Help Guys - Petroleum Engineering

  • Context: Engineering 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Byllie
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Engineering Petroleum
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the prospects and considerations of pursuing a career in petroleum engineering, particularly in the context of economic uncertainties related to the oil industry, educational choices, and job market dynamics. Participants share personal experiences and seek advice on educational paths and career decisions within the field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the implications of Hubbert's peak oil theory on the future of the petroleum industry and the potential risks associated with pursuing a career in this field.
  • Another participant argues that petroleum engineering jobs will remain in high demand due to an aging workforce and a lack of new entrants into the field, citing historical profit trends of major oil companies.
  • A third participant reinforces the belief that demand for petroleum engineers will persist throughout the original poster's career.
  • A different participant shares their dilemma between pursuing a master's program in petroleum engineering at West Virginia University (WVU) versus obtaining a second bachelor's degree at the University of Oklahoma (OU), expressing concerns about the reputation and job placement of WVU in the oil industry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the future stability and demand for petroleum engineering jobs, with some asserting confidence in job prospects while others highlight economic uncertainties. The discussion regarding educational choices also reflects varying opinions on the reputations of different programs.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific educational institutions and their perceived standing in the petroleum engineering field, but there is no consensus on which program may offer better opportunities. Concerns about the economic landscape of the oil industry remain unresolved, with multiple viewpoints presented.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a career in petroleum engineering, those evaluating educational programs in the field, and individuals interested in the economic implications of the oil industry may find this discussion relevant.

Byllie
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
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!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

Engineering Physics Major Considering Masters in EE -- Need help!
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
Engineering Mechanical Engineer looking for Career Advice
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Engineering Transition from Physics to Engineering?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Engineering Career advice for a nuclear engineering graduate
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Engineering Trouble with choosing how to shape my engineering career
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Engineering Is a career in Optics/Photonics engineering right for me?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Engineering Petroleum Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or Aerospace Engineer?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
69K
How can I prepare for a career in oil refinery management as a civil engineer?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Programs Undergraduate Minors that are helpful for petroleum industry careers
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Engineering Pursuing Research in Engineering Versus Hobby Projects
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K