Pipeline or Subsea Engineering

[anez247]

Hello Guys.

I am considering going for my Masters in one of the above specialties this September,I will like to get some advice from engineers working in the Oil & Gas Industry.

I have a BEng and currently work as a Non-Destructive Testing Tech (NDT) for an Inspection company. My job has been mainly carrying out inspections & testings on Subsea components like Stab-plate Jumpers, BOP and Manifolds, recently some pipeline inspections as well.

I have a big interest in the O&G industry and will like to move into Pipeline section of it maybe in the future become a Subsea Pipeline engineer.

My problem is will a Msc in Pipeline engineering be a better choice for me in terms of my future goal and will my NDT experience coupled with the Msc help me stand out. I feel Subsea engineering sounds a little bit sophisticated if I haven't got much experience to back it up with.

I will appreciate it if anyone currently in the industry could share or advise on how best to go about it and how the job market is as well.

Thanks in advance

[dingg]

SSE

SSE

SSE

SSE

do you get the idea?

plenty jobs for qualified people,still lots of cowboys who have managed to bluff their way through the 'system' getting well paid positions, excellent prospects/salary opportunities.

If I was to start over I would definitely follow the path your planning

[hbzboy]

SSE
SSE
SSE
SSE
SSE
SSE

As above. I studied Chem Eng ages ago, going back now it would be the above.

[anez247]

Thanks guys for the contribution so far. But wont I be too inexperienced if I did SSE. Honestly I see SSE as such a big deal of a Degree, just like having an MBA.

[Kiltie]

anez247 said:

My problem is will a Msc in Pipeline engineering be a better choice for me in terms of my future goal ...

It might be useful to understand what this is - particularly if it's something quite specific in terms of geographical location or a certain job level by a certain age or perhaps just maximising earnings.

Assuming you just want a decent career with choices to fly high or enjoy life, my first thought is that experience counts for more than academic achievement (this assumes a certain level has been accomplished - which it apparently has with your BEng).

I just mentioned this to my missus and she makes the point that a pipeline engineering MSc might actually limit you in terms of being pigeon holed. It's good to keep your options open.

She also mentions that being chartered trumps academia and you'll be able to set the ball rolling with that while working.

It's good to keep options open. Getting to your mid forties and being in a narrow field you don't find particularly fulfilling isn't a good place to be.

So, my (our) advice would be to not bother with the masters and ...

• Join one of the consultancies (Pegasus, PDi, JPK, Penspen (Palmer's), Xodus, Genesis ... there are others too). Do a couple or three years (staff) and see how you feel. Assuming you're keen, by that time, you'll have a decent appreciation of everything from a design perspective.
• Depending on what aspects of the job you like best, then join one of the big contractors or suppliers (Technip or S7 if you like construction / pipelay; alternatively GE or FMC if you like hardware and shiny things). Give it a few years there and then take stock again.
• When you realise that you're a valuable commodity and the world is your lobster, choose what to do next (dirty day rater, staff job with operator or, perhaps, see the world on rotation).

The really important thing is to keep options open though. It might seem all crystal clear and mapped out now but you don't know what's round the next corner (good things as well as inconvenient).

PM me if you want but lots of things came around the corner for me recently so I might not be able to reply quickly.

I hope some of the above makes sense.

Cheers,

Eric

[anez247]

Thanks Eric, I've sent you a PM

[Kiltie]

No bother.

Remember though ... keep your options open!

[anez247]

I will Eric, check your email when you can mate!

[anez247]

More info needed guys..