Expert: Keith Patton - 2/7/2012

Question
QUESTION: Dear Mr. Patton,

I am a mathematics graduate, from the UK,who is looking to go back to university. I am really really interested in working in the Petroleum industry and to a slightly lesser extent in the Mining industry.

I am not sure as to which degree program to apply to.
On one hand I love maths, physics and enjoy chemistry so I have been told that Geophysics is best suited to this.

However, I also like the idea of being close to the engineering part of the oil wells and not being denied that knowledge.

Is it possible to do a BSc/MSc in Geophysics and then a phd in Petroleum Engineering? Would that make me as knowledgeable as a Geophysicist and a Petroleum Engineer, being able to work in either job?

What about Geology? Is that more useful for oil/mining companies than Geophysics is?

Finally, out of Geology, Geophysics and Petroleum Engineering, (i)which field of study would give someone a higher salary?
(ii)which field would give someone job progression to managerial or CEO level?


I would like to convey my utmost appreciation for giving me your time in answering these questions, and sharing your expertise.

Kind Regards,
Ryan Jones

ANSWER: Ryan:

The pay scales are pretty much this:  1) BSc Petroleum Engineers, 2) MS Geophysicists 3) MS Geologists.

You can do a search to confirm that his is still the case.  You will come out of college with a BSc in Pet Engineering and make more that you would if you got an MS in Geophysics.  There are fewer good Petroleum Engineers.  There are a number of different areas of specialization, drilling, completion, testing.  Aptitute in math is a premium and is why they command higher salaries.  You'll do a lot of rig work initially.  I have two friend who have been doing it as engineers for 30 years and they still do a bit of rig time now and then.

One went back got his MS in math and then his PhD in Pet Engineering at Stanford.  He works overseas in China for Chevron now. Weigh the cost of an MS vs how much debt you will incurr for less pay if you pursue geophysics.  The difference is finding oil, versus working on getting it out of the ground.  Geophysicists spend most of their time behind a desk or computer monitor these days.  You might get to go out on surveys early in your career to oversee collection and QC of data.  But most experienced Geophycists are desk jockies.

Engineering or Geophysics can offer the opportunity to go the management track.  Technically minded people stay on the technical career track. Most large companies offer both a management track or technical track.  It is really up to you whether you want to manage people or stay in the science end of things.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Mr. Patton,

Thank you for the information, it was very useful for me.
I am now looking for BSc Petroleum Engineering courses in UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany or Sweden (since fees have to be the same for all EU students in a particular EU state).

Can you tell me what the average working hours are for a Petroleum Engineer?
I've heard that it isn't a 9-6 job but you live at the sites for months.

Thank you,
Ryan

ANSWER: Ryan:

It will vary with the type of Petroleum engineering specialty you go into.  For instance, a friend had to sit a well in Tunisia for about two months while they were finishing the well in order to test it.  The tests took several weeks.  You can expect to do rig time extensively early in your career in about all career paths.   Later if you were to go into reservoir modeling you might be in the office more.  You might be on rigs onshore or offshore for several weeks at a time, then the same or additional time back at home.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am planning on studying in Germany (due to tuition fees). I have been unable to find any BSc Petroleum Engineering courses there. Would it be acceptable to study BSc Geophysics + MSc PE and become a fully qualified Petroleum Engineer?

I am really keen on acquiring the knowledge and qualifications that would enable me to work in exploraion and PE. I know that many MSc PE courses accept graduates from a wide range of science and engineering bachelo degrees as long as they have attained high scores.

Thank you,
Ryan

Answer
Your plan would probably work, but it seems to be the long way round and might even hinder you in getting a job, since companies don't like to pay for degrees they don't think they need.  What I mean, is they do fine hiring BSc PEs and might not want to pay for a MS PE.  You should check directly with potential employers on this.  Here is the url for the Institute of Petroleum Engineering in Germany.

http://www.ite.tu-clausthal.de/en/about-us/

Here is a similar question with additional information.

http://designresource.org/Training%20Course%20Petroleum%20Engineering.html