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Petroleum Engineering Degree – Jobs in Oklahoma Mineral Rights

Posted on January 7, 2018 by osualum

Oklahoma contains some of the richest resources for both oil and gas production, making it an excellent area for professionals wanting to pursue a career in petroleum engineering and mineral rights. Petroleum engineers develop and design methods for using deposits in the ground to extract natural resources like oil and gas. Here’s what you need to know about getting your foot in the door with a potentially lucrative degree in petroleum engineering.

1. Degree Requirements

Successful students in petroleum engineering are detail-oriented with interest in math and science, as much of the coursework falls in these areas.

2. Science

Petroleum engineering students take classes in all science fields, with a more detailed focus in areas like geology and chemistry. Course example areas include geophysics, thermodynamics, reservoir rock properties, general physics, and chemistry

3. Math

To enter the field, a firm foundation in math is essential. Expect to take courses in advanced calculus, statistic, and differential equations, as well as any prerequisite math courses depending on your level of math skills entering the program.

4. Degree Specific

The majority of your coursework will involve engineering classes specific to what you’ll be doing in the field. Sample areas of learning include petroleum fluid properties, reservoir engineering, drilling engineering, petroleum geomechanics, engineering integrity, and well logging.

5. Potential Job Titles

A degree in petroleum engineering can open the door to several different career paths in both oil and gas production and how to sell mineral rights.

6. Engineer

Petroleum engineers can work in various areas of oil operations. For example, reservoir engineers help determine how much gas or oil can be extracted from a specific well and what method is best for to get the most out. Drilling engineers design drilling operations that are safe and effective while having the smallest impact possible on the surrounding environment. Completion engineers determine the best method for ensuring that oil is easily able to flow up from undergrounds, such as with hydraulic fracturing or tubing control. Production engineers work with wells once they have been completed, ensuring that production stays safe and steady.

7. Analysts

Holders of this degree can also find work as analysts. A petroleum engineering analyst examines drilling projects looking for ways to improve reservoir optimization and management both on current wells as well as future developments using collected data from operations.

8. Landman

For those who are good at interacting with people and negotiation, petroleum engineering degrees can lead to a career as a landman. Landmen work on the public side of the oil and gas industry, primarily negotiating with landowners for gas and oil drilling leases and mineral rights.

While higher education degrees can be helpful in furthering your career, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a median income of about $61 an hour for petroleum engineers with only a bachelor’s degree, making it possible to earn a rewarding high income starting with just an undergraduate level education. Even better, online education is now an option, with accredited programs from schools like the University of North Dakota making this career path more accessible than ever before from anywhere in the United States.

11 Things I Learned from Moving to NYC After Graduation

Posted on December 29, 2016December 12, 2017 by osualum

Moving to New York City after graduating from OSU (Class of 2014) seemed like the perfect decision for me, especially since I grew up in a small town in the middle of Oklahoma. I wanted to see what life could be like living in the Big Apple, and I was excited for new experiences and a fun life transition. However, after living in NYC for only a few months, I quickly realized how naive I was about adapting to city life and learned a lot of things that I wish I had known before making the big move. In order to save some of you a lot of time and shock, here’s a list of things that I’ve learned from moving to the concrete jungle after college graduation.

1. Leave the Car

When you’re living in NYC, you don’t need a car unless you’re traveling miles away. With cabs and buses on every corner, along with the city’s expansive subway system, you can quickly get around without having to fill up on gas. Sometimes it’s best to simply walk to wherever you need to go, especially if you’re living in the center of a city neighborhood.

2. Finding a Job Isn’t Easy

While NYC might seem like the perfect place to find a job, it’s actually a very difficult process. Most of the jobs available are for industry-specific positions and the application process can be very competitive. When people do find jobs in the city, they usually keep them for a very long time, as the pay is higher than in other areas of the country. Aside from flipping burgers and making fries, it’s tough to find any kind of employment. While it took months for some of the friends I moved with to find jobs, I was a little more fortunate. My degree in accounting from the Spears School of Business served me well, and helped me land a job at a Big 4 accounting firm right in the heart of Manhattan.

3. Avoid the Weekend Subway

Steer clear of the subway on the weekends, as the trains don’t run as often as they do during the week. When I did take the subway one weekend, I was stuck waiting over 30 minutes for a ride. Since there are also a few more colorful characters that ride the train during that time, it’s best to avoid the subway on those days altogether.

4. Alcohol Isn’t Convenient

Surprisingly, if you’re looking to find alcoholic beverages in grocery stores, you’re going to be out of luck. Unlike the most of the United States, the stores in NYC don’t keep alcoholic drinks on their shelves.

