By Shambhu Sajith
Petroleum engineers play a crucial role in the energy sector, collaborating with petrochemical companies to locate, evaluate, and maintain oil and gas reserves. Their primary objective is to develop cost-effective extraction methods, ensuring widespread access to fuels. For aspiring petroleum engineers, understanding the diverse career options within this field is essential.
Drilling Engineer
A Drilling Engineer, with an average salary of Rs 13,00,000 per year according to Glassdoor, is tasked with planning and overseeing extraction methods. Responsibilities include designing and maintaining drilling equipment, ensuring safety during drilling, and collaborating with geoscientists for accurate information on underground oil reservoirs. The role may extend to both onshore and offshore oil rigs, overseeing drilling operations and providing crucial insights into reservoirs.
Production Engineer
A Production Engineer, offering an average salary of Rs 3.7 Lakhs per year as indicated by AmbitionBox, operates in manufacturing units. Responsibilities encompass developing manufacturing processes, setting up machinery, training workers, troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols. Collaborating closely with quality assurance teams, production engineers contribute to enhancing production efficiency and maintaining high-quality standards.
Reservoir Engineer
The Reservoir Engineer, with an average salary of Rs 15.8 Lakhs per year, according to AmbitionBox, combines technology and geological knowledge to locate fossil fuel reservoirs underground. Duties include estimating extractable amounts of oil and gas, studying reservoir characteristics, and devising effective extraction plans. Collaboration with geoscientists and drilling engineers is integral as they oversee drilling and extraction operations, providing valuable insights on reserve invest ability to oil and gas companies.
How to Become a Petroleum Engineer
The journey to becoming a petroleum engineer starts with earning a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or related fields after completing 10+2 in science. Specialized degrees include Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in petroleum engineering, petrochemical engineering, applied petroleum engineering, petroleum refinery engineering, or petroleum reservoir and production engineering. Pursuing higher education, either directly with a master’s degree or after gaining practical experience, can open doors to senior-level positions.
Gaining Practical Experience
Practical experience is crucial in the journey to becoming a successful petroleum engineer. Internships provide a platform to understand the work environment, develop essential skills, and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. These experiences often involve close collaboration with drilling and reservoir engineers, offering insights into various oil drilling and extraction processes.
Skills Necessary for Success
The skill set required for petroleum engineers is diverse. Technical proficiency in geological principles, extraction techniques, and drilling equipment is paramount. Analytical skills come into play as engineers assess geological data, determine oil quality and quantity, and make critical decisions on extraction methods. Strong problem-solving abilities are essential for addressing machinery breakdowns and unforeseen challenges swiftly. Effective communication skills are vital for conveying findings to senior management, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and guiding drilling operations. Interpersonal skills contribute to establishing positive working relationships across different departments, fostering effective teamwork.
Top Recruiters for Petroleum Engineering Students
Petroleum engineering graduates are sought after by various sectors beyond traditional oil and gas industries. The demand for their expertise extends to academia, research institutions, renewable energy companies, government agencies, oilfield services companies, and environmental and sustainability firms. Also, some of the top recruiters in the field include companies such as ONGC, BPCL, Reliance Industries Limited, OPEC, Oil India Limited, GAIL, Nayara Energy Limited, Cairn Oil and Gas etc. The versatility of career options allows individuals to align their professional path with personal interests, skills, and career aspirations.
Petroleum Engineering as a Career Choice
Petroleum engineering offers a promising career for those intrigued by environmental studies and geology. The industry provides a low-stress environment, a favorable work-life balance, and competitive salaries. With continuous demand for qualified professionals, pursuing a career in petroleum engineering can lead to fulfilling opportunities for growth and development.
The author is an assistant professor at UPES ON. Views are personal.