<p>Hello, I am in high school and I am interested in becoming a Petroleum Engineer. What is the job outlook from 2018 - to the future. Will the salaries increase or plummet? I am extremely interested in upstream work. However, I fear becoming a petroleum engineer due to the lifestyle. How is the work? Are you Always doing hard work on an offshore oil rig? I'd like to settle down and have kids. Is it 7 off, 7 on, 14 on, 14 off, etc (that seems decent)? Lastly, I live in PA so I need to decide a university. How is Penn State? WVU? Also, I might go to Texas A&M (how is that college for PetE)? If I attend Penn State and do not obtain an internship than I will probably move to Houston, TX. Thanks so much!</p>
<p>Anyone out there?</p>
<p>We have recently become friendly with a 25 yr old former PetE. The lifestyle just about killed him, but the job opportunities and $ were fantastic. Talk to as many young folks who are in the field as possible. The stress level is very high, the respect from co-workers very low. Not trying to talk you out of it, but many only see the $ and do not consider the cost in time and stress. The guy we know would work sometimes 30 hours straight. Can you say sleep deprieved?</p>
<p>Penn State for IS is a top engineering program. Pitt is good as well.</p>
<p>Consider why you wish to do PetE over other types of Engineering. </p>
<p>Look at tech schools as well (RIT, Drexel (not sure if they have a Pet program).</p>