To become a drilling engineer in the oil industry, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, training, work experience, and skills such as computer literacy and good communication. Internships and certification from the Society of Petroleum Engineers are also beneficial.
If you decide to become a drilling engineer, you will work in the oil industry and perform a variety of tasks. These roles include planning and managing drilling operations, as well as ensuring that any oil extraction is completed safely and efficiently, and much more. To gain employment in this industry, you must meet certain post-secondary educational requirements, gain training and work experience, and possess certain skills. Also, most employers require you to obtain certification as a drilling engineer.
The standard educational requirement required by employers to become a drilling engineer is a bachelor’s degree in engineering. When your engineering degree focuses on mineral, chemical or structural engineering or other areas, you increase your chances of acquiring a good position as a drilling engineer. If you want to work as a drilling engineer who does not provide services to the public, most of the time you will not need to acquire an engineering license.
Engineering coursework includes advanced math, science, and well testing, as well as geostatistics. Through these courses, you will learn how to apply the acquired knowledge to important issues that occur in the petroleum industry. Most engineering degree programs also require the student to complete labs and internships. The skills needed to become a drilling engineer include computer literacy and good communication skills, as well as good numbers and analytical skills. If you plan to work as a drilling engineer in areas of the world other than your home country, you will also benefit from learning other languages.
Internships are very advantageous as they provide training and on-the-job experience. One of the best types of internships to get is working for an onshore drilling operation as a research assistant. Starting internships and gaining experience as soon as possible is very beneficial as many employers will require you to have five years of experience to gain a position as a drilling engineer. Some employers will require you to possess a master’s degree in engineering in addition to experience.
Once you become a drilling engineer and gain at least four years of experience, consider getting certified. The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) offers drilling engineer certification, but you must have a good record of ethical work performance in addition to a bachelor’s degree and experience. If you meet these qualifications, you can join the organization and pass an exam to become certified.
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