Engineering Help Guys - Petroleum Engineering

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the career prospects of pursuing a Master's in Petroleum Engineering in the US, particularly for a British undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering. The individual expresses concerns about the long-term viability of the petroleum industry, referencing Hubbert's peak oil theory and its implications for job security and remuneration. However, several contributors assert that demand for petroleum engineers will remain strong due to an aging workforce and historical profitability of major oil companies like ExxonMobil and BP. Recommendations include considering Texas A&M's program for its reputation and networking opportunities in the Houston area.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hubbert's peak oil theory
  • Familiarity with the job market dynamics in the petroleum industry
  • Knowledge of key petroleum engineering programs, particularly Texas A&M and OU
  • Awareness of the economic factors affecting oil prices and employment prospects
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Texas A&M's Petroleum Engineering program and its industry connections
  • Investigate the job placement rates and employer partnerships of WVU's PNGE master's program
  • Analyze historical trends in oil prices and their impact on petroleum engineering careers
  • Explore the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing a second Bachelor's degree versus a Master's degree in Petroleum Engineering
USEFUL FOR

Students considering a career in petroleum engineering, mechanical engineers evaluating further education options, and professionals assessing the future of the oil and gas industry.

Byllie
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Hey, I am a British Undergad student in Mechanical Engineering at a world top 100 university.

However, I do not want to stay in this country as an engineer, the remuneration & the way society treats you is crap.

I would like to do an MS in Petroleum Engineering in the US then work/live in either Canada or the US.

My ideal job is a drilling engineer/supervisor due to the economics/engineering side, the shift work and the remuneration.

However, I am a bit worried about the risk I would be taking regarding Hubbert's peak oil theory. I am struggling with the economics of it and what it would mean for those working in the petroleum industry. Would an increase in the price of oil by reducing supply increase pay/prospects of Pet Engineers? Or would there be mass redundancies as the oil price spikes then falls away?

In which case it may be better to go and work in an office environment as a mechanical engineer - less risky but less reward.

Petroleum Engineer would be my dream career and the only thing holding me back is the conflicting reports of how the oil & gas industry will play out over the next 30-40 years.

Please help!
 
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Byllie said:
Petroleum Engineer would be my dream career and the only thing holding me back is the conflicting reports of how the oil & gas industry will play out over the next 30-40 years.

I know several people working in the oil industry, and over the next 30-40 years, petroleum engineering jobs will be in high demand. The reason is that no one does it anymore and all the current petroleum engineers are getting old. Notice who benefitted from high oil prices in the past---check the profits of Exxon/Mobil, BP, etc. over the past few years.

Check out Texas A&M's program, they're one of the best in the world and probably easier to get into than, say MIT. And working near Houston you'll make all the contacts you need.
 
I think petroleum engineers will continue to be in demand for all your work career.
 
i really do need your advice guys, I am from Cameroon (west Africa) I came to the US with bachelor in mechanical engineering, I got admitted at WVU PNGE masters program and at OU petroleum engineering (bachelor program). I am confuse if I should go for the masters program at WVU (as I am concern with the reputation of WVU in the oil industry. like what companies are hiring at WVU) or should I go for a second Bachelor degree at OU. (I know OU is a great school in PE). what do u think? thanks in advance.
 
For some background, I'm currently a 3rd year physics major with an astro specialization studying in Canada, and as undergraduates are want to do I'm regularly evaluating my career prospects down the road. I also plan on pursuing grad school when I've completed my degree. It might just be my anxiety acting up a little, but with a lot of the government funding drying up for public science research broadly in the US, the 'industry' everyone keeps talking about when questions like this are...

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