re: Texas A&M: A warning to petroleum engineering students

I am a Mechanical Engineer working in the O&G gas field. There are currently tons of jobs available, especially for those of us with a few yrs experience. If the graduation rates have risen as steadily as the enrollment rate it does spell problems for the future.

There is an explosion on freshmen enrolling into PETE. I'd be interested to know if the Graduation numbers have increased as steadily. The vast majority of students choosing an Engineering major will not finish it. This has always been the case.

I would encourage new students to take up Mechanical engineering, because it does offer opportunities outside of the O&G field. If petroleum is what you are after, get a M.E. ungrad, and PETE Masters degree. Seriously, it is extra schooling, but you would be set to go work for one of the majors.... and set for 6 figure starting salary.....

Also, as competition for entry level jobs increases the more importance will be placed on internships. Go after good industry experience. look into drilling companies that take interns and let them "roughneck, or roustabout" for the summer. The things you will learn on a rig will blow your mind... You will get an education you can't get interning in an office. -Hiring managers love it-