Question:
I am a recent college graduate with a degree in chem and a minor
in geology. I am also pretty good with computers, both
hardware/construction and many types of software. Is there any chance of
finding some kind of geotechnical job in oil/gas, or am I wasting my time
without at least a Masters in PE? Any comments on the job market would be
appreciated.
Answer:
You'd be a lot better off going into either a computing job or a chemistry
related job, preferably in a growing labour market. The oilfield is a
declining market (long-term), although it is picking up right now. Future
prospects for IT staff are much better.
There are a shortage of jobs, in the oilfield like the computer industry
especially in silicon valley. CISCO has a standing order daily for 600 new
hires daily some are promoted to management within the month; however if
your instinct is the oil patch, then take a job in the North Sea, The Gulf
Coast or the Caspian working as a roastabout. You will work hard, be paid
well, earn respect from your fellow man, follow an honorable profession and
after six months or a year have money saved up to pay for your Masters.
Then you can decide later where you wish to go, your still extremely young
in terms of your work career.
You might wish to do a search on "Fuel Cells" and end up with a degree in
"Applied Material Sciences," I would recommend Carnagie-Mellon at
Pittsburgh. "Fuel Cell" are the new Trillion Dollar Industry of the 21st
Century. Happy Holidays, Barry. Someone my mother once told me to learn
what we really appreciate in life we should occassionally do what we
dislike.
