I've been working in sales and service in North Dakota for almost 2 years. I interact daily with a variety of drilling rigs from different oil companies and have a fairly good understanding of the drilling process. With oil prices and the global slow down what would be the best way to stay in the industry.
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Jordan, thanks for your service. With your hands-on experience, should you have an interest in continuing your education, I'd suggest you consider petroleum engineering. I've been in or associated with the petroleum industry for well over 30 years, and while I've been in booms and busts, petroleum engineers are the one group of folks that never seem to get caught up in lay-offs. Also, depending on what type of petroleum engineering you prefer, drilling, completion, mechanical, well design, etc. you'd have plenty of opportunity to spend time in the field as well as in an office. And while other technical disciplines are needed by the industry, like geoscience, pretty much anything outside of engineering require graduate degrees.
Jordan,
Have you considered a career in chemical engineering? There is a steady demand in the oil and gas industry for professionals who have hands on experience. The degree will open the doors for other opportunities in a rewarding career. Going back to school after the military was the best decision I ever made. I graduated from the University of North Dakota and have had a wonderful career with Dow Chemical for over 30 years.
Jordan, thank you for your service. I suggest you first self assess the type work you enjoy and your personal strengths and interests. The answers should help direct your search for another job. If you want to use some free/low cost self-assessment tools check out my posting from April 2013, “What are best tools for veterans to self-assess their aptitude, capabilities, and interests?”
Good luck, Bill Nobles
AWS CWI - American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector aws.org. Been doing inspections for 19 years. Great money. Just got offered a temp contract job for $65 an hour in Houston, TX
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