I have been offered a position to work in North Dakota as a Petroleum Engineer -- Would it be worth moving?

Question

I went to school in Louisiana studying Petroleum Engineering. I have applied to many different companies all over from Louisiana (of course) and Texas, but I also have applied to states further away such as Oklahoma, Colorado, and even North Dakota. I have been hearing how there are lots of engineering positions open in North Dakota.

What'll you bet, I have just recently been offered to work in North Dakota as a Petroleum Engineer, and I am wanting some opinions.

On the one hand, I have a personal belief that I have no right to be picky about where I would be working since many other people are struggling to even find work. I am absolutely grateful that I am been offered a position in what I hope will be a great career.

On the other hand I live in Louisiana and I have been offered to work way up in North Dakota. I would have preferred working off-shore in Louisiana or working somewhere in Texas because they are much closer. I'm mid-20s and supposing I accept this job (95% sure I will take the job for the reason I mentioned above), I will be so far away from my family and local friends.

Would it be worth moving away from everything I love so I can secure a future in the energy industry? I just want some opinions, and thank you for taking the time to read my questions.

Answer 1

Absolutely you must take it. You don't have to "burn your bridges" in Louisiana -- after you have some experience in ND, you will be more attractive to employers in Texas and Louisiana, even though the drilling environment is not the same. Think of the North Dakota job as the next phase of your education. Experience in the field is more valuable than any additional credential you could earn.



I draw your attention to an article in a June 2013 issue of Forbes business magazine, entitled "Could Oil-Fed Boom Lead to Bust at US Colleges?" The idea is that schools are churning out junior petro engineers faster than the industry will be able to absorb them. For this reason especially, you should not wait around, but get into a job right away. As I said before, when you are no longer a new recruit, your value will greatly increase.

Answer 2

I was born, raised and educated in Louisiana. I have worked all over the US in the oil business. I have found many interesting people and things all over the US. You should take the job and see some parts of the country that are different than Louisiana.



You'll also get some valuable experience and can always change jobs as you gain experience. By the way working off shore isn't always as great as many people think it is.

Answer 3

been in the oil patch 27 years drilling 13 years production U.S. overseas seen oil booms come seen them go..your answer is if you are single more than likely a good move married or have kids it will be very rough on them in boom town better have a oilfield gal that can take a beaten