Training as a petroleum engineer delivers a number of career options.
Petroleum engineers design and supervise the process of getting oil and natural gas out of the ground and into storage tanks. Although most petroleum engineers work for oil companies, many others work for other industry organizations, such as technology companies or equipment suppliers. Still others teach at the undergraduate or graduate level, or serve as consultants. The median salary is $88,500, according to the State University online education directory. The more training a young engineer has, the more he will earn. There are numerous resources available beyond the college classroom.
Instructions
1. Get a degree. A bachelor's degree is the minimum standard for entry into the profession. Your degree can be in geology, geophysics, mining, civil engineering or mechanical engineering -- as long as you have course work in petroleum engineering. Some colleges and universities offer full degrees in petroleum engineering. If you want to teach or rise to the top of a major oil company, you'll need a doctorate or at least a master's degree.
To boast the most powerful resume, seek an engineering program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
2. Participate in formal training programs. Recent graduates generally start as assistants to experienced engineers. Internships allow students to get real-world experience while still in school. Ask your guidance counselor for referrals to oil companies and other industry organizations that offer training programs for current students getting ready to enter the field.
3. Tap industry resources. The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) offers a range of educational and training options throughout the year, usually in conjunction with one of its conferences or seminars. Its programs feature training courses, whether they're conducted at an SPE conference or at one of its on-site training centers in Houston and Calgary, Alberta. "SPE on Demand" allows access to important seminars from previous conferences. An online training curriculum includes a wide range of educational topics. Other top educational resources include PetroSkills, which offers a comprehensive training course on basic petroleum engineering practices.
4. Find a mentor. SPE offers an eMentoring program for college students and professionals in the field. Experienced petroleum engineers help students and newcomers with practical career advice and general educational guidance. An SPE mentor can also help a young engineer make the transition from the classroom to a job.
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