Despite being held as the number one suspect for the damage to our dear Ozone layer and the cause of the heavily disputed global warming problem, US oil and gas companies are actually trying to be the good guys in this situation. Unfortunately, we need petroleum and gas in order to function; it just so happens that our methods of obtaining these extremely valuable substances are destroying the atmosphere courtesy of the methane gasses that are being leaked into the air. However, there are bright solutions that are currently being researched that could drastically limit the destruction and limit the amount of natural gas being excreted into the atmosphere.
Technology looks to be the savior in this battle. Petroleum engineers, in their attempts to harness the blow of extracting gas and oil from the earth, have came up with several innovations. These ideas vary from capturing escaped gas, recycling it, dehumidifying it, new seal systems to avoid leakage, a better maintenance system that makes pipeline transportation more efficient, and better leak detection are all ways to improve this. Take a look at this article on NRDC for information.
Do you have any bright ideas? If so, maybe you should pursue a career in the field of petroleum engineering. It has many benefits and is not as dirty and grimy of a job as you might think. A lot of a petroleum engineers work is done developing and designing systems, equipment, and extraction plans. A lot of a petroleum engineer’s duties are maintenance and managing the overall procedure. I can’t forget the amazing salary that many petroleum engineers receive. I’m talking numbers like $80,000 to $100,000 to even a mean salary of $150,000 if you live in Oklahoma, Alaska, Virginia, Texas, or Kansas. But don’t feel left out, this job market is expected to grow more than most other career fields within the next decade; there is still room for you to become a petroleum engineer!
Surprisingly, petroleum engineers do not need as extensive education you might think for being an engineer. A simple high school diploma is needed to begin training, but further education is definitely recommended to set yourself apart from the others trying to find a place in the promising job field. In order to become a petroleum engineer, you must be licensed. This means taking an exam and going through an accredited program before you can drill into the Earth, and drill into your future success.