**The Official Engineers/Engineering Thread V2**

[cncman]

Brb becoming lease operator

I have to go re-learn cased hole stuff to stay busy. I'm bailing on O&G for good once they let me go. I'm too new to weather the storm. 1-2 jobs a week won't cut it for us. We had "the meeting" today in lieu of a safety meeting about projections. Our district manager just says its really, really ugly. If you can make it until August-ish you'll be alright man. Just save everything you make (which you learn to do at year end/beginning of new year anyway)

[TXDStone]

I have to go re-learn cased hole stuff to stay busy. I'm bailing on O&G for good once they let me go. I'm too new to weather the storm. 1-2 jobs a week won't cut it for us. We had "the meeting" today in lieu of a safety meeting about projections. Our district manager just says its really, really ugly. If you can make it until August-ish you'll be alright man. Just save everything you make (which you learn to do at year end/beginning of new year anyway)

I may be misremembering but if you don't mind me asking why'd you jump from apc to bhi?

[GhostCat]

I have to go re-learn cased hole stuff to stay busy. I'm bailing on O&G for good once they let me go. I'm too new to weather the storm. 1-2 jobs a week won't cut it for us. We had "the meeting" today in lieu of a safety meeting about projections. Our district manager just says its really, really ugly. If you can make it until August-ish you'll be alright man. Just save everything you make (which you learn to do at year end/beginning of new year anyway)

what do non cased wireliners do anyway? I worked on a drilling rig for a year and never had wireline on location from spud to casing. Cased was usually logs or perf guns. What industry is a good transition out of here? would getting a petro masters be worth it?

[TXDStone]

what do non cased wireliners do anyway? I worked on a drilling rig for a year and never had wireline on location from spud to casing. Cased was usually logs or perf guns.

I met an open hole crew that I believe specialized in pipe recovery for drilling rigs.

would getting a petro masters be worth it?

My buddy is still 1+ year out from completing his. I think it's risky at this point but he thinks he's going to land a job after he interns this summer with a company as a driller, I hope he does.

[cncman]

I may be misremembering but if you don't mind me asking why'd you jump from apc to bhi?

I have a friend here who got me a good setup (who bailed to Tyler). It basically doesn't matter where we are anymore (unless its SLB, then you're golden but making a little less). We have 3 JFE who will prolly go soon. Real dumb letting operators go so early though.

[cncman]

what do non cased wireliners do anyway? I worked on a drilling rig for a year and never had wireline on location from spud to casing. Cased was usually logs or perf guns. What industry is a good transition out of here? would getting a petro masters be worth it?

Logging open hole is the easiest thing in the world. Its mostly the same stuff, anything you can put on a cable basically. We come in when drilling says they're ready (they never are) and deal with the geologists. Perf guns are pretty fun to fck with I guess. Drilling is goatmode, DD is ultragoat mode. The discounts we are giving are ridic right now. Look at the high end DD: http://www.payscale.com/research/US/.../Salary/by_Job

[GhostCat]

Logging open hole is the easiest thing in the world. Its mostly the same stuff, anything you can put on a cable basically. We come in when drilling says they're ready (they never are) and deal with the geologists. Perf guns are pretty fun to fck with I guess. Drilling is goatmode, DD is ultragoat mode. The discounts we are giving are ridic right now. Look at the high end DD: http://www.payscale.com/research/US/.../Salary/by_Job

Our drilling rigs just had a slickline set up kinda built in to run light ****, never had wireline come out.

DD pay is why I went to the drilling rigs, I did coil completions for a bit, but all the work with a truck is a pita cause of scheduling and **** constantly breaking. MWD and DD have it easy, equipment not such a big issue. Most coil work was boring as **** on top of that thats why I quit. Figured having rig experience and then doing mwd would make me get to DD quick. Alas this **** happened and I never got to mwd.

[cncman]

Our drilling rigs just had a slickline set up kinda built in to run light ****, never had wireline come out.

DD pay is why I went to the drilling rigs, I did coil completions for a bit, but all the work with a truck is a pita cause of scheduling and **** constantly breaking. MWD and DD have it easy, equipment not such a big issue. Most coil work was boring as **** on top of that thats why I quit. Figured having rig experience and then doing mwd would make me get to DD quick. Alas this **** happened and I never got to mwd.

almost ended up in coil tubing too, no ty jeffrey. Brave it out about 6 months, then will come some incentive to re-hire. The discounts are out of control, gave 87% today

[Ownster8932]

I have a friend here who got me a good setup (who bailed to Tyler). It basically doesn't matter where we are anymore (unless its SLB, then you're golden but making a little less). We have 3 JFE who will prolly go soon. Real dumb letting operators go so early though.

