PREFACE

This booklet is the result of my several years' participation in the Visiting Petroleum Geologist program of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Conversations with undergraduates, graduate students and faculty members in geology departments across the U.S. reveal that many students receive their degrees having given little thought or preparation to finding work. As a result, the transition from the classroom to the office is not always a smooth one.

Students commonly report that they lack information about available work and do not know how to get started on a job search. They complain that they:

  1. don't have a clear understanding of the daily activities of a working geologist;
  2. don't receive accurate information regarding competition for jobs, and don't see data on employment trends and projections;
  3. don't know who are the prospective employers; and
  4. don't know what to do if they don't receive a job offer before graduation or soon thereafter.

It is my purpose to discuss some of these concerns and to offer encouragement that work is available for most, if not all qualified geology graduates. Suggestions are provided to those students currently in school who want to use their time to become better prepared, and to those recent and not-so-recent graduates who face job-hunting in a lukewarm employment environment.

The ideas outlined herein are presented in the hope that they may stimulate the student or recent graduate to think more innovatively about planning a job search, and to make one's own experience a unique, enjoyable, and successful one.

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists provided me the opportunity to visit several colleges and universities across the United States through its Visiting Petroleum Geologist program. Many of the concepts and methods of securing employment were developed for the program during discussions with company recruiters, individual employers, and faculty members. To all who provided suggestions and information I am grateful.

Ms. Mary Sue Hayward of Sun Exploration and Production Company and Dr. David Eby of Champlin Petroleum Company reviewed the manuscript and made many helpful comments and suggestions.

My wife, Judy, offered enthusiastic encouragement, never once complained when I left on a VGP trip or spent evenings typing, and even proofread the completed manuscript.

Back to Table of Contents
Preface | Attitudes | Employment Conditions In Industry
Preparing for a Career in Petroleum Geology | Who are the Employers
Contacting Employers Effectively | Alternative Strategies | References