Internship Program Spotlight: Spencer Noel

Spencer Noel is an undergraduate student at the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration. This semester, he is an intern at a land service company in Lafayette, LA. We interviewed him to find out more about his experience and how an internship is benefitting his professional development.

Spencer Noel

Senior (graduating December 2020)
Major: Professional Land and Resource Management
Hometown: Opelousas, LA

Why did you choose to attend UL Lafayette?
I chose to attend UL Lafayette for their unique Professional Land and Resource Management (PLRM) major, which is one of only a few in North America. It is also accredited by the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL), meaning that students have access to compete nationally for scholarships and are given many networking opportunities by having annual meetings and the North American Prospects Expo.

Why did you choose to major in Professional Land and Resource Management?
I chose my major because I particularly find the business side of oil and gas to be very interesting and important when dealing with our economy. Being able to travel and negotiate with people who are willing to sell their mineral rights is a unique part of the job that can be exciting when a deal does go through.

Why did you decide to participate in the Moody Business Internship Program?
I decided to partake in the internship program because of the advantages it gives you by gaining experience while you are still in college. It is a different form of learning and can play a huge role in either making job connections or finding a job once you gradate.

What company are you interning with?
I am interning with Synergy Land Group.

How did you first hear about your internship?
I heard about this internship through a connection. I interviewed with Synergy after being contacted, talked about the different tasks I would be given, and started working a couple of weeks later.

What is your favorite thing about your internship?
My favorite part of my internship thus far is that I am learning each aspect of what a landman does in this industry. My boss and co-workers are a pleasure to be around and make working enjoyable.

What are your responsibilities at your internship?
My tasks are to collect in-house title information, analyze title documents, and perform title updates. I am currently being educated on how to prepare lease agreements and negotiate with landowners to buy or lease their land and mineral rights for drilling.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned during your internship?
The most valuable thing I have learned during my internship at Synergy Land Group is work ethic. It is rewarding to work for a good company and to be able to do your part. I also learned that during this pandemic, there are many challenges that were faced with the price of oil dropping to an all-time low and having to social distance. It shows that no matter what occurs, you can overcome any challenge if you adapt and all work towards the same goal.

How do you think participating in the internship program has benefitted your professional development?
This internship has given me more professional development than any other job I’ve had. Working with other landmen has shown me the dedication that they put in every day and has given me a different understanding than a class would have ever been able to.

What advice would you give to someone considering participating in the Moody Business Internship Program in the future?
I would say it is a no brainer. You are given the opportunity to work with professionals in your field of study and gain valuable experience that can give you an edge on a future job. I am truly grateful that I was able to get an internship, especially during this current time.

Students and employers can learn more about participating in the Moody Business Internship Program at business.louisiana.edu/internship or email internship@louisiana.edu.