How to become A Petroleum Engineer

The world as we know it today runs on oil and gas. Petroleum Engineers use their expertise to locate, evaluate, extract and store/transport these essential commodities.

• Reservoir Engineer 
• Drilling Engineer 
• Subsurface Engineer 
• Completion Engineer 
• Petroleum Production Engineer 
• Oil & Gas Engineer

What do Petroleum Engineers do?

A Petroleum Engineer would typically need to:

• Design and develop the most efficient means to locate and extract crude oil and natural gas from onshore and offshore reserves deep under the ground
• Work with geoscientists and other specialists to analyse the geologic structure of drilling sites 
• Utilise surveys, tests and analysis to evaluate the production potential and profitability of oil and gas wells
• Employ state-of-the-art technology to design the appropriate drilling equipment and determine effective petroleum extraction techniques
• Collaborate with the procurement team on sourcing essential equipment and tools for efficient completion of the project
• Inject water, chemicals, gases or steam into an oil reserve for optimal extraction of oil or gas in an environmentally friendly manner
• Monitor the installation, operation and maintenance of drilling equipment to ensure the operation meets prescribed cost, effort and feasibility standards
• Devise ways to stimulate an underperforming well; develop drilling tools and technologies to extract residual oil and gas from older wells

Petroleum Engineers typically work in offices or at drilling sites. Travel may be essential to visit various drilling sites across the world. Since there is worldwide demand, unique work environments, usually loud, could vary across employers and locations.  

Petroleum Engineers work full-time from 9 a.m to 5 p.m, Monday to Friday. Work may surpass the 40-hour workweek during emergencies, travel to drilling locations or offshore assignments. Offshore assignments require shift work, usually 12 hours on and 12 hours off continuously for two weeks, followed by a two- to three-week break onshore.

Major companies typically offer flexible working patterns.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Petroleum Engineers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Self-employment as a contractor is a viable option.

Petroleum Engineers are generally employed by: 

• Oil Operation or Production Companies
• Engineering Consultants
• Integrated Service Providers
• Mining Companies
• Coal & Petroleum Manufacturing Companies
• Chemical Manufacturing Firms
• Government Agencies
• Specialist Drilling Contractors

Professional associations and organisations, such as the Society of Petroleum Engineers, are crucial for Petroleum Engineers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. 

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Long work hours during travel, emergencies and offshore assignments
• Physically and mentally demanding nature of offshore assignments
• Frequently wet, cold and noisy work environments
• Lack of time for self-care and family
• Interaction with people from diverse racial, religious and cultural ethnicities
• Frustration due to lack of adequate technological resources

Any academic program that a potential Petroleum Engineer takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. 

Most undergraduate, graduate, dual degree and co-operative programs involve a combination of fieldwork with real-world experience to facilitate better learning. Besides offering a plethora of transferable skills, technical and mental, these experiences may make you eligible for various fellowships and certifications. 

Competition in this industry is high, so summer work with local oil operators may help bolster your CV. If you cannot source such work independently, secure placements via your university’s links and begin networking from there. 

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in the petroleum engineering field to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Most employers prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical, mathematical or applied sciences, even for entry-level jobs. 

However, the pursuit of a master’s degree in a specialisation of your choice will enhance your chances of landing a lucrative job and allow you to go into academics or research and development. 

Some universities offer five-year dual degree programs in chemical or mechanical engineering that incorporate classes, laboratory work and field experience in engineering principles, geology and thermodynamics. Cooperative programmes wherein students gain hands-on experience along with academic knowledge are also worth pursuing.

Direct entry to masters programmes may be possible with relevant numerate degrees in mathematics, engineering, computer science, economics, chemistry and physics as long as you can substantiate your interest in petroleum engineering. 

Aspiring Petroleum Engineers may take high school algebra, trigonometry, calculus, biology, chemistry and physics to enter top universities.

Certification demonstrates a Petroleum Engineer’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Check with the certifying authority for more specific details.

Certification from an objective and reputed oil and gas organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Although it is not required for entry-level jobs, Petroleum Engineers who wish to advance to leadership roles obtain a Professional Engineering (PE) license. Candidates with a relevant bachelor’s degree take the initial Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. 

Qualified engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs) with adequate work experience are eligible to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Check-in with local or national petroleum engineering organisations to find whether you will need licensure.

In other locations, candidates with an appropriate master’s degree and at least four years of relevant work experience can also apply for an engineering license.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Petroleum Engineers. They are highly sought-after in today’s booming oil and gas industry, vital to the global economy.

Entry-level Petroleum Engineers gain crucial work experience under the supervision of experienced colleagues; larger companies offer additional formal training. The nature of the job makes it possible to relocate to promising locations worldwide.

As you acquire knowledge and experience, you will gain increased access to senior roles comprising team leadership, business planning & analysis, non-operated joint ventures (NOJV), asset management, operations supervising and environmental/safety/fire/health/project management.

You will be able to handle complex projects independently and can become a Supervisor or Engineering Manager. You can also become eligible for senior technical positions. 

Moving into sales, influencing potential buyers and assisting with product planning, installation, and use is a viable option for professionals with a sound professional reputation. Furthermore, you will be able to consider shifting to marketing, recruitment, academics or advanced research.    

Candidates with a relevant master’s degree and adequate experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Petroleum Engineer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Consider pursuing a master’s or PhD degree to secure prime job opportunities with top-tier firms. You may be able to make use of study facilities that are available offshore on oil platforms.

Large firms offer graduate training programs, domestic and overseas, to recent recruits depending on the company’s needs, resources and work experience of the recruit. Formal courses add to hands-on offshore/field experience and core skills. Take advantage of the valuable ‘buddy’ system, which affords access to personal mentoring along with work/career advice.

CPD is vital for Petroleum Engineers to modify their knowledge to meet current trends in the industry. It may help them work towards chartered status and regular renewal of licensure. CPD may mandate undertaking short courses and attending seminars and lectures, which will help you build robust global networks. 

Which Specialty Would Suit You?

Your sustained interest in a particular aspect of drilling operations would dictate the kind of Petroleum Engineer you would become. 

Petroleum geologists use geophysical and geological means to analyse underground structures and locate hydrocarbons, the dominant components of crude oil. Reservoir engineers use computer simulations to evaluate reservoir potential and optimise safe production of oil and gas through judicious oil well placement, production and recovery. Completion engineers determine the best way to finish building a well so that the oil or gas flows upwards from the ground.

Production engineers monitor production and strive to coax more from an under-producing well via perforations, sand control, artificial lift, downhole flow control and downhole monitoring equipment. They are also responsible for selecting surface equipment that separates the produced fluids such as oil, natural gas and water. Drilling engineers work in conjunction with other engineers, scientists, drilling teams, and contractors to manage the technical aspects of production and injection wells economically, efficiently and safely. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Petroleum Engineers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Petroleum Engineer has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Oil is a vital commodity that drives the global economy; it creates various products, from plastic bottles to fertilisers.

Petroleum Engineers combine innovation, ingenuity and science to provide the building blocks of a sustainable and thriving global economy. 

Given the ramifications of using nonrenewable resources such as petroleum, you may find it difficult to survive with tunnel vision. Upskill yourself and network further to expand your opportunities and offer cleaner energy sources for the world.