Petroleum engineers go to all over the places on Earth where petroleum reservoirs are known to exist. They define and develop the reservoirs, and produce oil and gas with maximum profitable recovery. Petroleum engineering isn?t just one job but it also allows one to specialize in several different specialties, each with its own unique challenges and rewards.
- You can be a drilling engineer, working with geologists and contractors in designing and supervising drilling operations.
- You can work as a production engineer, developing processes and equipment to optimize oil and gas production.
- You can become a reservoir engineer and help determine ideal recovery processes, estimate the number of wells that can be economically drilled, and simulate future performance using sophisticated computer models.
- You can be a manager, an entrepreneur, economist, or environmental/safety specialist.
As a petroleum engineer, you may have to live in many different countries. Travel can be an important part of your career. Where you work and the type of company you join are up to you. Options include working outdoors at a field location, indoors with a computer, or both. You can develop your talents within a multinational corporation or a small company, or become an independent operator and head your own firm. Your future can be what you want it to be.
