MC Energy Technology program opens doors to coveted oil and gas jobs October 21, 2019

Cary Van Degna wants to explore all the oil and gas industry has to offer. When her coworkers at EOG Resources told her about the Energy Technology program at Midland College (MC), she decided an education was the best way to get out from behind her desk.

“A lot of folks at my work have come to MC for continuing education, and they always speak highly of the professors and staff,” said Van Degna. “Many who have been through the Energy Technology program have said the professors teach the ins and outs of oil and gas, which is exactly what I need. I had my doubts about it all because I am in my 40’s. I kept thinking there is no way school makes sense for me now; however, when I went to campus to register, the staff was so welcoming and excited.  They made me feel energized. There were also a lot of other students my age.  I thought, ‘You know what? I am not too old. I am going to do this!’”

Van Degna is working a full-time job while taking Energy Technology classes at MC. She admits balancing work and school is difficult, but the night class offerings make it easier.

“The professors know life is not easy working and coming to class, so they are very compassionate,” said Van Degna.

Van Degna has learned the fundamentals of geology, drilling and production. Recently she took a compressor and pump course where she helped rebuild a real pump to learn its mechanics. She says the hands-on experience made it fun and easier to comprehend.

“Energy Technology classes at MC have broadened my horizons,” admitted Van Degna. “I am seeing how everything is intertwined. I hear terminology at work and now, after these classes, I say, ‘Oh yeah I remember my professors talking about that!’ Everything makes more sense.”

After this experience at MC, Van Degna says she might even want to change her career path.

“With everything I have been exposed to in the Energy Technology Program, I think I might want to go into engineering,” said Van Degna. “I used to think I wanted to be on the technical side, but this program is helping me grow and learn new things about the field and myself.”

Safety is a big priority in the oil and gas industry. Van Degna appreciates how professors at MC incorporate it into the curriculum. The students even wear their personal protective equipment in the classroom.   

“I like that professors constantly practice safety,” said Van Degna. “I took the mandated Occupational Safety and Health Administration class, and the professor stressed safety saves lives. Everyday a worker goes home is a successful day. You can never learn too much about safety.”

Van Degna says an oil and gas career is the way to go in the Permian Basin right now.

“It is a fun atmosphere to be out in the oil field,” said Van Degna. “There are exciting opportunities: you can do anything from controlling a pump to turning a drill bit up there on a rig. There is an abundance of job opportunities. Once you graduate from MC’s Energy Technology program, companies will be flocking to you. Professors share job opportunities with us, and companies come in to recruit us.”

Some may think oil and gas is a male dominated profession, but Van Degna says times have changed and are continuing to change.

“Females are welcome,” said Van Degna. “No one has ever stopped me from doing something because I am a girl.  I have seen female drillers on the rigs as well. Opportunities are becoming more available; this industry has come a long way.”

Van Degna feels that recently many people have been getting college educations for the wrong reasons: seeing a degree as an end result, or they are just in it for the raise at work. She is approaching it differently.

“I currently work in the Land Department at EOG Resources,” explained Van Degna. “MC’s Energy Technology program is giving me a greater understanding of the technical side of the oil and gas business, so I can relate and incorporate those business needs into the work I do in acquisitions, trades and sales of assets. I’ve approached education as a growing experience, instead of a means to an end. It’s brought extreme value to me, and by extension, my employer. School cannot be an end; it is a beginning, and as MC has taught me, it is never too late to diversify your skill set.”