Sean O'Brien earned his B.S. from SES in 2015 and now works as an Analyst for the Energy Information Administration.
Contact: sean.obrienp@gmail.com
"Seek opportunities to develop and practice your communication skills. Pursue the topic areas that interest you."
Where has your degree taken you?
After earning my undergraduate degree, I worked for an oilfield services company on exploration drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. I got my hands dirty, worked from midnight to noon, and made some great friends – this was right in the middle of the industry price downturn. My employer laid off thousands of people, which started my “forced vacation” as Dr. Krissek called it.
I found myself interested in market dynamics, commodity economics, geopolitical risk, and industry fundamentals. I moved to Washington to work for the Energy Information Administration, the federal agency responsible for analyzing and disseminating energy data and information. Drawing on industry knowledge gained at Ohio State, I manage a team of data analysts who publish information about oil and gas production in the United States. This information is used by everyone from United States policymakers to integrated oil and gas companies to global energy agencies.
How do you feel your experience, specifically as an SES/geology student at OSU, prepared you for your career or life in general?
I went to three AAPG Meetings while completing my degree and the opportunity to interact with industry employees and academics provided me a birds-eye view of the industry that I found invaluable – a big thanks to everyone who made those trips possible. The Shell Drilling Camp (Robert, LA) and the Shell Undergraduate Research experience were also two touch points that helped me better understand my long-term interests and how those aligned with my career goals.
What is your favorite memory as a student?
Visiting Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Wasatch Plateau. Eating two meals a day at the Satisfied Ewe.
What advice do you have for current and future students?
Seek opportunities to develop and practice your communication skills. Pursue the topic areas that interest you.