I have been selected in the merit list for a bachelors’ course in petroleum engineering but I am not sure if this is such a rewarding career option. Please guide me.

( jeetu kapoor)

You should not have any apprehensions in pursuing a course in petroleum simply because the global energy segment, including the niche related to fossil fuels, is among the most aggressively growing of global, energy sectors. Further, many of the parallel, contemporary courses that seek to prepare professional for employment in the petroleum industry are unable to address the typical working requirements. This is why dedicated courses in petroleum engineering were introduced. The sheer lack of available human resources in this niche ensures that you are likely to have lots of employment options upon completing your graduate studies.

Please note that findings by some of the most credible organizations like PricewaterhouseCoopers have indicated a severe paucity of trained professionals in the petroleum industry. The manpower deficiency is this sector is further complicated by the inability of many engineering colleges in updating their curriculums to the technological requirements of the petroleum industry. Thus, ensure that the college you choose has a track record that boasts of being technologically progressive and is at par with the latest demands put forth by the petroleum industry.

As a petroleum engineer, your employment options are literally universal, i.e. you can seek employment at home, in the expanding Indian market, or overseas, working on international projects. An increasing number of oil refineries and rigs are likely to be set-up across the Indian subcontinent, ensuring a greater demand for petroleum engineers emerging from Indian engineering colleges. This includes private brands and the government-controlled facilities, meaning you would be able to find employment in the public sector too.