SLB said they are going to be laying off 9k, lol. I'm sure layoffs for BHI will be coming sometime too, but haven't heard any word aside from just rumors (which are bound to happen with the market conditions). Would end up being layoffs anyways due to the HAL acquisition at some point. I'm not really worried though- even if I do get laid off, oh well, can get another job without much effort, lol. People stress out way too much over things that they can't control anyways- no point.

[DrinkingBull]

Greetings and salutations my brethren-in-knowledge and paper

I sensed the radio waves and microwaves that you brahs broadcasted towards me

Alas the nuclear brah is in here

what are the job prospects with that degree? My school has a nuclear eng program bu I don't know to much about the jobs you can get or the pay

[KeepinOn2]

what are the job prospects with that degree? My school has a nuclear eng program bu I don't know to much about the jobs you can get or the pay

Every nuclear plant... pay is at least $65k.
EE but ended up splitting atoms for a living.

[Shaun_W]

Word on the street is NOV and Weatherford are now considering merging, and GE is looking to buyout someone. It'll get interesting once SLB says fuk it, we'll buy everyone and create an anti trust war.

GE have been aggressively trying to buy up various brands in the oil industry to break into it, as many existing areas of GE were not growing, and the oil services market was seen as a huge opportunity for new growth.

I think Vetco Gray was their biggest purchase, and when you see GE in the oil industry most people probably think of what was the old Vetco Gray. They also bought Hydril (BOP manufacturer) and Wellstead (flexible pipe supplier), too, and I heard rumours about them and Expro.

[poland144]

Had a phone interview recently for a FE position in completions in ND for one of the big 3 oil service companies (seems like one of the only segments where entry level opportunities exist as they'll be playing catchup). Long story short I didn't get an invitation to the onsite interview, but I asked for criticism from the interviewer as it was my first legitimate phone interview for an engineering position. The interview was composed primarily of behavioral/STAR based questions and at one point I mentioned while explaining a response regarding one of my previous work experiences how I had felt unsure in an emergency situation and had consulted a supervisor, which he didn't like. I probably could have worded it better but it seemed a little strange to me. Secondly he said I just didn't sound enthusiastic (I've got a pretty monotone, deep voice and this issue is compounded when distorted via phoneline).

So, what are some good tactics for portraying enthusiasm and interest in a position over the phone, when you can't rely on good body language and physical communication? My first thought would be to reiterate your interest and gratitude for the opportunity at the start of the interview and ask pointed, informed questions about the company and position (though I did this). Anything else?

[DrinkingBull]

Had a phone interview recently for a FE position in completions in ND for one of the big 3 oil service companies (seems like one of the only segments where entry level opportunities exist as they'll be playing catchup). Long story short I didn't get an invitation to the onsite interview, but I asked for criticism from the interviewer as it was my first legitimate phone interview for an engineering position. The interview was composed primarily of behavioral/STAR based questions and at one point I mentioned while explaining a response regarding one of my previous work experiences how I had felt unsure in an emergency situation and had consulted a supervisor, which he didn't like. I probably could have worded it better but it seemed a little strange to me. Secondly he said I just didn't sound enthusiastic (I've got a pretty monotone, deep voice and this issue is compounded when distorted via phoneline).

So, what are some good tactics for portraying enthusiasm and interest in a position over the phone, when you can't rely on good body language and physical communication? My first thought would be to reiterate your interest and gratitude for the opportunity at the start of the interview and ask pointed, informed questions about the company and position (though I did this). Anything else?

I work at a call center so sounding enthusiastic on the phone is essential for me. You gotta actually feel it bro, wake up early and get looking like a million bucks, sit with good posture, SMILE (most important srs), and speak from your diaphragm. get all geeked out on pwo if you have to

[GhostCat]

Had a phone interview recently for a FE position in completions in ND for one of the big 3 oil service companies (seems like one of the only segments where entry level opportunities exist as they'll be playing catchup). Long story short I didn't get an invitation to the onsite interview, but I asked for criticism from the interviewer as it was my first legitimate phone interview for an engineering position. The interview was composed primarily of behavioral/STAR based questions and at one point I mentioned while explaining a response regarding one of my previous work experiences how I had felt unsure in an emergency situation and had consulted a supervisor, which he didn't like. I probably could have worded it better but it seemed a little strange to me. Secondly he said I just didn't sound enthusiastic (I've got a pretty monotone, deep voice and this issue is compounded when distorted via phoneline).