5. Keep Cash With You

There are a few reasons to have cash on you at all times. Most places, such as restaurants or grocery stores, will only accept cash. If they take a credit or debit card, then there’s usually a minimum amount of money that you have to pay. It’s also a good idea to carry cash in a separate wallet, in case someone tries to steal from you.

6. Get Ready for Construction

Living in NYC means that you’re constantly dealing with construction on the city streets. There’s always some kind of scaffold in place or a construction worker redirecting traffic that will interrupt your daily routes to work or school.

7. Stock Up on Fresh Groceries

Food stands and local street vendors are the best part of living in NYC, and when you spot one, immediately stock up on what’s offered. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and bread have a better quality and are less expensive on the streets than they are in grocery stores.

8. Hire Movers

Each of the five years I lived in Stillwater, I ended up having to move to a new dorm or apartment. My moving process always involved asking a couple of frat boys to haul stuff in their pick-ups in exchange for pizza and beverages. When it came to moving into my apartment in NYC, I thought my friends and I would be able to handle navigating a U-Haul through the streets of Brooklyn and hauling our own sofas and other furniture up three flights of stairs. Evidently, I way over-estimated myself. After circling the block about twenty times looking for parking outside of our building, we started panicking. We frantically called a Manhattan moving company that graciously rushed to our aid for a last minute move, helped us find a place to park, and quickly worked to get our things unloaded. Lesson learned – some things are better left in the hands of professionals like these:

Big Apple Moving
83 Third Avenue
Brooklyn, NY, 11217
(718) 768-7818

Empire Movers
6736 80th Street
Middle Village, NY
(212) 365-8367

Imperial Moving & Storage
83 Washington Place
New York, NY 10011
(212) 879-6683

9. Go to the Park

There are several beautiful parks around NYC and most of them offer Wi-Fi. Besides enjoying a little bit of nature and taking a break from the rest of the city, parks are perfect places for working, studying, and reading. It’s a great go-to if you don’t want to be stuck inside of your tiny apartment.

10. Watch Out for Crowds

When the Christmas season arrives, it’s best to stay indoors. With the amount of people pushing each other on the streets, it’s easy to become anxious and overwhelmed with the enormous crowds. If you get nervous around large groups of people, you’ll need to avoid busy city spots.

11. Be a Tourist

Finally, find time to enjoy all of the different sights of the city. There are many things that you can do on the cheap end, and taking some time to discover the history and culture around you will give you an appreciation for living in NYC. My favorite thing so far has been taking the New York hop-on, hop-off bus tours.

Packing, Moving & Storage Tips to Prepare for Dorm Room Living

Posted on July 22, 2016October 17, 2021 by osualum

Soon enough the fall semester will be here, which means parents at OSU and other campuses across the country will be dropping off their students at college. Whether your child is following in your footsteps and heading to Stillwater this fall, or venturing to another campus besides OSU, there are some things you should keep in mind while helping your child pack for their freshman year.

1. Plastic Tubs and Crates

Anything that can serve more than one purpose is a must when packing for college. Plastic tubs and crates can be used as containers for packing and storage once at school. If you can’t hire cheap moving services, you may be the one helping to lug boxes up a flight of stairs, especially if there aren’t any elevators. With this in mind, pack larger boxes with lighter items like linens and towels, but keep heavy items confined to smaller, more manageable boxes.

2. Bedding

Make sure to check the size of the bed (many dorm rooms have twin XL beds) and pack a pillow, sheets, comforter, and a favorite blanket. Go here for more on-campus residence hall information at Oklahoma State. If it is cold where your college student is going, consider a heated blanket. It’s also a great idea to include a mattress cover for bedbug protection and a foam topper for added comfort. Pillows can also be used for additional seating.

When shopping for bedding, keep in mind that most college dorms have twin XL beds. Photo courtesy healthy-liv.com.

3. Clothes

You will want to consider packing clothes not just for every day, but also for special occasions or job interviews. Remember to consider whether or not your college student will need attire for additional season. It may be possible for them to get the next season’s clothing when they come home for break, which is ideal if the new living arrangement has limited space.

4. School Supplies

These can be purchased on campus, but you might want to stock up at off-campus stores to get the best deal. A laptop is an important tool that your child will use to write papers and do research. They will appreciate having their own laptop to use in their room, meet others at study groups, or to bring to the local coffee shop.

5. Small Furniture Items

Smaller furniture items like lamps and additional seating will make your college student’s room more comfortable for hanging out or studying. Shelving or storage cubes can help add storage space and additional seating.

Decorating your student’s dorm with additional accent items like lamps and small pieces of furniture can add a lot to the space. Photo courtesy hoosierhomemade.com

6. Cleaning Supplies

Hopefully you have taught your college-aged kid many important life skills, including how to clean and do their own laundry. It will become their responsibility once they are on their own. Buckets for cleaning and laundry supplies will help keep their room, bathroom, and clothing clean. A waterproof bucket or bag for shower shoes, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair products, towels and other sundries will make trips to the bathroom easier since everything is in one place.

