CGeresti

I'm about to go to college and I'm very interested in petroleum and civil engineering. I was set on petroleum but I've heard mixed reviews over the future of the industry. Some say it's going to dry up, others say it won't for 50 years. I've also heard a lot of pete. e's will be retiring so a lot of spots will open up. Civil is much more stable. My ultimate goal is to be the ceo of an engineering company/firm, so an MBA someday. I think civil would be better for this. But I like everything about petroleum. I think it'd be awesome to work on rigs and the schedule also interests me. (3 weeks on, 3 weeks off for an example) Maybe even travel a little too because I'd love to see the world. Preferably work mostly in Texas though. Any input? What are some major petroleum engineering firms?

CGeresti

Also maybe bachelors in one masters in other one?

you_of_eh

Oil isn't drying up anytime soon. Go with what you're most interested in. I wouldn't get a masters in engineering if you plan to get an MBA.

CGeresti

But is there any managerial positions in major businesses through petroleum engineering?

noleguy33

The CEO of Exxon is a Civil Engineer... I'd say it's possible.

you_of_eh

By the time you're being considered for a position like that your undergrad degree isn't going to be anywhere near as important as your work experience/performance. Go to all the top oil companies' website's and read up on their execs.

khoiey

Petroleum companies do hire civil engineers.

CGeresti

I know that but by petroleum engineering I mean extracting. I may do civil as undergrad and pete. as grad school.

you_of_eh

But why do civil at all?

CGeresti

As a backup. Do you happen to know any schools that offer 5 year bs in petroleum to mba?

you_of_eh

You won't need a back-up. I have no idea why so many high school/college kids want to spend so much time in school, get your degree and start making money and getting experience. Getting an MBA before any work experience is going to be pretty much useless. Why would you do that?

CGeresti

Because it'd be cheaper than normal.

CGeresti

And it's something I want to get in my life. I guess it would suffice as a backup.

you_of_eh

Won't be cheaper if it's useless though. Why would you get a Masters in Business Administration if you have never worked before. Think about it. Any decent school is going to require some work experience in order for you to get into their program, if they don't, well then they're just gladly taking your money and don't really care much about whether or not you will succeed. You get an MBA to move in to a management type position within your field or to make a career change to finance/consulting etc. You will not get a management position straight out of undergrad so why are you getting the MBA?

CGeresti

For my future hopes as stated earlier.