Petroleum Engineering

[Chicago24]

Hey y'all,

I have some questions about the Petroleum Engineering program @ UL. I'm thinking about joining UL this fall and I've always been interested in this since I was a kid (even though back then I didn't have any idea what it was) because many of my Father's friends were petroleum engineers for shell, exxon-mobil, etc...

They all said it is hard work and they constantly have to travel.

A) How hard is the program?
B) How hard is it to get an internship?
C) How hard is it to get a job after finishing the course?

[duggie85]

I'm not an engineer but attended a presentation by Dr. Zappi last week. He stated that they have gone from 150 students in the last few years to 600 currently. He said they all have about 3-4 job offers when graduating.

[Chicago24]

I'm not an engineer but attended a presentation by Dr. Zappi last week. He stated that they have gone from 150 students in the last few years to 600 currently. He said they all have about 3-4 job offers when graduating.

How hard is it to get into the program? I talked to one of their admissions staff and they said as long as you get accepted into the university that there is no specific requirements for the program.

[duggie85]

How hard is it to get into the program? I talked to one of their admissions staff and they said as long as you get accepted into the university that there is no specific requirements for the program.

I'm not too sure; I finished in business.

[Hudsheen#Fired]

I am pretty sure once you get accepted into the university, you can choose whatever major you want.
I don't recall any additional requirements for engineering when i entered 5 years ago

[Hammer58]

Hey y'all,

I have some questions about the Petroleum Engineering program @ UL. I'm thinking about joining UL this fall and I've always been interested in this since I was a kid (even though back then I didn't have any idea what it was) because many of my Father's friends were petroleum engineers for shell, exxon-mobil, etc...

They all said it is hard work and they constantly have to travel.

A) How hard is the program?
B) How hard is it to get an internship?
C) How hard is it to get a job after finishing the course?

A) get accepted into the university. As duggie85 suggested contact Dr. Zappi, the Dean of Engineering. He is very accessible and willing to speak to prospective students.

B) Internships vary from company to company. I am a UL grad working for a major O&G company and recruit at UL. Candidates are judged on among other things grades, leadership, work experience (both as team leader and contributing team member). Contact Career Services as soon as possible to register and learn more about the opportunities and process.

C) Jobs are plentiful right now with both operators and service companies. High GPA and experience (internships and summer work experience in the industry) are the best ways to get a job with a major operator.

[axg8750]

I graduated in Electrical Engineering and still landed an Engineering job in the O&G Industry.

No doubt Petroleum grads had a head start on me fresh out but most companies are just looking for that engineering degree and will train you in that specific field.

You can't go wrong with any engineering degree, especially from a well respected engineering department such as UL. All of my classmates who graduated in engineering had job offers after graduation.

Get ready to buckle down and know that you wont be able to party with your friends in other majors who have more free time.

Make study buddies fast that you will will spend a lot of time with. Go to your professors early and often for help.

Congratulations on making a great decision to be a Ragin Cajun!

[Crawfish]

I am not a petroleum Engineer, but I am a 34 year veteran of the Oil and Gas business. I am also a hiring manager who is involved in the recruiting and hiring of engineers. We also hire summer interns every year and the jobs are not hard to get, mostly after the junior year. One of the greatest contributions to our business and the oil business in general was created by a summer intern in the 30s. (Anyone ever used a Red Book?)

The business is booming right now, but in my 34 years, I have seen some big ups and downs. In 4 or 5 years the business could be boom or bust. The best way to get and keep a job is to be flexible about work schedule and willing to take overseas assignments. Most of our top managers all the way to the corporate VP level are Engineers who followed the advice in my last sentence.

I am an acquaintance of Dr. Zappi and I agree with what everyone else says about him. He is very approachable and the most "down to earth" academic that I have ever met.

If you want an exciting career, this can be a very exciting one. But you will probably be out of your comfort zone at times.

[Chicago24]

A) get accepted into the university. As duggie85 suggested contact Dr. Zappi, the Dean of Engineering. He is very accessible and willing to speak to prospective students..

Yes, I contacted him yesterday, waiting on his response.

I am pretty sure once you get accepted into the university, you can choose whatever major you want.
I don't recall any additional requirements for engineering when i entered 5 years ago

Thanks for the information. How hard is the program? I don't plan on partying / all that stuff.

ont be able to party with your friends in other majors who have more free time.

Make study buddies fast that you will will spend a lot of time with. Go to your professors early and often for help.

Congratulations on making a great decision to be a Ragin Cajun!

Did you go to UL? How was the atmosphere? Are the students & town very friendly? I'm from Chicago (Northerner :P)

Is housing cheaper on campus or outside campus? I think for the 1st year they won't let us stay outside. Is it easy to become a RA?

[Hudsheen#Fired]

Im not a petro, i am graduating in EE this semester
But from what i hear petro is the easiest of all the engineering

[Hammer58]

Im not a petro, i am graduating in EE this semester
But from what i hear petro is the easiest of all the engineering

Pays the best too.

[cajunfan337]

Hey y'all,

I have some questions about the Petroleum Engineering program @ UL. I'm thinking about joining UL this fall and I've always been interested in this since I was a kid (even though back then I didn't have any idea what it was) because many of my Father's friends were petroleum engineers for shell, exxon-mobil, etc...

They all said it is hard work and they constantly have to travel.

A) How hard is the program?
B) How hard is it to get an internship?
C) How hard is it to get a job after finishing the course?

A) The program is modestly hard. Honestly, if you stay on top of homework and projects and studying a little bit every night, it's not bad at all. And there are no requirements to get in last I remembered. But you might want to make sure your math and science pre-reqs are covered before you start (you can talk to the Petro Eng department head Dr. Fathi Boukadi about that, he's one of the nicest men you'll EVER meet)

B) Internships are not plentiful. You really have to shmooze around and meet the correct people to jump on an internship. Be involved, because the more you meet-n-greet these big wigs, the better your chances of attaining one.

C) Not really that hard. Service company (MWD/Fracking/Completions/Cementing/etc.) are always looking to fill positions. Operator companies are a lot harder. Lot of requirements have to be met but it can be done. Internships always make it easier.


You also asked about atmosphere/campus life. I'll tell you this, you will have a BLAST here. Athletics are outstanding, Campus construction is booming, the nightlife is electric, Greek Life (Frat/Sorority) is memorable.

O and yeh, the women are absolute Earth, Wind, and Fire flames scorching hot.

Anything else you need me to convince you about? lol