7. Cooking/Eating Supplies

Your college-bound kid will need some basic cooking and eating supplies. Pack a few non-breakable, BPA free and microwavable bowls, plates and cups. A can opener and cooking/eating utensils are a must have. Freezer/storage bags can be used in the kitchen and to store other smaller items in the dorm room. Include a few measuring cups, chip clips, spatulas and a water pitcher. A colander/strainer can be used to hold some of the smaller supplies.

Moving your student college can be an emotional time, and feelings of excitement, fear and sadness are all normal. Use this list to help you make preparations and a smooth transition for this academic milestone.

Your Guide to the Ultimate OSU Cowboys Tailgate

Posted on June 6, 2016January 3, 2019 by osualum

Football season is almost here, and that means one thing: It’s time to start thinking about the perfect tailgate. OSU not only has a stellar football team, but we’re also known for some of the wildest and best tailgate parties in the South. If you want to hang with the big (Cow)boys at OSU this […]

Alumni Spotlight: About T. Boone Pickens

Posted on June 3, 2016January 7, 2018 by osualum

With more than 200,000 living OSU alumni, there are more than just a few recognizable names that are proud to call OSU their alma mater, including Garth Brooks and James Marsden. While those two may come to mind for their pop culture fame, there is one alumnus you probably know for his wealth and generosity, Mr. T. Boone Pickens.

Growing Up Years

T. Boone Pickens was born in Holdenville, OK, a tiny town southeast of Oklahoma City with a rich agricultural history. It’s no surprise that T. Boone’s early introduction to the oil industry later spurred him to graduate from OSU with a degree in geology. From a young age, Boone demonstrated a knack for enterprise, nearly quintupling a newspaper route he started doing as a 12-year-old through a series of route “acquisitions”. His sharp business acumen as a youngster would benefit him well as he pursued his oil interests as an adult.

Exposed to the oil industry at a young age, Pickens would later go on to build an oil & gas dynasty worth millions

Life on the Rig

His first three years after college, Boone put his degree to use working for Phillips Petroleum, then spent another two years working as a wildcatter drilling exploratory oil wells. With practical experience under his belt, Boone decided to strike out on his own, founding the company that would become Mesa Petroleum. In 1985, Boone became a household name after being featured on the cover of Time Magazine, with an article spotlighting his business success in the takeover game. As the decades passed, his fame and wealth continued to grow, and today, at the age of 88, Mr. Pickens is worth over a billion dollars.

In 1985, Pickens made the cover of Time Magazine, securing his celebrity. Photo credit Time Magazine.

Philanthropist

Mr. Pickens doesn’t take his position of power and wealth without humility, and has committed his more recent years to philanthropic work. Of the nearly $700 million he has given to charitable causes, $500 million has gone to bolster both academics and athletics programs at his beloved alma mater, which is why both the School of Geology and the OSU football stadium bear his name. He also offered to manage the investment of his donations, fee free, through his own investment management company, saving the school considerable money in fees.

His other humanitarian efforts include large donations to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, UT Southwestern Medical Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the downtown Dallas YMCA, among others. All of his gifts are a legacy that will benefit future generations for even decades after he’s gone. But, his long-term vision doesn’t just stop with his financial giving; T. Boone is also an environmental activist. Though a conservative Republican and oil tycoon, Mr. Pickens has recently turned his attention to promoting environmentally-friendly alternative energy sources. In his “Pickens Plan”, he outlines his strategy for reducing U.S. dependence on OPEC oil and increasing utilization of solar and wind renewable energy sources.

Donations of $500 million put T. Boone Pickets on the top of the OSU donor list and his name on the stadium

Undoubtedly, Mr. Pickens is an example of an OSU degree used to its best, and we can all be thankful of the example he has set as a businessman, philanthropist, and OSU alumnus.

Take Advantage of the Alumni Network

Posted on May 19, 2016May 19, 2016 by osualum

Professional networking is entrenched in our business culture, but perhaps one of the most overlooked networking avenues available to you is from your university. While you are constantly encouraged to network within your industry or local community, the OSU alumni association is an incredible place to build professional relationships, meet new connections and advance your […]

5 Alumni Benefits You Should Be Using Right Now

Posted on May 18, 2016August 14, 2017 by osualum

Whether you graduated OSU five minutes ago or 50 years ago, there are perks to being an alumnus you should be taking advantage of. The day you picked up your diploma is certainly not the end of the benefits of OSU there are still all kinds of benefits, opportunities and discounts that are available to […]