Petroleum engineers have many different career paths to choose from.
An individual with a petroleum engineering degree has a wide variety of careers paths from which to choose. Job prospects are extremely good for this type of engineer; according to the Colorado School of Mines, job placement for petroleum engineer graduates with a BS degree is at 100 percent by graduation, as well as for those individuals who continue on to pursue a Master's degree or PhD. Your best career choice in this field of engineering will depend on your likes and dislikes, as well as your abilities.
Field Engineer
Field engineers are responsible for oil and gas extraction.
Field engineers develop methods for pulling oil and gas deposits out of the earth. Once these pockets of resources are located, field engineers work with geologists and other specialists to determine the nature of the rock the deposits are located in with the goal of determining the best procedure for extraction. Once removal has begun, they usually stay on-site to monitor the extraction process and consult as needed. Due to the fact that only a small amount of oil and gas flows out of a recovery site under natural forces, engineers develop and utilize extraction methods that involve injecting water, steam, or chemicals to force the resources out of the earth. A field engineer could be stationed anywhere in the world, from a small town to a large city, and even to a remote location far removed from any type of civilization.
In-House Economists
Petroleum engineers gain experience needed to become effective economists.
Since all oil production is evaluated in terms of cost versus benefit, petroleum engineers with several years of experience often go on to become in-house economists. Engineers in these positions have gained experience by analyzing the reports of field engineers and giving recommendations to management as to the best way to proceed. This sort of data review is a constant gamble, and this is why petroleum engineers who go on to provide economic analysis are so well-fitted for the position. They have learned over the years to determine what makes a safe bet, and when a company will give too much to get too little.
Consultants
Many petroleum engineers go on to become consultants.
Many petroleum engineers, after years in the field, see how dirty the oil extraction business is and desire a career change. Many of these engineers then go on to become consultants for private industry or even for the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. A consultancy position allows other companies to reap the benefits of knowledge obtained by an engineer in a way that they could not by themselves. Some companies may be embarking on new energy projects, such as natural gas extraction, that are new to the company. In cases such as this, consultants provide valuable information on proceed and obtain energy deposits efficiently and with a minimum of environmental damage.
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