Petroleum Engineering; Oil and Gas Industry

<p>Hey ya'll</p>

<p>I will start college this fall majoring in Engineering, I've been told by many people here in the Houston Area that the Oil and Gas is the best Industry to work in. So I've been considering majoring in Petroleum Engineering, I have some concerns though:
1- I know for a fact that I can be Petroleum Engineer without necessarily having a B.S in P.E. ; therefore, what Eng. field do you think is the best to start that career (after getting a M.S in PE) ?
2- What is best way to become a P. Engineer: a B.S in PE or B.S in an other Eng. field and then a M.S in PE ?
3- What are the pros and cons of working in the downstream and upstream level ?</p>

<p>Whether you're a student, a professional, or you think your opinion might help; feel free to comment !</p>

<p>You don’t need a M.S. in PE to work in the oil an gas industry. Oil companies and service companies hire mechanical engineers, chemical engineers, petroleum engineers, civil engineers and more. The list goes on and on. In fact many service companies (Baker Hughes, Schlumberger) do not care what your major is, they will teach you everything you need to know. They will tell you that outright. </p>

<p>I would pick what you want to do first. All of the majors above and more will get you into the oil and gas industry, it just depends what you want to do. The only thing I might mention is that something like mechanical is very broad, which I think is a good thing. If for some reason you find out half way through your college degree you don’t want to do oil and gas, it’s easy to go into something else.</p>

<p>I don’t know enough about downsteam vs. upsteam to answer. I currently work for an oil and gas EPC and I really enjoy it. I’m wrapping up my Masters in Structural Engineering and am looking forward to getting to work. Houston is a great place to work, engineering hot bed for sure.</p>

<p>Thank you “chaoswithinthed” for your time and help. I appreciate it.
I have another question if you don’t mind: what is the best choice other than majoring in PE, is it Civil E or Chemical E or Industrial ?</p>

<p>Why not just major in petroleum?</p>