A Day in the Life of a Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum engineering is a field that involves a lot of travel and excitement. Those of you hoping to combine a love for the scientific and problem-solving aspects of engineering with the ability to travel to interesting locales all over the world need to explore becoming an oil and gas engineer.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what is involved in the life of a petroleum engineer. One thing for sure: it is definitely not a boring desk job.

“It’s a gambler’s life”

When asked to describe his profession, one petroleum engineer remarked: “It’s a gambler’s life.” Spending most of your time on the road in a variety of unusual locations while applying time-honed engineering skills, also seems like a life of adventure. Most petroleum engineers become involved with all aspects of their work — from selecting a drilling location to helping extract the oil from the ground.

It’s a high-risk field that combines engineering, risk, and a bit of thrill-seeking. Petroleum engineers are able to use their heads and also get their hands dirty while out in the field.

Scouting Potential Drilling Sites

A petroleum engineer’s day might involve scouting a potential drilling site. After one is chosen, samples need to be taken for further analysis. This detailed look at the site determines the potential amount of oil or gas in the area, at what depth it is located, and the type of equipment necessary to extract the product.

If the site meets requirements, the engineer helps to supervise the construction of the rig, extraction operations, and finally the rig removal and site clean-up. Self-confidence and the ability to make important decisions quickly is a must, as dealing with drilling failures or barren sites is an important part of the job. An undergraduate degree in one of the earth sciences is a requirement, and many petroleum engineers also hold advanced degrees.

If you like to take risks and have a sharp mind for engineering, then a career as a petroleum engineer might be for you. Make a call to the engineering staffing experts at The Talley Group, one of the best sources for petroleum engineering jobs. Schedule some time with them today!