Not surprisingly, petroleum engineers working in the E&P sector deal with risk on a daily basis. They thrive on challenges -- a characteristic that can begin in secondary school by taking more rigorous math and science courses.
"In the US, students need a high school diploma with significant demonstration of math and science skills - four years of math and science in high school, along with a college preparatory course of study," said Margaret Watson, public relations/communications manager with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). "This is the same as any other engineering discipline."
At the college or university level, petroleum engineering typically is regarded as one of the more challenging majors. To obtain accreditation from ABET, the agency that certifies the quality of engineering programs, a petroleum engineering course of study needs to demonstrate that graduates have the following competencies:
- Mathematics through differential equations, probability and statistics, fluid mechanics, strength of materials and thermodynamics
- Design and analysis of well systems and procedures for drilling and completing wells
- Characterization and evaluation of subsurface geological formations and their resources using geoscientific and engineering methods
- Design and analysis of systems for producing, injecting and handling fluids
- Application of reservoir engineering principles and practices for optimizing resource development and management
- Use of project economics and resource valuation methods for design and decision-making under conditions of risk and uncertainty.
Outside the classroom, petroleum engineering students often apply their knowledge and improve their prospects for future employment by participating in summer internships or cooperative education programs.
The willingness to confront a challenging course of study often is rewarded after graduation. Given the impressive performance of the energy industry today, supported by strong worldwide demand for oil and gas, it is a job-seeker's market for graduates of petroleum engineering programs. Moreover, because the number of job openings in the next decade is expected to exceed the number of available graduates, the long-term employment prospects should be favorable.
Petroleum engineers, either right out of college or with professional-level industry experience, often have much latitude in determining where they work -- in an office, in the field, in North America or internationally -- and for whom they work. Some petroleum engineers work for E&P companies, actually finding and producing oil and gas. Others pursue careers with service companies, which provide various engineering and technical services to the E&P companies. In either case, job candidates can expect attractive salary and benefits packages. It is not uncommon for recent graduates' starting salaries to exceed $70,000/year. Experienced professionals often earn more than $100,000/year.
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