How to Become a Petroleum Engineer

The number of applications enroll for petroleum engineering courses in the top engineering universities is rising greatly over the years. The reason for this trend is the fast growth in the petroleum engineering sector, creating many jobs for freshmen as well as experienced candidates. So, what exactly does a petroleum engineer do? Petroleum engineers take part in drilling activities, selecting equipment for pumping oil and gas from the earth and examining the samples which have been taken from reservoirs. The extraction process is very expensive and petroleum engineers have to take into consideration the cost factor while they work in this process. They have to try to keep up the costs minimum to improve the profit margins of their employer. Petroleum engineers are also seen working as research associates in premier institutions.

Becoming a Petroleum Engineer

• Petroleum engineering is a very specialized field and one must start his/her preparation right from high school to be successful. Taking courses in physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science and English in high school will be extremely beneficial for budding petroleum engineers.
• Enroll in a school having a course in petroleum engineering. A Bachelor's degree is enough to enter this field at an entry-level position. A Master's degree will lead to better paying jobs.
• All those opting for engineering programs in petroleum engineering should note that accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is necessary to get a respectable job.
• Many people from a mining, geology, civil engineering or geophysics background also get jobs as petroleum engineers in well-known organizations. A Bachelor's degree in these fields can be an ideal way to kick-start your career.
• Certifications from the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) can enhance your job prospects to a great extent.
• Participate in your college placement programs to get employment in top-notch firms in your field.

Salary

Your next query will naturally be about the salary that a petroleum engineer earns. The salary largely depends on the qualifications, skills, location and type of employer. People working in metropolitan places in large firms as petroleum engineers will be paid more as compared to those employed in small firms and working in smaller cities. Those with one to four years of experience can expect to earn between $50,000 to $65,000 per year. With around five to eight years of experience, these salary figures can go up to $70,000 to $85,000 per year. Vastly experienced petroleum engineers make in excess of $100,000 per year. The salaries are greatest for those having an MS (Master's in Science) in petroleum engineering. These professionals can draw around $120,000 to $170,000 per year.

A lot of dedication and hard work is required to be a good petroleum engineer considering the rising competition in the corporate world. So, try your best to earn a living through this field and live a good life. All the best!