So, what are some good tactics for portraying enthusiasm and interest in a position over the phone, when you can't rely on good body language and physical communication? My first thought would be to reiterate your interest and gratitude for the opportunity at the start of the interview and ask pointed, informed questions about the company and position (though I did this). Anything else?

If i was you I wouldnt bother with oil field services, especially completions considering you have a 3.8. Services you dont even need a degree, just takes longer to move up since they dont put you through classes, and the pay per hour is crap once you do the math, especially for the on call crap where you have to buy groceries everyday for the day cause you never know when you get sent out for a month . Then if it doesnt work out you are stuck with zero useful experience like me right now. I would take graduate program track if I where you with an established company in a stable industry.

[MuscleXtreme]

I have came to the realization that I am going to have next to no life for the next 4 months.

Working full time plus 13 credit hours this semester.

Anyone else coming to this realization?

[Plyoz]

I really bad at interviewing, especially over the phone. Last year I applied for and internship with a solid company, but wasn't contacted until 4 months afterward. I answered the random phone number I didn't recognize and surprise phone interview! needless to say I bombed it. Now 5 months later they sent me a rejection email.

Are a lot of companies like this? I was annoyed af, but I'm not butthurt because I have summer plans lined up anyway.

[poland144]

I really bad at interviewing, especially over the phone. Last year I applied for and internship with a solid company, but wasn't contacted until 4 months afterward. I answered the random phone number I didn't recognize and surprise phone interview! needless to say I bombed it. Now 5 months later they sent me a rejection email.

Are a lot of companies like this? I was annoyed af, but I'm not butthurt because I have summer plans lined up anyway.

They interviewed you over the phone without prior notice? If I had been in your position, I'd ask them to arrange a time for the call a day later so I could prepare for it better.

[Plyoz]

They interviewed you over the phone without prior notice? If I had been in your position, I'd ask them to arrange a time for the call a day later so I could prepare for it better.

Yeah first I had heard from them. "Are you still interesed in this position?......Okay so name me a time you were an outstanding leader."

woah woah woah... wait

[DrinkingBull]

I have came to the realization that I am going to have next to no life for the next 4 months.

Working full time plus 13 credit hours this semester.

Anyone else coming to this realization?

30 hours an 15 credits, did 35 and 14 last semester, where all gonna make it

[snailbruh69]

30 hours an 15 credits, did 35 and 14 last semester, where all gonna make it

I have to take 17 credits next semester. I don't work as much as you guys, but its still scary as hell (to me anyway, don't want to fail and all that.)

[Ownster8932]

They interviewed you over the phone without prior notice? If I had been in your position, I'd ask them to arrange a time for the call a day later so I could prepare for it better.

Actually, that is fairly common from both my experience and from friends. I've had some schedule an interview over the phone at say 4. Then they'll call 1+ hours early to see how you handle it/react.

Interviews really are not that complicated. I've found great success in being myself and genuine. Literally did not do any "prep" work or whatever. When I interviewed with the company I work for now, I hadn't even looked at their website (srs). They asked me what I thought about them in the first interview, etc. Said I didn't really know because I wasn't familiar with them other than hearing from word of mouth they are a great company to work for. Guy said ok, take a look at our website tonight to get an idea and in the next interview pick some things you think could be interesting (of course we talked about a lot of other stuff too, but that was a question I was asked). I found out I ended up being the highest rated applicant from my school by the recruiter who invited me to the on-site interview (that's how I got picked- literally just due to my score from my interviewer).

So many people seem to try and say the "right" thing. They're people and they aren't stupid. You think they haven't heard the same canned material over and over again?

I just had my presentation a month ago for my promotion. One of the directors (my boss' boss) was asking me questions and my opinion about various things. I was very blunt and honest in how I felt. When they gave me feedback they said they appreciated my sincere answers because most people are not; it actually played a big part in having a great review and subsequently being promoted.

