LSU Alum Madison Menou Found a Home in the Energy Sector by Thinking Creatively
December 19, 2024
Madison Menou’s career path has taken her along the energy corridor from her hometown of Natchitoches, La., to Houston, Texas.
Madison Menou
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’s coast.
But this path wasn’t always clear to her.
“When I came to LSU, I had no idea I’d end up in energy,” Madison says. “For 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.”
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’t feel the right fit.
“I wanted to be more hands-on with operations,” she says.
After extensive research, she found scheduling — an intricate role that marries logistics, communication, and a deep understanding of energy markets. But she says landing a job wasn’t easy.
“Scheduling is such a niche role within the industry, procuring a job was tough,” she says. “The 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.”
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.
“My day begins by pulling reports to check for cuts in the gas we bought and sold the prior day. I’ll 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.
“The traders I work with will buy and sell to help supply our plants with additional gas needed for operations,” she says. “My 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.”
The work is demanding, but for Madison, it’s also fulfilling.
“The 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’ve had a hand in it in a small way, has been incredibly gratifying.”
The Power of an LSU Degree
Madison credits LSU with helping her build the foundational skills she uses every day.
“Most of my work takes place in Excel, which I learned through my Information Systems courses. Those skills have been invaluable,” she says.
She also emphasizes the value of being a part of the LSU alumni family.
“The LSU alumni network in Houston’s oil and gas scene is strong. Meeting fellow Tigers is always a great reminder of the community we have.”
Madison’s time at LSU wasn’t 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 LSU 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.
“Even 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,” she says.
Advice for Aspiring Energy Professionals
Madison wants current LSU students to know that energy careers are accessible to anyone willing to think creatively about their degree.
“Whether you’re an engineer, accountant, or business major like me, the energy sector has something for you.”
— Madison Menou
“You don’t need a super specialized degree to break into this industry,” she says. “Consider minors or extracurriculars that align with your interests, and don’t hesitate to market the unique aspects of your LSU education.”
For those unsure about their path, Madison offers reassurance that she, too, felt the same: “You don’t 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.”
As Venture Global continues to expand, Madison is excited to grow alongside the company.
“I love what I do, and I’m eager to see where this career takes me. Maybe one day I’ll manage a scheduling team,” she says. “Whether you’re 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.”
Next Step
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