<p>Hey guys, first post here. I'm thinking of going back and getting a second undergrad in Petroleum Engineering, I'm wondering if the old "14 on 14 off" still applies to Petroleum engineering, because it honestly doesn't sound that bad for a few years. That averages to around 42 hours per week if you work 12 hr shifts.</p>
<p>My other option would be going to med school, and lets just say your working/studying FAR more than an average of 42 hrs per week... And for maybe the same pay at the end of the road if you end up as a primary care doctor. </p>
<p>I want to get into a good MBA program after a few years of Petroleum Engineering, so hopefully MBA programs will only look at my most recent undergrad GPA lol. What's the lifestyle of a Petroleum Engineering manager like? Hopefully 40 hour work weeks?</p>
<p>Thanks before hand!</p>
<p>No petro engineers out there willing to shed some light?</p>
<p>It is really a broad field so there is no generic answer. I can’t speak much for service companies (Halliburton, SLB, Weatherford) but if you go work for an operator, you will probably spend the first 1-3 years in the field learning the ropes. That time is generally divided up between Completions, Drilling, Production (and possibly Facilities). When working those jobs, you will work 14 on 7 off, 14 on 14 off, 5 on 2 off, just depending on who you work for. Then, you will go back into the office and you might spend the equivalent to 3-4 days a month in the field. The higher you get, the less time you spend in the field.</p>
<p>Working in the office it is generally 40-50 hours a week, depending on your job and your company. Operation guys (drilling/completions/production) probably get called a lot more on their time off and reservoir guys probably put in a lot of extra time near the end of the year (counting reserves). I know guys that work in every area of petroleum engineering, and everyone has a slightly different schedule.</p>
<p>Great field to go into, the engineering is becoming more and more demanding. And not that you sound like you disagree, but getting into the field is what makes the engineer. </p>
<p>Of course, if you are in the field, you will be where the oil is. The oil is not always in a pleasant place (extreme temperatures, offshore oil rigs, places with political instability and/or violence, places with restrictive social and/or religious laws, etc.).</p>