There’s shortage of manpower: Petroleum Engineer

What is the scope of work of a petroleum engineer in India as well as abroad?
Petroleum Engineers normally work in exploration and production (upstream) and its service sectors throughout the world.

Which are the leading places/states in India where oil and gas exploration is being done? What role does a petroleum engineer play in exploration?

Oil exploration is happening mostly in Gujarat, Assam, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. It helps economic growth of the state both directly and indirectly through ancillary industries. A petroleum engineer is directly involved in these projects right from design, development to production of oil and gas.

Are there adequate numbers of skilled personnel in the field in the country today? 
We produce a reasonable number of petroleum engineers in the country, but a shortage of skilled personnel definitely exists. Some of the reasons may be shortage of faculty in institutes, requirement of expensive infrastructure in institutes, lack of sponsored projects in institutes from industries, etc.

What are the challenges facing the profession? What have been the landmark developments in the field of petroleum engineering that have changed the world?
The main challenge facing the profession is the fast changing technology in exploration and production (E & P). The other important challenge is high risk in investment under high degree of uncertainty in oil and gas reservoirs. The landmark development is discovery of new reservoirs and technology.

Please give us an insight into the current researches/work being carried on in the field and how it might help the industry.

There is mostly research work going on in modelling and simulation for reservoir study, development of intelligent drilling technology, offshore and deep-water technology, coal bed methane technology, etc.

Who are the leading employers  in India and globally?
To name a few — ONGC, Reliance Industries Ltd., Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation, Oil India Ltd, HOEC, etc in E&P sector and Schlumberger, Halliburton, British Gas, Cairn Energy, BJ Services, etc in service sector.