Energy companies in the oil & gas sector employ a wide range of geologists, geophysicists and geochemists (often referred to as Geoscientists) in the search for and production of hydrocarbon reserves.
Companies that employ Geoscientists include international and local oil and gas companies, oil and gas service companies, and consultancies.
Geoscientists are employed in many roles from exploring for oil and gas, to developing and producing an oil and gas accumulation.
Since oil is often trapped underground or underwater, geoscientists rely on applying scientific knowledge to interpret many types of data collected both on the surface and subsurface to map out prospective sites and identify any environmental conditions or concerns that could affect the project’s success. Examples of the types of data interpreted are well data, gravity/magnetic data, seismic records and surface geological maps and satellite images.
Geoscientists perform both onshore and offshore exploration activities and are consistently in high demand. They co-ordinate closely with engineers, technologists, environment officers, health and safety professionals, and accountants, working in an integrated team environment.
Geoscientists mainly conduct data and sample analyses/interpretation in an office or laboratory environment. Fieldwork and onsite work (well site, geophysical acquisition) may also be required.
Steps to take
- Ensure your degree / modules are tailored towards the oil and gas industry
- A postgraduate degree (MS / PhD) is usually required
- Work experience/internship
