How Do You Build the Next Generation of Energy Professionals? | TLD 051

Texas Tech Energy Commerce faculty Kellie Estes and Jeremy Martin join us for an in-depth look at how one of the industry's premier energy education programs prepares students for careers spanning oil & gas, renewables, and commercial energy markets. From their rigorous capstone projects to alumni networks that span decades, discover what makes Tech graduates stand out and how the program has evolved to meet today's diverse energy landscape.


What You’ll Learn
How Texas Tech's Energy Commerce program has evolved beyond traditional landman training to cover the full energy spectrum
The admission requirements and curriculum structure that makes Energy Commerce one of the most challenging business majors
Why work ethic and communication skills trump perfect grades in building successful energy careers
How capstone projects simulate real-world deal-making from asset acquisition through production
The role of alumni networks and industry partnerships in student success and program development

Time Stamps
00:41 - Episode & Guest Intro
02:04 - Kelly's Journey with Energy Commerce
04:30 - Jeremy's Return to Lubbock
08:19 - Energy Commerce Program Overview
13:20 - Team Building and Capstone Projects
19:28 - Alumni Involvement and Industry Relevance
23:50 - Evolving Curriculum and Industry Shifts
26:18 - Characteristics of Successful Students
28:12 - Changes in the Program Over the Years
30:02 - Preparing Students for Renewable Energy
31:53 - Internship Opportunities and Expectations
35:07 - Balancing Traditional and Modern Education
38:38 - Maintaining High Standards and Enrollment
42:27 - Embracing AI and Technological Advancements
51:19 - Conclusion and Contact Information

Snippets from the Episode:

"We give them a 12 to 18 month head start, and after that it's up to them to keep learning, to keep progressing, but we give them that foundation."— Kellie Estes

"Work ethic is always the top for me. We've had many students come through here that have been C students and gone on to have a great career because they think outside the box."— Jeremy Martin

"There's so many different opportunities in this industry. There's a place for everyone."— Kellie Estes

"AI is only as good as the person being able to use it or disseminate the information."— Jeremy Martin

"Land work is land work. You gotta have it, whether it's oil and gas, a solar farm, a wind farm, whatever. The basics that we teach them, that's going to translate over into either side of it."— Jeremy Martin

Key Takeaways:
1. Program Structure and Standards Matter
2. Alumni Networks Drive Industry Success
3. Real-World Experience Beats Perfect Grades
4. Communication Skills Are Non-Negotiable
5. Energy Diversity Creates More Career Paths
6. Work Ethic Trumps Natural Talent
7. Industry Evolution Requires Curriculum Adaptation

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More from Our Guests:

Kellie Estes - Director, Center for Energy Commerce, Texas Tech University
Website: https://www.ttu.edu/
Contact Information:

Jeremy Martin - Assistant Professor of Practice, Energy Commerce & Business Economics
Website: https://www.ttu.edu/
Contact Information: [email protected] | [email protected]

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