What influenced your decision to enter the oil and gas industry?
Matt Autenrieth, Corporate Development Manager, Oil States International, Inc.
Growing up in the greater Houston area, I have always been surrounded by family and friends who had careers tied to the oil and gas industry. Seeing how important the energy industry is to not just the local economy, but to the global economy, made me want to be a part of it.
What was your impression of the industry beforehand and how has it evolved?
I think I had a unique perspective going into the industry. I was actually raised adjacent to a producing oilfield with several pump jacks visible from the windows of our home. I was used to seeing the occasional workover rig or a flare stack burning in the distance. What I didn’t fully appreciate was the vastness and scale of the energy industry and how it touches nearly every aspect of our daily lives.
What have you found to be the most surprising about the industry?
I am constantly surprised at the level of engineering that is applied to recover hydrocarbon resources in some of the more complex recovery operations. The ability to retrieve oil and gas reserves that are thousands of feet beneath the seabed and the technical advances that have led to the U.S. shale revolution continue to amaze me.
What do you find most challenging and most rewarding about the industry or your work?
The most challenging and most rewarding piece of my work has been the opportunity to be part of the strategic planning process at Oil States International. The ever-changing markets in which we operate have created no shortage of obstacles to navigate and opportunities to seize along the way.
Where do you hope to see the industry develop over the next 5 years?
I hope to see the industry recover from the current downturn, with the U.S. market continuing to be a world leader in energy production and technological innovation.
How has your involvement in PESA supported your career goals?
PESA is a wonderful tool for networking, education and personal development. I have recognized a great deal of value in what PESA has to offer from day one of my involvement. My first interaction was in attending an Oil & Gas 101 seminar, which is a fantastic baseline for someone just entering the industry. In addition to attending numerous events with very high quality speakers, I have since joined the Emerging Leaders Committee, which has given me an avenue to engage and network with peers who represent organizations across the equipment and services subsector of the industry.
Tell us about some of the people you’ve met while working in the industry and how they’ve impacted your thinking.
In my tenure with Oil States International, I have had the pleasure of working closely with a first class management team. Having constant exposure to executive level discussions and working directly with senior management on a day-to-day basis has provided me with an unparalleled development opportunity.
What are you most excited about for your career, your company and your industry?
Personally, I look forward to a long-term career in the oil and gas industry and hope to be an impactful member of the next generation of leadership. Despite recent headwinds, I am excited about the future of the oil and gas industry and the advances that will come with the next round of investment.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about entering the oil and gas industry?
I would tell them that despite recent hardships and a cyclical nature, this industry is here to stay and offers many challenging and rewarding opportunities for both young people and experienced professionals.
