subject: A Career as a Petroleum Engineer [print this page] A Career as a Petroleum Engineer A Career as a Petroleum Engineer
The natural resources business is always fruitful and full of oil and gas jobs. Though natural energy sources are gaining in popularity, fossil fuels are still our main source of energy. The people responsible for our successful harvest of oil and gas are known as petroleum engineers.
What Does a Petroleum Engineer Do?
The primary responsibility of a petroleum engineer is the supervise the process of withdrawing oil and natural gas from the ground, and transferring it into tanks. They typically work for oil companies, but they can also work for companies supply equipment to oil companies. Before any drilling is done, a site is selected, then petroleum engineers decide how to drill. They supervise the workers, and if oil or gas is found, they take test samples. Then they test the reservoir from which the samples were taken to see if the oil or gas will simply flow out or if it must be forced out. A skilled petroleum engineer knows how to bring oil or gas to the surface as cheaply and safely as possible, as well as to return any salt water that may have been withdrawn to the ground.
How to Become a Petroleum Engineer
College placement offices are typically able to help graduates find work as a petroleum engineer. Often times, companies send recruiters to schools to find workers. Applying directly to a company is also an option, as wanted ads are sometimes placed in professional journals and magazines. Petroleum engineers with a good deal of skill and experience are able to rise to top managerial positions in their company. Some even go on to start their own consulting firms.
While gas prices are as high as they are, it is the best time to be a petroleum engineer.
