"Embarking on the Path to Excellence: Navigating the Journey to Become a Proficient Petroleum Engineer"

When I chose to study Petroleum Engineering at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, little did I know about the Oil and Gas industry. The only thing I looked up to was the handsome salary package involved after getting placed in this sector. 

I, along with the people who graduated in 2023, had to face the COVID-19 pandemic, amidst which we started studying Petroleum Engineering for the first time. Since, due to the lockdown, everyone was at home so I started exploring a bit early on the courses available for beginners so that it could benefit me much more at a later stage when learning from professors at the Department of Petroleum Engineering.

I first looked up an online course on Coursera, which gave me a beautiful explanation of the stuff I will be studying in detail in the upcoming years. I kept exploring resources online through Google search, YouTube and more. During my stay at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, I had not just learned Technical concepts but also worked on a lot of things parallelly that made me more confident.

Becoming a successful petroleum engineer requires a combination of education, skills development, networking, and practical experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you initiate your journey towards becoming a good petroleum engineer:

1. Educational Foundation:

• I got this opportunity to study Petroleum Engineering as my All India Rank(AIR) in the JEE Advanced was in that range which could fetch me this stream. Upon research, I found this was a perfect match for me, and I took it as a career option. If otherwise, Research and choose reputable universities known for their petroleum engineering programs.

• The focus should be on learning the concepts in detail and acquiring a basic knowledge of secondary subjects. Ask as many questions to your Professors in the classroom as it is a wonderful place to learn.

• This is the pillar of all other skills and achievements, so don't ignore it anyways.

IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, India, The best-known college for Petroleum Engineering and Other Earth Sciences.

                               

                                        Department of Petroleum Engineering, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad

2. Skill Development:

• Develop proficiency in relevant software tools used in the industry, such as software (like Eclipse, CMG, etc and data analysis tools (like Excel, MATLAB, or Python)

• Everyone would agree on the importance of Excel knowledge in the oil and gas industry, and it is a must to know how to work with data in Excel. Along with that, hone your Presentation skills as all your work in the industry has to be presented in front of managers and stakeholders, and it is of utmost importance to have a good command over these skills.

• Improve your communication skills, as effective communication is crucial in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and presenting findings to stakeholders. For me SPE IIT(ISM) Student Chapter was that constant pillar to help me work on my communication skills and other relevant qualities.

3. Internships and Traning Programs:

• I was fortunate enough to secure an internship at Cairn Oil and Gas, Vedanta Ltd., which is the largest Private Oil and gas company in India. Internships gave me a platform to interact and work with industry standards and learn a whole lot of things apart from the classroom. If you struggle to secure an intern in any of the oil and gas firms, then look for online platforms that offer any internship in the same or related field, but never ever dive in a hurry to choose any random intern such as Product Marketing, Designing, etc. just to add in the resume. No doubt these programs have their own space and importance but without any intent, don't grab it.

• If you don't find any intern space, then try to create projects on your own taking simple examples from TextBooks and then taking them to higher standards. It will definitely boost your knowledge and confidence.

4. Networking:

• Attend industry events, workshops, conferences, and seminars. These events provide opportunities to connect with professionals, learn about the latest trends, and gain insights into the industry's challenges and opportunities. For me SPE IIT(ISM) Student Chapter and the Department of Petroleum Engineering where the perfect place for these.

5. Stay Informed and Read Industry News:

• Keep up-to-date with advancements in petroleum engineering technology, practices, and regulations by reading industry publications, research papers, and online resources.

• I used to follow Oil Price.com for daily updates on Oil Prices( Brent, WTI) and news articles.

• I also devoted some time to SPE Journals like the Journal of Petroleum Technology (JPT) for updates on industry standards and technologies.

6. Graduate Studies (Optional):

• Consider pursuing a master's or even a PhD in petroleum engineering if you're interested in advanced research, specialized roles, or teaching positions.

• For many, it is a choice right after the B.Tech/BE degree and many choose to work for some time in the industry and then choose to pursue it, which according to me, is totally fine and personal choice.

7. Certifications:

•  As a beginner, try to obtain certifications in various courses available online for FREE, like the IWCF Well control certification, courses on Coursera and online platforms.

8. Field Experience:

• After completing your education, seek entry-level positions in the petroleum industry. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding the practical aspects of the industry. For me, it's an excellent opportunity to start my career with Cairn Oil and Gas, where I hope to learn and grow in multiple dimensions.

9. Continued Learning:

• Petroleum engineering is a continuously evolving field. Stay committed to lifelong learning by attending workshops, seminars, and online courses to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date.

10. Soft Skills:

• Develop teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership skills. These qualities are essential for success in any engineering career.

11. Adaptability:

• The petroleum industry can be volatile due to market fluctuations and technological advancements. Cultivate adaptability to thrive in changing circumstances. Hone your skills along with the advancements, and it might not be an issue in long run.

Remember, becoming a proficient petroleum engineer takes time and dedication. Continuous improvement, willingness to learn, and a strong work ethic will help you excel in this dynamic field.