sector that impressed you?
JC: I would say it has been artificial intelligence/machine learning and the effect it can have on our industry. Aside from the tangible robotics we see in movies/television, there are some amazing tools out there when it comes to predictive capabilities, which for us on the industrial supply side are huge!
EW: What advice would you give someone just getting started in the oil and gas industry?
JC: I would say that you should get comfortable with being uncomfortable! Jumping into uncomfortable situations will help you grow professionally and build your confidence.
EW: What do you wish other people knew about oil and gas?
JC: That there is more to the industry than just drilling for oil and gas and transmitting it through a pipeline to a refinery! There are so many more segments to the oil and gas industry that those outside of the industry don’t realize.
EW: What do you do for fun?
JC: I enjoy working outside, playing the guitar and being with family.
EW: What’s your idea of a perfect vacation?
JC: A relaxing atmosphere, preferably somewhere with water, where I am with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors with great food and no set schedule!
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