As a petroleum engineer, Ivor R. Ellul’s job focuses on the various aspects of extracting oil and gas from hydrocarbon deposits in the subsurface and transporting the fluids once at the surface. More than just drilling for oil and gas, this type of engineer must devise methods of getting producing oil and gas from the earth, and when the fields are mature, the engineer must come up with new, creative ways to extract these resources.
Prospective job seekers may enter the industry in a few ways. Regardless of the avenue, all applicants must have earned, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and a petroleum engineering degree is preferred if offered. Applicants might also have earned degrees in mechanical, civil, and chemical engineering. Work experience is also always valuable with students who participate in cooperative work programs getting preference when applying.
There are many benefits to working in this field. Presently, the profession is experiencing a boon, as job growth for petroleum engineers is expected to increase by 15 percent. Finally, the pay is competitive in comparison to engineers in other industries with petroleum engineers usually securing starting salaries which are higher than their counterparts.