Becoming a petroleum geologist requires education, experience, and networking skills. A strong degree program is essential, and it’s important to tailor your curriculum to the industry’s needs. Graduate studies and building a strong network are also recommended. Personal qualities such as physical stamina, perseverance, observation, and communication skills are also important.
Becoming a petroleum geologist typically requires a combination of education, experience, and networking expertise. The field is wide and growing, but getting the job you want usually requires a little planning. University education in geology, applied mathematics, and engineering is typically essential. While many schools offer this type of program, some are more connected to the geological industry than others, and many of the top recruiters for petroleum geology jobs are looking for graduates of just a few schools. Knowing these schools and tailoring your curriculum before meeting a recruiter can dramatically improve your chances of success. There are often many possible job opportunities for people with a background in petroleum geology, and part of the struggle to get started is figuring out whether you want to work in research, in the field, or in consulting. Having a strong network is often very important in this regard. Meeting people who are actively working can give you a different sense of work than you might learn in a classroom, and contacts often refer candidates they know or have experience working on specific jobs.
Basics of petroleum geology
Petroleum geologists are involved in exploring for oil and natural gas on land or in the ocean. The discipline is often broad and can include everything from detecting oil deposits deep in the earth to building mines and coordinating the science of extraction. Refinement sometimes falls under this type of professional task as well, and researching and publishing academic papers is where some people also focus. Those on the more theoretical side of the field can also work to negotiate international agreements on issues such as mining rights and necessary safety precautions.
Importance of a strong degree program
An undergraduate degree is almost always essential to becoming a petroleum geologist, and the courses you take matter. Increasingly, school is also important, especially if you hope to work for one of the biggest companies. Major oil companies tend to recruit job candidates from only a limited number of schools. As such, it’s generally a good idea to gather some information about the universities you’re considering before applying. Asking the geoscience consultant how graduates fare in the job market is a good place to start. Be careful if you don’t get a satisfactory answer, as the school’s links with industry may be weak. Consider enrolling in a program in an oil-producing region and at a larger school. While there are some exceptions, larger schools are more likely to provide a greater depth of instructional resources.
Most of the time, your courses should include studies in geophysics, structural geology, and geochemistry, as well as courses in basin modeling, sedimentology, and stratigraphy. Experience in computer skills and mapping can also be important. In addition to required courses, studies in economics, statistics and oil property valuation will also be helpful. Auditing courses in petroleum or reservoir engineering can also be advantageous.
Consider graduate studies
It is also recommended to continue earning a master’s or doctoral degree. Detailed studies will give you more knowledge, which can make you that much more valuable as a new hire. Many schools offer programs dedicated to aspects of petroleum geology, and talking with an advisor or teacher in those programs can help you determine whether applying might make sense for you.
Work to build a strong network
Those wishing to become a petroleum geologist should make as many contacts as possible with professionals in the field. Contacts play a key role not only in your job search, but also in advancing your company or career. Joining professional organizations and attending meetings and conventions whenever possible will give you an extra edge in the industry and help you stay current on the latest technologies and industry developments.
Necessary personal qualities
Various personal attributes, skills and qualities can also help set you up for success. A good physical constitution and stamina are needed to handle the rigors of field work, for example. Perseverance is an advantage, because the task of locating a specific deposit can take a lot of time and effort. Observation and communication skills are also important so that you can collect and interpret data in the field and communicate your findings to other scientists and practitioners. As many jobs require international travel, proficiency in a second language can also be an advantage.
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