Petroleum Engineer with a great GPA, Background check issues

<p>Hey, Im new to this, but it seems to be very useful, so I will give it a shot. I'm a graduate with a degree in accounting and now majoring in petroleum engineering with a GPA of 3.61, but have a DUI that is 2.5 years old. Does this immediately screen me out of all the engineering internships in the near future since it seems a driving record is part of the backgroud check? </p>

<p>Second my school CSUB, an accredited college, just established a petroleum program that isn't as prestiges as other colleges I read about. The program is a focus/concentration as well. All the math, science, ect. are the same, but my program requires more broad engineering classes that would be otherwise petroleum classes at other colleges. Will this "weak" program be a form of judgement if I ever interview?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>I’m not from one of the traditionally “prestigious” PetEng universities, however, I’d say coming from a program that is just a focus/concentration will weaken you a bit in interviews.</p>

<p>As far as your DUI, that is a BIG issue with any Large or Medium sized company. You’re best luck will probably be seeking out small independents with less than a hundred or so employees. Generally these companies won’t have a company policy book as thick as a bible and can accommodate people with background issues more easily. You may want to consider mentioning your DUI before the background check as well. Be frank and honest about it but show them you have genuine interest in starting a successful career despite past troubles. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>I remember that someone was talking about this previously on the forums. Driving is definitely part of the job but time is in your favor. 2.5 years currently then add the years it takes to graduate and get your first interview and I am sure it will be far enough in the past where it will matter little.</p>

<p>DUIs are not too uncommon among applicants in the workforce. As long as it is clear that you own up to it and it’s behind you, most employers will overlook it.</p>

<p>Highly doubt it. The operator I work for goes back 7 years for background checks. If you fall outside of that range you may be in luck. They also check your driving record. Driving a company truck to the wellsite is a part of my job and it is something companies are serious about. It is better to be upfront about it than to wait for the background check to discover something.</p>

<p>Hello I’m going to be attending csub this upcoming year and I’ll be majoring in the same thing. I was wondering how it was going and if you are having a difficult time acquiring internships?</p>

<p>@Manuel1233 More so than other schools. California is also minimizing their drilling so places like Alaska, Colorado, Texas etc are the places to go</p>

<p>I would not say that California has minimized their drillin. The company I work for has plans to drill 75 directional wells per year for the next 5 years in California. The fact is that California is broke and needs the money. One of my mentors stated that the state desperately approving and granting drilling contracts. He said it reminds him of the boom of 78’. If you know a bit of oil field history, that should be funny to you haha.</p>

<p>That’s funny, DUI and suing the police (and losing and complete records online) are not grounds even for a reprimand for a public school teacher in my town. You may end up with an interviewer who has the same thing on his record.</p>