What would the world be like without the energy industry and what is the place of young employees and interns in the industry? Held on Tuesday July 19, 2011, The Offshore Energy Center, Galveston, sponsored its 6th annual Salute to Industry Interns event emceed by Brandon Bayles, from Halliburton, and special guest magician, Ben Jackson. More than 200 interns from Houston's oil and gas companies gathered for the day-long event to network and learn from professionals and their peers in the industry.

The people in the oil and gas business strive to provide energy for billions around the world to make everyday life easier. In the energy industry there are always things that could go wrong that could have enormous consequences. Helge Hadorsen, vice president of Statoil, said, "Don't be the weakest link," which means knowing what is going on in your field as well as being cautious with the impactful decisions you make. In order to succeed in any industry one must have a passionate curiosity and be fearless when making decisions. The biggest pitfall in business is making the wrong decision over the right one. Although there are shortcuts, choosing the correct path by following procedures and being ethical is the "right turn." Hadorsen stressed to the interns the importance of establishing who they are by being unique, authentic, and confident individuals.

Establish What You Stand For and Who You Are

Marilyn Moats Kennedy, author and chief executive officer of Moats Kennedy Inc., told the interns about the importance of office politics when working to get to the next level in their careers. While trying to move up in a company, an employee must know what it really means to start at the bottom of the pyramid. Being a team player and knowing how to work efficiently and effectively with co-workers is essential. Most importantly, she said, be an extrovert; speak up, be proactive and make yourself noticed!

Life Cycle of Oil and Gas Development

The interns were briefed during a panel discussion about the life cycle of oil and gas development. Tom Scoulious from Western Geco, the leading seismic company in the world, explained how seismic technology locates oil and gas in an efficient, economical, and non-damaging way. Over time, oil discovery has become less economical, forcing companies such as Western Geco, to constantly keep up with the newest technology in hopes of overcoming these challenges.

Common Resources' landman, Kelly Barnes, is considered "the landman of the water" in the Gulf of Mexico. He is the dealmaker when it comes to leases on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) which totaled $2.3 million in onshore ownership in 2010.

With an upstream focus, ExxonMobil's Strategic Planning Advisor, Lola Ani, explained the execution strategy when drilling a well. The strategy includes an emphasis on safety, operational excellence, discipline, and upholding the highest standards. Bill Townsey, from Shell, presented about hydrocarbon resources in waters as deep as 8,000 feet. Townsey has been involved in Shell's Perdido Development in the Gulf of Mexico, which is the deepest drilling and production system created since 1978.

Last to speak from the panel was Bryan Neskora representing El Paso Pipeline. Neskora informed the interns about the unconventional gas industry, such as dry gas production, and how it is driving supply up and gas prices lower. Internal as well as external collaboration with competitors is the key to moving forward in this industry and overcoming the challenges that are outpacing its technology.

Look Sharp, Be Sharp

At the end of the day, Ben Jackson educated the interns on the importance of business etiquette in the corporate world. "The way you present yourself says a lot about what you stand for and how you want to be perceived," he said. You should present yourself in a classy manner not only through your appearance, but also through the world of social networking (i.e. Facebook/Twitter). It is important for young adults to separate their social life from their business life if they want to be taken seriously. Lastly, the three most important qualities one should possess are consideration, respect, and honesty.