Thomas Jennings | Intern
Company: Energy Workforce & Technology Council
College: University of Houston
Major: Petroleum Engineering
Grade: Junior
Hometown: Katy
What has surprised you most about working in the energy industry?
One of the biggest surprises I have encountered while working in the energy industry is how much it operates beyond the technical and engineering aspects I study as a petroleum engineering student. Before beginning my internship, I assumed that most of the industry’s challenges and successes were driven by engineering and technical innovation. While those factors are important, I have learned that policy, workforce development, advocacy and government relations play an equally critical role in shaping the future of energy.
As a Petroleum Engineering student, much of my coursework focuses on reservoir behavior, drilling, production and other technical concepts. As a result, I had limited exposure to the policy side of the industry. During my internship so far, I learned that regulatory decisions, legislation and government policies can directly influence investment decisions, project development and workforce opportunities across the energy sector. This helped me understand that the industry’s success depends not only on technical expertise but also on the broader environment in which companies operate.
One aspect that surprised me was the amount of collaboration required among industry leaders, policy makers and trade organizations. The Energy Workforce and Technology Council serves as a bridge between energy companies and policymakers, helping communicate the industry’s needs and concerns while also promoting workforce development initiatives. I had not fully realized how much effort goes into advocating for policies that support energy production, technological advancement, and job creation.
Overall, this internship has expanded my understanding of the energy industry beyond the technical concepts I study as a student. While I still have much to learn, I have already gained a greater appreciation for the role that policy, advocacy and workforce development play in supporting the industry’s success. The experience has shown me that many important decisions affecting energy production are made far from the field and has encouraged me to think about the industry from a broader perspective. As I continue my internship, I look forward to learning more about how these different aspects work together to shape the future of energy.
What attracted you to this internship opportunity?
As a Petroleum Engineering student, I was attracted to this internship because it provides an opportunity to learn about the energy industry from a different perspective. While my academic background focuses on the technical and operational aspects of the industry, working at Energy Workforce allows me to gain insight into the business, workforce, and advocacy side of the energy sector.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the energy industry?
One thing I wish more people would understand about the energy industry is how much it impacts their daily lives. Beyond powering cars and generating electricity, oil and natural gas are used in everyday products, such as phones, clothing, medical equipment, plastics, and fertilizers.
If you could ask an industry leader one question, what would it be?
What do you think will be the biggest challenge and the biggest opportunity for the energy industry over the next 10 years?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I hope to have established a strong foundation for my career and become a more knowledgeable and well-rounded professional. I want to continue learning from experienced industry leaders, taking on new challenges, and expanding my understanding of the energy industry.
Complete the Sentence-
Before this internship, I thought the energy industry was… mostly focused on engineering and field operations. Through my internship, I learned how important workforce development, advocacy, and industry collaboration are to supporting the energy sector.
My friends would be shocked to learn… how important industry organizations are in connecting companies, developing the workforce, and addressing industry challenges.
If I were CEO of an energy company for a day…. I would invest in developing the next generation of talent through expanded internship programs, stronger university partnerships, and hands-on learning opportunities.
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