How to Become a Petroleum Engineer?
Discover the pathway to a successful career as a Petroleum Engineer, from education to skills development, and the vast career opportunities awaiting you
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Petroleum Engineer
"It takes the precision of science and the vision of engineering to extract the world’s most valuable resource—this is the art of a Petroleum Engineer." – Emily K. Turner
Effective extraction of hydrocarbon reserves, such as oil and natural gas, is the responsibility of petroleum engineers. The planning and development of boreholes and oil wells are also involved in this. Petroleum Engineers develop methods to enhance the extraction and development of oil and gas and assess the need for new or updated designs of instruments. To supervise drilling and provide technical guidance. For oil and gas service/operating firms, petroleum engineers operate both on and offshore.
Steps to Become a Petroleum Engineer:
Step-1
Build a strong foundation in science, math, and engineering by excelling in subjects like physics, chemistry, calculus, and computer science during your high school years.
Step-2
Most entry-level petroleum engineering positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Accredited programs in petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemical engineering are ideal.
Step-3
Gain real-world experience through internships during your undergraduate studies. Many energy companies offer internships that allow students to work alongside experienced engineers.
Step-4
In many regions, aspiring engineers must obtain licensure. After completing your degree, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to become an Engineer-in-Training (EIT). Then, after gaining sufficient work experience, pass the PE exam.
Step-5
A postgraduate degree can pave the way for advanced research roles and leadership positions within the field. Master’s programs in petroleum engineering or energy systems are often recommended.
Step-6
Petroleum engineering is a broad field, and specializing in areas like reservoir engineering, drilling, or production will make you more competitive in the job market.
Step-7
Petroleum engineering is a broad field, and specializing in areas like reservoir engineering, drilling, or production will make you more competitive in the job market.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate marks in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.). |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | Must earn a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related field such as Mechanical, Chemical, or Civil Engineering (B.E./B.Tech). |
| Postgraduate Degree | An M.Tech in Petroleum Engineering is beneficial for advanced positions and deeper knowledge in the field. |
| Entrance Exams | Should procure a valid score in entrance exams such as JEE-Mains, CET, VITEEE, JEE-Advanced, etc. |
- Must have at least 50% aggregate in 12th from any recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC), with a science background. Cut-off marks vary by college.
- Valid scores in Entrance exams after 12th like JEE-MAINS, CET, VITEEE, or JEE-Advanced are needed. Some colleges, such as NMIMS, Symbiosis, and LPU, have their own exams if JEE scores are insufficient.
- A degree in BE/B.Tech or a diploma is required to become a Petroleum Engineer.
- An M.Tech in Petroleum Engineering can enhance qualifications for advanced roles.
Not eligible to pursue this career?
Find out different career options based on your current academic accomplishments. Enquire with our career experts and build a roadmap to your career success!
Tasks to perform as a Petroleum Engineer:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Petroleum Engineers must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Understanding rock formations and underground resources. | Knowledge of chemicals used in drilling and extraction. |
| Applying physical principles to oil extraction processes. | Understanding fluid flow in reservoirs and pipelines. |
| Knowledge of sustainable practices and environmental impact. | Using software to model drilling operations. |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Problem-Solving | Analytical Thinking |
| Teamwork | Time Management |
| Communication | Attention to Detail |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Petroleum Engineer.
The Knowlegde and Skills don't intrigue you?
The reason is that your interests don't align with this career. Identify your interests and match them with careers that require those skills. This alignment will help you grow and succeed in your career faster than you might expect!
Job roles offered for a Petroleum Engineer:
Once you acquire the qualifications for becoming a Petroleum Engineer, various career paths open up:
Hired by companies to manage oil and gas extraction, ensuring safety, well improvement, and cost management.
Identifies operational issues, investigates grievances, and assists in incident response through system performance analysis.
Uses numerical analysis to estimate oil and gas output and collaborates on extraction projects.
Maximizes energy extraction by determining the best methods based on field conditions and resources.
Works with drilling and technical teams to extract oil and gas in new or existing fields, both onshore and offshore.
Not sure where you fit in?
With the wide variety of careers and job roles available, pinpointing the best option for you can be challenging. Thorough analysis and dedicated sessions can provide clarity on what to study, which industry and role to pursue, and the most suitable career path to follow.
Career Opportunities for a Petroleum Engineer:
Petroleum Engineers can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Limited | IBP Co. Limited | Bharat Petroleum |
| Kochi Refineries Limited | Royal Dutch Shell | Bongaigaon Refinery |
| Reliance Petroleum Limited | India LPG | Petrosil Group |
| Bongaigaon Refinery | Gas Authority of India | Tata Petrodyne |
Colleges offering courses for Petroleum Engineer:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| National Institute of Technology, Surathkal | PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore |
| Birla Institute of Technology, Pilani | Jadavpur University Faculty Council of Engineering & Technology, Jadavpur |
| Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad | Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh |
| Bengal Engineering and Science University, Shibpur | Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur |
| Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur | Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur |
End Note
Becoming a Petroleum Engineer is a challenging yet rewarding journey filled with opportunities to contribute to global energy solutions. With the right education, hands-on experience, and continuous skill development, you can thrive in this dynamic field. SetMyCareer is here to guide you through Career counselling after graduation along with your career goals! Reach out to our experts for personalized career advice and support.
In this Career Outline
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