Welcome to Petroleum Geology Forums

Hello All,

I am new to this forum and I hope some-one could point me in the right direction. I have a BSc and MSc in geology but have been working in different professions since finishing my BSc. I have five years experience as an environmental scientist but was laid off due to the recession. To be honest, while I was working as environmental scientist, I was not really happy because it involves loads of travelling and very little pay to show for it. I was barely getting by every month. My interest actually has always being in petroleum and not environment. I have been off work for almost three years due to starting a family and having to take care of my kids. I know at some point next year (2012), I might need to look for job or go back to school to upgrade my knowledge. I want to go into the petroleum industry and not environment, hence I need your advice.

I am looking into going for a two years applied degree in petroleum engineering technology (in Calgary, Canada) with courses in reservoir stimulation etc. Any advice on how best to make this kind of career change. I don't mind going back to school as it has been over 15years since I had my BSc and have forgotten so many things. I want to start preparing my self, hence I have decided to do some self study, what books can anyone recommend for me to buy. I would like to learn some software use in the oil and gas industry; how can I get trial versions of these software to download with manual. What software should I learn? Links to software download for trial versions and manuals would be very helpful.

Many thanks in advance

You know what you want to do so you're half way there. Either apply for a job position or indeed go back to uni...

For software use you are a little limited at home as software is expensive and cracked software is out there but far from ideal. You could have a go at OpenDtect (free static modeling software), but on reservoir engineering software I have no info.

Thanks for even reading my post and for advising. I try the openDtect. I hope I will be able to try it out. Any recommendation on books. I just bought this book'Practical Enhanced Reservoir Engineering: Assisted with Simulation Software from amazon (based on the review I read about it). Do you know any other books that I can get that would help me.

Thanks