Ian Ferrell, Texas resident, served as a geographic information systems (GIS) analyst with Houston’s Plains All American Pipeline Company as part of a summer internship. He gained insight into multiple GIS software programs and made numerous maps for the company, ranging from digital elevations to pipelines. Ian Ferrell also developed his skills as a metes and bounds reader, in addition to improving his abilities as a collaborative team member in an office setting.
In 2024, Mr. Ferrell gained further industry experience as an operations intern with Plains All American Pipeline Company in Midland. His work in this role emphasized the midstream sector of the oil and gas industry, which included reading pipeline flow charts and working on different segments of oil and gas pipelines. As an intern, he spent time in the field, primarily at the Permian Basin.
Mr. Ferrell studied geography and the environment with a GIS minor at Texas Tech University. During his time at the university, he served as a member of Geography and Youth Mappers. He is particularly interested in the use of GIS mapping as a support tool during natural disasters and as a resource for accessing untapped energy reserves.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts with work, immediately followed by working out at the gym right next door to my office. This allows me to knock out all of my daily work and take care of my health, all without leaving a small area. It’s tough for me to make excuses not to work out if my gym is right next door! I also love to walk outside; I feel like it helps my mental health and allows me to enjoy the outdoors in a small amount of time.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Sometimes starting something new is daunting because of the work/journey that goes into it. I always break a goal into multiple parts so I can stay focused on the task at hand, not the stress of the overall goal. This also allows me to have multiple wins in the process of doing something new instead of feeling far from accomplishing my object.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m super interested in the future of America’s oil and gas industry. Adding AI modeling into exploration, the future of America’s energy trade politically, and the transition to clean initiatives that improve the industry as a whole.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
As I briefly mentioned, working out and going on walks helps clear my mind on the hardest of days. I not only feel better physically, but I use anxiety as a motivator to do better at the gym. Going on walks allows me to get fresh air and get some sunlight, which always seems to aid any issues I have going on.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self that your failures matter just as much as your successes in the future. Although this is metaphorical and not encouraging bad behavior, wisdom is taught and not learned, and the slip ups you have always have a lesson that will help you navigate this crazy world as an adult. Don’t be shooting for perfection; shoot for experiences.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I think being early is better than being right on time or fashionably late. It shows respect, and people subconsciously assume that trait to be unreliable. Whether it be for work, a party, or meeting people for dinner. Being on time shows you care and gives you time to prepare before the event begins.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Develop a new hobby. I have multiple hobbies that I love to split my free time with. I’ve made the best friends of my life and felt the most success when learning a new hobby or skill.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Seems redundant, but listening to some calm music or a self-help podcast and going on a walk seems to always lift me up to the point of where I can approach an overwhelming topic with more focus and a better attitude. Even if the walk is only a few minutes.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I always have two goals for each month: learn something new related to my job and to meet someone new (either in my department or in a different group). This allows me to grow professionally with a new task and also make a connection at work, which is always useful in not just a work aspect but in a social setting.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I was tasked with doing a presentation about a project I was working on in front of a bunch of guys in the office. I conducted my presentation well, but when the Q/A portion came by, I was unfit to answer some of their questions. Fortunately, I was quick to say I was unsure and referred them to my boss, who might know the answer. This showed my honesty and confidence in my team. If I was to make up an answer, I would be risking my reputation.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I love Copilot’s AI interface, whether I have a question about my health, how to do something, or just a general question. AI has helped me stay independent in my work and helps me understand things in simple terms when needed. Learning how to prompt AI is one of the most valued skills in the workplace.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I spent $100 on a golf coach recently. Seems like a lot, but he helped me learn some tips and tricks on starting my golf journey. It saved me lots of money on frustrating range sessions or tee times in which I would have failed. This is just one example of how spending money on yourself goes a long way.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I love the “Modern Wisdom” podcast. Almost every video has multiple interesting and unique perspectives on hard times, mental health, fitness, and general well-being, all while presenting an easy listen and great guests.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I loved the new “Our Planet” series on Netflix. It has the best camerawork I have ever seen and is so peaceful and informative on the flora and fauna on Earth. It is a great series to watch before bed or if you are stressed out.
Key learnings
- It’s never too late to start anything—hobbies, fitness, mental health improvement, etc.
- Life is as beautiful as you make it, so make it the best you can.
- You are your biggest supporter, so why do you doubt yourself?
- Exercise and getting out in nature fosters productivity and improves stress management.