Typically, becoming a petroleum geologist requires a combination of education, experience, and networking. Although the field is vast and expanding, getting the job you want usually necessitates some forethought. A bachelor’s degree in geology, applied math, or engineering is usually required. While many schools offer these types of programs, some are better connected to the geological industry than others, and many major recruiters for petroleum geology jobs look for graduates from only a few schools. Knowing which schools to apply to and tailoring your resume before even meeting with a recruiter can greatly improve your chances of landing a job. People with a background in petroleum geology often have a lot of options for careers, and deciding whether you want to work in research, the field, or consulting is one of the most difficult parts of getting started. In this case, having a strong network is often critical. Meeting people who are currently employed can provide you with a different perspective on the job than what you could learn in a classroom, and contacts frequently refer candidates they know or have worked with for specific positions.
Getting a Basic Understanding of Petroleum Geology
Petroleum geologists work on land and at sea to explore for oil and natural gas. The field is broad, encompassing everything from detecting petroleum reserves deep beneath the earth’s surface to building mines and coordinating extraction science. Refinement is sometimes part of this type of professional’s job responsibilities, and some people also focus on research and the publication of scholarly articles. Those interested in the more theoretical aspects of the field may work to negotiate international agreements for things like mining rights and necessary safety precautions.
The Importance of a Well-Developed Undergraduate Program
A bachelor’s degree is almost always required to work as a petroleum geologist, and the courses you take are important. The school is becoming increasingly important, especially if you want to work for one of the larger companies. Job candidates for major oil companies are typically recruited from a small number of schools. As a result, gathering information on universities you’re considering enrolling in is often a good idea. A good place to start is asking the geoscience advisor how graduates fare on the job market. If you don’t get a satisfactory response, be cautious because the school’s industry connections may be limited. Consider enrolling in a program at a larger school in an oil-producing region. Larger schools are more likely to provide a greater depth of instructional resources, with some exceptions.
Studies in geophysics, structural geology, and geochemistry, as well as basin modeling, sedimentology, and stratigraphy, should make up the majority of your coursework. Computer skills and mapping abilities are also valuable assets. Studies in economics, statistics, and oil property evaluation, in addition to the required courses, will be beneficial. Auditing petroleum or reservoir engineering courses can also be beneficial.
Consider pursuing a graduate degree.
It’s also common to recommend pursuing a master’s or doctorate degree. In-depth research will provide you with more knowledge, which will increase your value as a new hire. Many schools have programs dedicated to various aspects of petroleum geology, and speaking with an advisor or professor in one of these programs can help you decide whether or not enrolling is a good idea.
Make an effort to establish a strong network.
Those interested in pursuing a career as a petroleum geologist should make as many contacts as possible with experts in the field. Contacts are important not only for finding work, but also for moving up in your company or career. Joining professional organizations and attending meetings and conventions as often as possible will give you a competitive advantage in the industry and enable you to keep up with the latest technology and developments.
Personal Qualities Required
A variety of personal characteristics, skills, and qualities can also aid in your success. To cope with the rigors of fieldwork, for example, a strong physical constitution and stamina are required. Because locating a specific deposit can take a significant amount of time and effort, perseverance is a plus. To collect and interpret data on the field and communicate your findings to other scientists and professionals, you’ll need keen observation and communication skills. Because many jobs require international travel, knowing a second language can be beneficial.