Petroleum Geosciences and Engineering
- Work Opportunities
Once you have completed your MSc in Petroleum Geosciences and Engineering, you will be equipped with skills and knowledge that enable you to solve future tasks and challenges related to the exploration and production of oil and gas. There are great work opportunities within the traditional as well as the future oil industry. Possible work places include Norwegian and international oil companies, consultancy firms and service providers. A completed study also forms a good basis for a future career as a researcher.
From studies to work:
Once your studies are completed, working life awaits. Below, former NTNU students Helge Bondeson and Sigrun Mellemstrand describe their experience with the transition from being a student to entering working life.
Helge Bondeson
Position: Senior Project Leader, PGS Geophysical AS.
Education: MSc in Petroleum Geophysics and Engineering from NTNU, spring 2002.
Why did you choose Petroleum Geophysics and Engineering?
”That was a rather random choice. I have always been interested in nature, and I wanted to work with something closely connected to that. So I chose the geosciences programme. In addition, I have since long been interested in the possibilities computers represent, and I like studying maps. While studying at NTNU, I discovered that geology and geophysics interested me the most.”
What was your study period like?
”Very active, and very good! It was a bit of a surprise coming from two years of active military service and sitting down on a school bench to study mathematics with a textbook in English. But I soon got into it. All those excursions in Norway and abroad help to create even stronger bonds between the students. But the thing I would emphasize the most, is the incredibly social daily life students of petroleum geosciences have. The student society is very active, and you are taken good care of from day one. Some of the people I met during my first days at university, are among my best friends today. The opportunities you have as a student in Trondheim are so wide-ranging that there is something for everyone. I played football, was active in the student society and various fora, and I took advantage of NTNUI’s numerous offers.”
Which part of your studies did you find the most interesting?
”Academically speaking, I think the excursions combined with the close cooperation with industry were the most interesting aspects. The fact that we got real data and software to work with, and tasks to solve that were real problems for oil companies, made it even more motivating. And, of course, the lecturers at the department were really good and acknowledged people. When you join industry and are able to say that this or that person was your supervisor on a certain project, you immediately strike a good note.”
Was finding work an easy task after your studies?
”Yes, I was lucky and graduated at a favourable moment. After my fourth year, I had four different offers for summer jobs. Then I got an offer from PGS in February in my fifth year, and even later many opportunities have presented themselves. Generally, I think most of my fellow students found jobs rather easily. This might vary with market trends, but the current development indicates that there will be a great demand for people in this industry, so finding a job ought to be easier and easier.”
What is life like, working in the petroleum industry?
”Definitely very good. We are lucky to be in a relatively privileged industry. Health, safety and the environment are prioritized areas, and you are taken good care of. This industry is also characterized by the amounts of money involved, and we always use the most recent technology. The Norwegian industry is relatively small, so you soon know a lot of people who know a lot of other people, and suddenly you have quite a network. However, things happen fast in the petroleum industry. You can’t rest on your laurels.”
What is your tip for petroleum geosciences students today?
”First of all, choose something that interests you and go into this field when choosing projects and diploma, and in your first years, choose courses that harmonize with your choice of specialization. Thanks to the NTNU/IPT platform, you already have an excellent background that definitely will be useful later. Not many people get to work with the same topic as they chose for their thesis, so be prepared to continue the learning process when you graduate. The faster you adopt software and accept tasks, the easier your working life will be. To the students in the first and second year, I'd like to add that anything they teach you in physics, chemistry and mathematics, make sure you learn it even though you may not see the use of it right there and then. I guarantee you that it will be useful later in your studies and in your future jobs.”
Sigrun Mellemstrand
Employer: BP
Education: MSc in Petroleum Engineering, 2006
Why did you choose Petroleum Engineering?
”I chose petroleum engineering because I thought it sounded exciting and future-oriented. I assumed that we would be in demand, both because producing hydrocarbons is getting more and more challenging, and because a lot of those who started in this industry in the early days soon would retire.”
What was your study period like?
”I had a great time while studying. Trondheim is a wonderful city where I was very happy. There is always something happening there. The studies were interesting and challenging, and the student environment was good.”
Which part of your studies did you find the most interesting?
”Difficult question, most of it was interesting! But of course, the subject-specific elements were the most exciting. The first petroleum subjects were very instructive. When most of the information is new, the learning curve is very steep.”
Was finding work an easy task after your studies?
”Yes, I didn’t have any problems finding a job. I got a job a year before I graduated, and at least half my class had jobs before Christmas.”
What is life like, working as a petroleum engineer?
”A lot of things happen all the time, and there is very much exciting going on. I feel that my studies have been useful. The knowledge I acquired then is at the back of my head all the time. By writing my diploma in a company, in addition to having relevant summer jobs, I got to see what working life is like before entering it my self, so the transition went rather smooth.”
What is your tip for petroleum engineering students today?
”Acquire as much knowledge as you possibly can, not just exam-specific knowledge, but information about what is going on in industry in general. In addition, it’s important to have fun!”
What employers say:
Gunhild Myhr is Processing Manager at PGS Geophysical AS. She says that they are choosing from the top shelf when their applicants are educated at NTNU, and now she wants more.
Which qualities are you looking for when hiring new staff members?
”We are looking for several things when we are interviewing students for jobs at PGS. Good marks are naturally important. At the same time, it is important to maintain the good work environment in our department. Motivation to make great efforts and excellent team players are in my view very important aspects.”
What makes you so pleased with staff members educated from NTNU?
”Students from NTNU have a good and comprehensive understanding of the field as well as experience with project work and deadlines. They are used to both independent work and group work. I feel that they are well supported by a group of very skilled academic staff. In addition, they have a sound foundation in mathematics, physics and chemistry.”
Do you have any tip for students who are about to enter working life?
”Go for it! There are lots of opportunities today, and many exiting jobs with oil companies and contractors. Make a real effort in your studies and you will have several options.
Geologists and geophysics are in great demand. Today, most companies have offices in many different countries, so there are lots of opportunities regarding work tasks and challenges.”
