What's the best career path for Completions Tools field Engineer? 1

[AnthonyEngr]

I currently have 1.5 years as a field engineer. I am exposed to and collaborate with many areas of the oil service field; Drilling, frac, wireline, coil tubing (usually a bad sign), and cement. I don't have many years of experience and was wondering how many years you should have before moving on. I am very interested in becoming a drilling or completions engineer. Long hours and living at a well site don't bother me but neither does office work. I have a few questions about the career path I should take.

I really like the aspects of drilling and the challenges that arise. I preplan/install liner hangers so I am on a drilling rig for 2-4 days very often. Is it a good idea to do become a drilling engineer right now? If drilling slows down will I still have a job or be marketable in other areas? What is a next step after drilling engineer?

I work with a lot of frac sleeves, toe sleeves, and swell packer technology. Production/cost benefit planning sounds fun, that's where the interest in Completions Engineering comes in.

I've also considered cross training in a few other disciplines and eventually become a company man or consultant. If anyone has any experience with oilfield career paths please let me know what you think.

 

[DubMac]

Do you have an Engineering Degree? That would be compulsory with most companies for the position of Drilling Engineer.

Not meaning to be disrespectful, but your writing skills are horrendous. If you plan to work in the U.S., learn to write the English language properly or your upward career path will hit a ceiling quickly. Again, not trying to be respectful, just passing along something you will find out sooner or later.

 

[chicopee]

I think that the writing style would be more of an issue but again anyone who writes has his or her own style. Sure the OP may be fragmented in thoughts, however, the grammar is not bad considering how engineers write.

 

[DubMac]

Acceptance of mediocrity is the first step towards failure.

 

[AnthonyEngr]

Not trying to be respectful or disrespectful? Look at your last sentence. I have an engineering degree and a math minor. Unfortunately I don't have the superior English degree that you do but I'm pretty successful nonetheless.

Advice from anyone actually in the industry would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DubMac]

Glad you caught my mistake; I like the way your thinking. Don't get bent out of shape by constructive criticism; shut your mouth and improve your self. If you think I'm a jerk, just wait until you hit the real world of office politics. I'm one of the nicest jerks you'll ever see.

 

[AnthonyEngr]

What is your "profession" DubMac?

 

[DubMac]

I did nothing but roughneck and go to college until I was 30 yrs old; B.S. Petroleum Eng. TAMU.

I have been in either the drilling industry or rotating equipment all of my life. Have worked for Majors and have owned my own companies (currently). I was trained by stodgy old farts and used to laugh at their being so out of touch with the "new times". It took a lot of bruises along the way to realize they were right and I was wrong; that truthful things never change.

I apologize for being a bit harsh earlier; but truly one of the most powerful and rewarding attributes you can ever possess is an excellent communication skill. The English language is the most powerful weapon in your bag; use it to your advantage. Most of your fellow engineers won't. Engineering skills are a dime a dozen; being able to communicate them effectively to the customer is what will separate you from the pocket protector crowd and get you that position you're looking for.