I am wondering exactly how the petroleum engineers work schedule is and if you can choose where you want to work? Also when people say petro engineers travel a lot does that necessarily mean moving or just on the road lot? I would also like to know exactly what the work I would be doing as well. I would hate to be clumped in an office away from home all the time. Im a junior in high school and strongly considering majoring in petroleum engineering but im looking for more information. Thanks in advance!
Im 19, sophomore in college. I was into the same thing. Unless you plan on studying in one of the top PetE program schools i suggest switch to MechE major (Im from florida so I did that). You can get a job as a PetE with a MechE degree if you have a high GPA [near 4.0 (I currently have 3.8 and don’t think it’s enough)] by the time you get a BS. PetE travel usually to locations they do not choose for few months (they are “stationed”). Have random (night and day) shifts. 50/50 office, field. If PetE dies in 20 years you can jump onto nuclear if you have MechE. MechE is broad field too. Assured a job. I’ve done my research. The PetE salary is like a mirage but it’s a mirage if your state doesn’t have a PetE school. If it does, I suggest you grind your academics. I’m talking straight As. No Bs.You got this. You also have excellent writing skills for being in high school, props \m/ If this helps I’m considering Computer and Electrical E. As irrelevant as it is
A good amount of the locations Petroleum Engineers work are in the middle of nowhere, but some work in the major cities (harder/more competitive to get one of these jobs). If you are a fresh graduate you better be ready to be open to any location. If you work as a field engineer for a service company as your first job you are working 90+ hours a week.If you get a job with an O&G operator you will be closer to the 40 hour a week schedule. It all depends on what company you are hired for and what segment you are placed. You can always minor in petroleum, mechanical is a lot more broad. With the oil & gas industry the way it is currently it might be a safer choice to major in mechanical engineering.