Q: What attracted you to the MEECON program?
A: The MEECON program is very unique as it combines economics and energy. This program goes above and beyond by covering the link between the oil, gas, and electricity markets and the financial markets as well as the global supply and demand dynamics of the energy industry. The program and its curriculum posed a significant opportunity for me to expand my oil and gas upstream knowledge into global energy markets.
Q: What was your career like prior to the program?
A: Before joining the program, I was a Senior Production Stimulation Engineer at Schlumberger. I started my career as a Field Engineer at hydraulic fracturing operations in South Texas. When I left my job to pursue MEECON program, I was working in Houston designing hydraulic fracturing models across the US and was providing technical consulting to the clients. Although it was a very fulfilling job, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and grow out of that role. That’s when I decided to pursue Master’s in Energy Economics at Rice University.
Q: Where are you now in your working life and what do you do?
A: After the program, I joined PowerAdvocate (currently part of Wood Mackenzie) as Energy Intelligence Manager. I provided consulting on cost models, supply chains, global markets spanning from labor markets to commodities, and provided thought leadership in energy and its adjacent industries for various companies in the US, UK, Middle East, and Australia. I am currently working as a Senior Associate at Strategy& - part of PwC network. I am a generalist management consultant providing consulting in operating model, fit-for-growth, customer transformation, etc.
Q: What was the highlight/most memorable moment of your experience in the MEECON program?
A: The biggest highlight of this program is having approachable and personable professors who would see students as not just students but as colleagues. As part of the curriculum, I was an intern at an oil and gas company and was tasked with a rather vague and challenging project. I needed industry guidance from an expert to help with my approach to solve the problem. I reached out to a professor in the program to ask if they had time to discuss and provide guidance. I was amazed that they immediately responded and set up a meeting despite their busy schedule. That discussion p
Q: What was your favorite class in the MEECON program?
A: It would be difficult to pick a favorite as I enjoyed multiple classes throughout the program but if I have to pick I would say Geopolitics of Energy was my favorite class. It was an invaluable experience to be exposed to Dr Krane’s experience and knowledge of the Middle East. Geopolitics of Energy provided a clarity and insight to the rules of global energy dynamics between nations. I have been able to use the knowledge of that class in all the jobs that I have worked on since I graduated the program.
Q: What would you say to someone who is considering leaving their job for about one year to pursue a professional master's program?
A: I know it would be a tough decision to leave a job and be a student again. Even after making that decision, I know it may be difficult to keep yourself motivated during the program. I had a lot of questions in my mind when I left my job for the MEECON program, questioning if I was making the right decision for my career, if I should have considered staying in my company instead, and the list goes on. I had a lot of support from my coworkers reassuring me that this education would pay itself off but most importantly I wanted to learn more which motivated me the most. Before I joined the program, I only knew about a specific and very niche part of the oil and gas industry. After the program, I had a clear understanding of the global dynamics of not only the oil and gas industry but also the energy industry. This program helped me shift industries and accelerate my career. As I said, it may be a tough decision to leave your job but if you would like to specialize in the energy industry this is a great program to spend a year to deep dive into every single aspect of the industry.