<p>Like a lot of people I didn't really know what I wanted to do coming out of high school. During high school I pretty much never cracked a book so I came out with an average in the 80's. This summer I thought a lot about what I'd like to do. I've always had an interest in business, I am really fascinated by the stock market and investment management and I like to read these types of books. Naturally, I was thinking of taking a business degree but the problem is, to me, I didn't see the point of getting an undergraduate degree in business, especially due to my sweet high school GPA, I couldn't get into any good schools. </p>
<p>I'm also fascinated with the petroleum industry. The oil industry effects everyone, there is so much money involved and so much at stake it just seems so interesting. So I chose Engineering and I plan to major in Petroleum. I think an undergrad in engineering just makes a lot of sense. I figure I will have the option to see some new places and make good money while I am young and I will still have many options to pursue a more business oriented career. While I wouldn't mind working in the field during my 20's, I really don't see myself out on the rigs after that. I would like to pursue an MBA in my late 20's and perhaps take on more of an office job within my company or maybe work for a bank. It just seems like everyone else in my class took engineering because it was engineering and they enjoy math/physics while I'm in it just to become a PetrE and while I can get A's and B's in calculus and physics, its not like I actually enjoy the subjects. I don't exactly enjoy geology or chemistry either, basically the only class this semester that I like is my elective in economics. Although I know I will like the Petroleum classes when I get to them. </p>
<p>Anyway, quite a few people seem to think that I don't know what I'm getting myself into. This was quite the rant but if you made it this far, I'd like to know if you think I made the wrong decision in choosing Engineering.</p>
<p>Petro engineers (generally) do not work on rigs. Refineries yes. Do Geology if you’re interested in the exploration end. Your plan for an MBA a few years down the road is a good one.</p>
<p>I think as long as you like where you see yourself ending up with this degree that it is the right choice. It is definitely difficult to get any engineering degree when you don’t enjoy math and physics and all that, but not impossible, and not ALWAYS the wrong choice. Petroleum engineering specifically is, in general, not at technical in a lot of cases than, say, electrical engineering, so it should be easier to get away with it in your case. The main thing is, does the degree that you get fit your career goals. As long as it does, then I don’t see how it can really be the wrong degree. That fact that you aren’t that interested in the technical side of it will just make it more difficult to devote effort to those classes.</p>
<p>The decision to major in engineering isn’t a bad one, however know now that you will NOT make it through a semester in any half decent program if you’re not willing to study hard. It’s a smart move to get a MBA a few years after your undergraduate degree is an ideal move because it would allow you to move into management.</p>
<p>Petroleum engineers are generally not going to be working in refineries. Petroleum engineers have more of an exploration and production role. The process work in a refinery would be done by a chemical engineer.</p>
<p>As for your career path, it’s fine. Oil companies are filled with engineers from top to bottom: from fresh college grads to CEOs. The major oil companies are well-run, with emphasis on career development. Do well at your job, get your MBA, and see where you go.</p>
<p>Alright thanks guys. I just needed a little reassurance and that’s exactly what you gave me. Just for the record, regarding the refinery/rig comments, I’m definitely more interested in the upstream industry, I don’t think working at a refinery would be for me.</p>