Neil Matthews was born and raised in Lafayette, LA, but spent his last two high school years in Kingwood, TX. His oilfield roots run deep as his father is a 35-year engineer at Hess. He attended LSU, but ultimately received his petroleum engineering degree from Texas A&M. After a few internships in Houston, he quickly realized that this is where his future lay, and transferring to A&M made the most sense.
Upon graduation, he took his first position as an offshore drilling engineer with Apache Corporation. He ended up spending six amazing years at Apache, rotating through reservoir and production engineering positions from offshore to inland water and onto land in Texas and Oklahoma. Apache proved to be a wonderful place to work, and he received great experience from talented individuals. He, eventually, flew the nest and landed at Energy XXI, where he spent three years as a drilling and completion engineer. Finally, he landed as an engineering consultant where he has worked in that capacity for three years.
He has worked for Castex, Wagner O&G, and EnVen Energy Ventures mostly on the Gulf Coast or GOM.
We asked Neil:
The OGM: What does sustainability mean to you?
Neil: It means adjusting and improvising to keep moving ahead and progressing.
The OGM: Have you had a mentor?
Neil: Yes, I’ve had a few.
The OGM: What does success mean to you?
Neil:It means being happy first off. Also, it means being in a position where you are confident with what you are doing and that people respect you in your capacity.
The OGM: If you were to describe your career in three words what would they be?
Neil:24/7, rewarding, challenging.
The OGM: What advice would you give to someone looking for a career in the energy industry?
Neil:Do it! We need you. Gain as much experience as possible in your first few years.
The OGM: Describe a milestone in your career?
Neil:Leaving Apache.
The OGM: Describe a challenge you faced in your career?
Neil:Every day is a challenge.
The OGM: What impact does technology have on your career?
Neil:It’s fairly impactual, but I haven’t really seen anything in the last few years that has really changed what I do though.
The OGM: What do the next five years look like in your career?
Neil:I see a small-company management role or continuing to consult. Both would be great situations.
The OGM: Were you always interested in a career in Energy?
Neil:Yes, as long as I can remember.
The OGM: What interests you to sustain a career in the Energy Industry?
Neil:It’s all I know, and I like it.
The OGM: Do you have a role model you look up to?
Neil:Yes, I have many, but my father would be #1.
The OGM: What does Energy mean to you?
Neil:It means opportunity.
The OGM: What is your favorite APP on your phone?
Neil:Google maps.
The OGM: What impact will the Millennial Generation have on the Energy Industry?
Neil:It will bring an infusion of new talent and perspectives.
The OGM: What’s your take on Social Media and our ever changing digital world?
Neil:I’m not much of a social-media guy, but relationships count in this business—anything that facilitates that is helpful.
The OGM: What Social Medium do you use on a daily basis?
Neil:None.
The OGM: Do you use Social Media for work?
Neil:No.
The OGM: What do you think of Social Recruiting?
Neil: Because I am in a specialized field, recruitment typically is based on established reputations.
