海角社区

Madison Menou鈥檚 career path has taken her along the energy corridor from her hometown of Natchitoches, La., to Houston, Texas.

A 2022 graduate with a general business degree, Madison now works as a scheduling analyst for Venture Global LNG, where she ensures natural gas flows smoothly to facilities on Louisiana鈥檚 coast.

But this path wasn鈥檛 always clear to her.

鈥淲hen I came to 海角社区, I had no idea I鈥檇 end up in energy,鈥� Madison says. 鈥淔or a while, I thought my degree would limit me to roles directly tied to business. But I realized your degree is what you make it.鈥�

Discovering Her Path

Madison initially envisioned a career in land administration, a field that combined her business expertise with her interest in oil production. However, she says her first post-graduation land administration role didn鈥檛 feel the right fit.

鈥淚 wanted to be more hands-on with operations,鈥� she says.

After extensive research, she found scheduling 鈥� an intricate role that marries logistics, communication, and a deep understanding of energy markets. But she says landing a job wasn鈥檛 easy.

鈥淪cheduling is such a niche role within the industry, procuring a job was tough,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he main goal is to facilitate the daily movement of natural gas from one point to another. I work within the Gas Supply Group at VG, as my job is to supply gas to our facilities on the Louisiana coast.鈥�

A typical day for Madison starts early, often before 7 a.m., and involves managing gas nominations, a request to move a specified amount of gas from one location to another over a specific period, adjusting to operational changes, and keeping the team informed. 

鈥淢y day begins by pulling reports to check for cuts in the gas we bought and sold the prior day. I鈥檒l take some time during the morning to input these volumes into our system so they can be viewed by other members of our department when needed. After this, there may be new gas to nominate for the next day or the current gas day.

鈥淭he traders I work with will buy and sell to help supply our plants with additional gas needed for operations,鈥� she says. 鈥淢y days can be hectic or slow depending on a variety of factors like plant status, weather or supply availability, after all, gas flows 24/7 365 days a year.鈥�

The work is demanding, but for Madison, it鈥檚 also fulfilling.

鈥淭he most rewarding part of my job so far has been being hands-on in the operations of such a new company. Venture Global has been growing rapidly since I started in October 2023, and being present for that growth, knowing I鈥檝e had a hand in it in a small way, has been incredibly gratifying.鈥�

The Power of an 海角社区 Degree

Madison credits 海角社区 with helping her build the foundational skills she uses every day.

鈥淢ost of my work takes place in Excel, which I learned through my Information Systems courses. Those skills have been invaluable,鈥� she says.

She also emphasizes the value of being a part of the 海角社区 alumni family.

鈥淭he 海角社区 alumni network in Houston鈥檚 oil and gas scene is strong. Meeting fellow Tigers is always a great reminder of the community we have.鈥�

Madison鈥檚 time at 海角社区 wasn鈥檛 without its challenges. Navigating college during the pandemic limited her access to internships and extracurriculars. Yet, she found a way to gain relevant experience by assisting with the ISLA Project, or the Investigation of Seismicity in Louisiana Project, a research initiative led by 海角社区 assistant professor Patricia Persaud. The project includes a team of scientists from Tulane and the University of Louisiana-Lafayette working with the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources to establish background levels of the frequency of earthquakes to inform decision-making within the region.

鈥淓ven though I was a business student, I was able to contribute to the project, which taught me the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone,鈥� she says.

Advice for Aspiring Energy Professionals

Madison wants current 海角社区 students to know that energy careers are accessible to anyone willing to think creatively about their degree.

鈥淲hether you鈥檙e an engineer, accountant, or business major like me, the energy sector has something for you.鈥�

鈥� Madison Menou

鈥淵ou don鈥檛 need a super specialized degree to break into this industry,鈥� she says. 鈥淐onsider minors or extracurriculars that align with your interests, and don鈥檛 hesitate to market the unique aspects of your 海角社区 education.鈥�

For those unsure about their path, Madison offers reassurance that she, too, felt the same: 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to have it all figured out when you step on campus. Take time to explore, reach out to professionals, and trust that the right opportunities will come.鈥�

As Venture Global continues to expand, Madison is excited to grow alongside the company.

鈥淚 love what I do, and I鈥檓 eager to see where this career takes me. Maybe one day I鈥檒l manage a scheduling team,鈥� she says. 鈥淲hether you鈥檙e an engineer, accountant, or business major like me, the energy sector has something for you. The key is to embrace the unexpected and make the most of every opportunity.鈥�

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