davev1977

Thank you for the information, I'll explore each of those avenues. I just looked at El Paso's website and was very impressed. They seem to offer everything I'm looking for and I was getting excited by the prospect. I certainly need to learn the software as quickly as possible, but I'm ready, willing, and able. Almost more than anything, working as part of a team appeals to me. Right now I work largely on my own as I'm responsible for overseeing our exploratory drilling and geological data management, drawing maps and cross-sections, etc. I do collaborate with our engineers, but I'm the only geologist for our Kentucky subsidiaries. I enjoy my job and the independence is good and all, but it would also be fun to be a part of some larger projects with several other geoscientists working together to solve problems and such.

Chevron is definitely on my list. My line of thought is that the major companies might have more to offer someone new to the industry, such as training programs, high-tech equipment, etc. I love the idea of having on-site workout facilities, good travel opportunities, and room to grow professionally. Not to mention the high salaries these days. You got to do what you can early on and try to set your family up for success later, right?

Do you know what the hourly rates are, approximately?

Thanks for the advice. I have joined LinkedIn.com and it looks like a useful tool. I've heard people say things similar to what you said, but only in regards to a few specific companies. The industry as a whole appears to be in good health. I'm in the coal industry and we have our ups and downs, too. What I'm hoping for is a good chance at a higher standard of living. For example, the town we live in is small. There isn't a great deal to do around here other than hunting/fishing/etc., which is fine, but I miss the variety of a bigger city (I grew up around Seattle). I also think the oil companies, being larger than our coal companies, offer a greater opportunity for upward mobility and a career that could expand my skill set and ultimately prove more satisfying. I don't know if this is true or not, I've never worked in such a big corporate environment. We really need to visit the Houston area and get a feel for the place. See what it would be like to live there, I suppose. What percentage would you say works contract? And is it more common for certain companies or certain types of companies?

Which company do you work for?

Hi, my wife and I currently live in Kentucky where I work for a coal company as a geologist and she is an elementary school special education teacher. We're strongly considering moving to the area if I can get a job as a geoscientist/geophysicist at an oil company. I understand the market is good for that right now and I assume the best way to apply would be on the company's website, but I wondered if anyone had any additional tips? Especially from the perspective of someone who works for an oil company. I've looked closely at ExxonMobil, Shell, and BP but don't know much about the non-majors. I was thinking it would be wise to work at a larger company that has a well-established training program for people new to the industry, unless any of you know otherwise. I've got two years of experience in coal and was a research assistant for a geophysicist and seismologist for six years while earning my bachelor's and master's degrees. So I have some exposure to geophyisics. Anyway, we also have been looking at moving to Sugar Land, Katy, the Woodlands, and Pearland. They all seem pretty nice. I expect the commute can be a hassle but the benefits of life near houston and working in oil seem to outweigh the negatives. I'm 32 and she's 27, will have kids in the next few years, and would like to be in an area with people in a similar stage of life. I'd appreciate any input! Thanks David

Hi, my wife and I live in Kentucky currently. I work as a geologist for a coal company, she's an elementary school special education teacher. I'm 31 years old, she's 27. We're thinking about moving to Houston where I'd like to work as a geologist/geophysicist for an oil company. I understand the opportunities are exceptional right now and I've been interested in that type of work since I was in school a couple of years ago. I'm hoping to hear from people who work in the petroleum industry, especially from geoscientists, who can give me some tips for landing a job and finding a good place to live. We'd be interested in a good child-friendly suburb like Sugar Land where the schools have good reputations and the commute is manageable (a relative proposition, I know). Is anyone out there who can offer some advice? I've done plenty of research on the major oil company websites but some insider information would be much appreciated! What is life like for those of you on the "inside"?? Also, can anyone suggest which companies are the most/least desirable to work for and why? Thanks!!