re: Career in the Petroleum Industry

Man I would tell you in person but really don't want to say on here. I start Sept 18th as an operator intern (paid).

I'll be graduating from ITI in November. PTECH.

I'm taking ptec right now at Nunez in Chalmette.

What company picked you up? and how was the testing/interviewing process?

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Scroll up and read my piece on interviews. I've been on several and got better at it each time

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The more you interview with the plants, the better you get at it. They all (basically) interview the same...at least the big ones.

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The only local companies I know of who usually have internships are Dow, Marathon, Air Products, and Monsanto.

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Shell/Motiva does also.

Good luck dude!

I'm thinking of changing my career as well, currently a truck driver and I'm not interested in buying my own truck due to the high risk/low reward. I've thought about going towards the plants and am wondering about the process technology degrees at the various cc's around here, like if it's a two year degree at five days per week type schooling, costs, what's the core of the curriculum, etc.

I'll be graduating from SCLTC in Reserve in May. The Ptec curriculum is 68 credit hours, so the number of days/hours you spend in class depends on how many hours per semester you take, and if you have any transfer credits. I took things at a slower pace because I work full time, and have three kids. It's going to take me a total of 6 semesters, including summers, to be done (I graduate in May). I usually go to class 2-3 days a week. Summer sessions are great because they only last about two months, but the pace is much faster.

Classes include:

Computer literacy, economics, English composition, technical writing, algebra, trigonometry, mechanical aptitude, chemistry and chem lab, statistical quality control, physical science and lab, job seeking skills, orientation class, public speaking.

Intro to Ptec, plant safety, plant equipment, instrumentation I and II, unit operations, unit operations-Capstone, process troubleshooting, fluid mechanics, independent study OR internship.

I think that's all of them. Tuition varies by the number of hours you take total, and especially online classes, as they are more expensive. My tuition and fees per semester averaged about $1300 plus books (many classes don't require books, but the ones you do need can be bought used at a much lower cost than retail).

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Thanks

Most of the basic college course would get transferred from SLU from that History Degree that has net me 0 jobs. I'd just have to figure out a way to work around my work schedule which would take up 5 mornings per week, hence why I'm just shopping around right now. Also considering online for a second degree in something worthwhile.