Industry leaders reach out to next-generation workforce

The Offshore Energy Center hosted the 4th Annual Salute to Interns on 21 July at the House of Blues in downtown Houston. Many energy companies recruit summer interns and maintain contact with them through their college years even in a challenging economic environment. The event was devised as a way to thank the interns for a summer of hard work and to encourage their retention in the energy sector.

Dave Dunlap, executive vice president and chief operating officer of BJ Services, and Steve Nance, president of Steele Creek Investment Co, spearheaded the event. The interns learned about the energy industry from senior oil and gas professionals representing eight Houston-based companies.

Steve Nance (left), Steele Creek Investment, and Dave Dunlap, BJ Services, hosted the Salue to Interns activities on 21 July.

The program featured a roundtable discussion facilitated by Mr Dunlap among Robert Drummond, Schlumberger; Anthony Gallegos, Scorpion Offshore; Darrell Hollek, Anadarko; and John Kelly, El Paso Corp. The discussion centered on how the representatives’ companies responded to the staffing requirements in the “up” market environment (pre-2009), and how they are currently responding during the difficult environment of 2009.

The objective was to give the interns an understanding of what they can expect as companies respond to changing market environments.

Libby Cheney, VP corporate support-Americas of Shell, and Laura Schilling, investor relations manager for Halliburton, were among featured speakers offering information on careers in the energy industry.

The day concluded with Mr Dunlap and Mr Nance stressing that careers in America’s oil and natural gas industry are diverse, challenging, rewarding and attainable. Exhibitors also spoke with interns individually at the closing reception.