Petroleum geologists are involved in oil and natural gas exploration on land or in the ocean. Educational requirements to work in this field involve a bachelor’s degree in geology or applied geology, with a specialty in petroleum geology or petroleum exploration. Most companies prefer to hire someone with a master’s degree. If you want to become a petroleum geologist, the needed temperamental characteristics include strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational abilities. As many jobs necessitate international travel, proficiency in a second language can be an advantage.
In choosing a college to prepare as an oil geologist, you should keep in mind a few factors. Major oil companies tend to recruit job candidates only from a limited number of schools, so ask your prospective college’s geoscience advisor how their graduates fare in the job market. Exercise caution if you don’t get a satisfactory answer, as the school’s contacts with industry may be weak. Consider enrolling in a college in an oil-producing region, and in a larger college. Although there are some exceptions, the larger schools are more likely to provide a greater depth of instructional resources.
Your university geologist education will involve studies in geophysics, structural geology, and geochemistry, as well as courses in basin modeling, sedimentology, and stratigraphy. The college preparation to become a petroleum geologist provides expertise in computer skills and mapping abilities as well. Aside from required courses, studies in economics, statistics, and oil property evaluation will also be helpful. Auditing courses in petroleum or reservoir engineering can be an asset as well.
In addition to the educational requirements, certain personal qualities are needed. A good physical constitution and stamina are necessary to cope with the rigors of field work. Perseverance is an advantage, because the task of locating a particular deposit can require a great deal of time and effort. If you want to become a petroleum geologist, you should be keenly observant and possess good evaluation capabilities so that you can collect and interpret data on the field. Excellent communication and relational skills are also an advantage, as you will be dealing with other scientists and professionals.
Those who want to become a petroleum geologist should make as many contacts as possible with professionals in the field. Contacts play a key role not only in finding employment, but in advancing in your company or career as well. Joining professional organizations and attending meetings and conventions as often as you can will give you an extra edge in the industry and help you to stay up-to-date on the latest technology and developments in the industry.
