re: Recent Petroleum Grad Seeking Advice

thanks for those visors, they came out good

So I've started applying to engineering related positions outside of the O&G industry, and it honestly seems like I'm more likely to get a job there. That stresses me out though, because I want to be gaining industry experience for when it all turns around. It seems very difficult to find a lower level petroleum related position at the moment and I can't exactly find one.

Thanks for the advice, this thread was way bigger than expected.

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When things do turn around, and they will, there will be a lot of job openings available

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I am hoping for this effect. It's like a slingshot. I'm getting stretched pretty far right now and I hope it doesn't break, but if this thing rebounds, I see myself and a lot of people skyrocketing. All those "guys about to retire" that you hear about are actually being forced to retire. You always hear about that in certain industries, but I'm actually seeing it. We are running on fumes and when the workload blows back up, they are going to start shuffling people on up the ladder again. At least I hope.

Luckily I got a call today from my manager's manager asking what my 5 year plan and such was with the company and where I saw myself headed. I'm hoping that's a good sign that they actually see me still with the company in 5 years

To the OP, look into non-engineering field positions with service companies. Completions is a good place to look because they lag behind drilling. Still hasn't hit them that hard yet in deep water since they are finishing up projects that take 2 years to plan. Turning wrenches in the shop or tripping pipe really doesn't teach you near what you learn when you actually run tools. Plus it pays like a mofo. If (and that's a big IF) they are hiring for that position (we were always looking for people who weren't retarded), the hardest part is giving up the money to move into an office position.

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What companies did you work for over the summer and what did you do?

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First I worked for Fab-Con Inc. after freshman year as a rigger offshore. Wasn't exactly engineering related but it got me on some platforms and I performed mostly marine construction work.

The next summer I went through Energy XXI's internship program. It was valuable and I probably should have stuck with it the next year, but I foolishly tried to broaden my scope of experience.

The summer after that I worked for Hub City Industries in Lafayette who is an acidizing/well stimulation/general pumping company. I assisted in planing acid jobs as well as rode along and helped on numerous stimulation jobs around So. LA

And this summer (probably doesnt count). I was a special topics assistant working as Dr. Hughes only student in tracking LSU's oil and gas rights across the state.

So you do have some good experience. Yeah I think you should have stayed at EXXI-generally once people get to an operator they don't go back to a service co.-but times were better then and it wasn't a bad idea to get some field service experience. Also exxi is hurting now so I don't know if you would've gotten hired.

First of all don't put your gpa on your resume. That can only hurt you.

I would spend the semester applying for jobs on careers 2 geaux, and applying online, maybe even cold calling people. Treat it as a full time job. Interview for other engineering positions outside of the oil field. Once you start working somewhere you Can continue to apply and interview for oil jobs.

You have experience working with Hughes.. This is great. If you end up working a non oil field job for a couple years, you can always go back to grad school and work under Hughes. It might not seem like a good idea now but going back to school can help you out a lot of you're struggling.

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First of all don't put your gpa on your resume.

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Yea, I never do unless it's required.

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Once you start working somewhere you Can continue to apply and interview for oil jobs.

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That's exactly what I was thinking. Just don't want to get pidgeon-holed outside my area of expertise (which isn't much admittedly)

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you can always go back to grad school and work under Hughes

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This seems promising to me. I can go to grad school and wait out the downturn. Theoretically I can also drastically improve my GPA (I believe I have the school thing figured out at this point). Unfortunately, it seems most universities including LSU have a 3.0 minimum gpa for an MBA and I imagine it wouldnt be any lower for Masters in PETE. I just scheduled a meeting with Dr. Hughes to discuss this option because I think he may be able to help me out or at least point me in the right direction.

Personally I would try to work as an engineer in some form before going back to school..you'll have some engineering experience on the resume and also some cash saved up.

I think generally they like you to have a 3.0, but not necessarily, if your GRE is good and you have recommendations from a professor.

learn computer programming. if you took a few courses, get out those books and memorize some shite so you can pass a test.

Look at the computer programming websites. take any entry level position.
Once you are in the door, work your arse off. take books home. Learn it all.
MASTERY is rewarded in programming like no other profession.

Since this guy is getting so much help and good info I guess I will try myself. Anyone have a line on anything in drilling or completions? Trying to position myself for the rebound. I am lucky and in a spot that is busy and I am prob secure for awhile however it is not what I want to be doing nor does it lead to my career goals. Will move just about anywhere.