I was in the candidate pool for both R&D and FE. I got 2/2 FE offers (both were after I had already started as R&D and considered making the switch to FE). They asked me why I was considering switching to FE- I literally said, "because I think it would be better for my career in the long run; when you look at all the executives, they all started out in FE. That's where the rubber meets the road. I enjoy what I do in R&D, but I think FE would be very valuable experience to have." I chose to stay in R&D, but still, I can't think of a time when having the genuine, just be myself approach has failed me. When I was in my last semester looking for a job, I got plenty of interviews, next interviews, and offers. It wasn't magic and it certainly wasn't because I was some great candidate- I would say I was very 'middle-of-the-pack.' Only one company I can think of that did not want to interview me/give me an offer and it was an RF company because I didn't use my electives on RF classes.

[poland144]

Actually, that is fairly common from both my experience and from friends. I've had some schedule an interview over the phone at say 4. Then they'll call 1+ hours early to see how you handle it/react.

Most people, myself included, benefit from preparation for interviews. If I get called up and am immediately asked behavioral based question such as "Name a time when you were a leader" I'm probably going to be taken aback by the question and not answer it very well. If I run through a couple STARs questions in my mind beforehand I'm going to do a lot better. It's the same thing for presentations for me.

A lot of miscers are more introverted-types, so they should prepare for interviews when given the opportunity. It's not unreasonable to say that you're at work or busy with something when an interviewer calls, though I would personally avoid rescheduling unless I felt like I was going to bomb it.

[Ownster8932]

Most people, myself included, benefit from preparation for interviews. If I get called up and am immediately asked behavioral based question such as "Name a time when you were a leader" I'm probably going to be taken aback by the question and not answer it very well. If I run through a couple STARs questions in my mind beforehand I'm going to do a lot better. It's the same thing for presentations for me.

A lot of miscers are more introverted-types, so they should prepare for interviews when given the opportunity. It's not unreasonable to say that you're at work or busy with something when an interviewer calls, though I would personally avoid rescheduling unless I felt like I was going to bomb it.

I think the point is that you are not always going to get to prepare for everything in the real world. Things happen that are unpredictable and you have to be capable in those situations, even if that means saying you don't know (get comfortable saying that- you aren't going to know everything all the time). And actually, behavioral questions should be easy to answer off the cuff. At least relative to technical questions; to me, your gripe would be more valid, IMO, with technical questions because you might not have done well in the particular subject or maybe it's been a while since you've studied it. So if you didn't get to prepare for that or know that they were going to ask about that, then I could see frustration. But again, they could be doing that not because they actually care about your answers, but just to see your thought process and how you handle pressure. I'm not sure what the STAR questions are, so I can't comment on that.

It's not unreasonable if you do have a prior obligation. Never said you should blow off a prior obligation. But if you don't have one, I think it would hurt you to ask for a re-schedule, unless you just want to lie and say you had one anyways. Being an introvert is not an excuse. You know how you get better at things? By putting yourself into situations that force you to work on those skills. Yeah, it might be ugly the first time, but over time you will get more comfortable with whatever it is you need to improve on. If you are an introvert that means going out and talking to people. Whether it is at a career fair, a social event, whatever. When it comes to a job, you should be taking the opportunity to go to as many interview-type events as you can so you can gain experience/comfort in those situations.

Obviously I can only speak from personal experience and from talking with friends. I prefer the natural, organic approach. I think it's more genuine and it has worked real well IME. I'm not advocating zero preparation- people are different and may feel comfortable with different levels of preparation. But they very thing they could be trying to test is your ability to perform when you don't have the benefit of time to prepare.

[DrinkingBull]

I have to take 17 credits next semester. I don't work as much as you guys, but its still scary as hell (to me anyway, don't want to fail and all that.)

It' brutal, im trying to make it six more months in sales and then move into tech support

[TXDStone]

Applied to a few jobs

Always interesting to have no idea where you stand in regards to some openings �\_(ツ)_/�

[Plyoz]

Back over last summer I had about 5 job interviews and a small part of me was happy each time I didn't get the job so I could get some more interview experience.

[Brad155]

Had a phone interview recently for a FE position in completions in ND for one of the big 3 oil service companies (seems like one of the only segments where entry level opportunities exist as they'll be playing catchup). Long story short I didn't get an invitation to the onsite interview, but I asked for criticism from the interviewer as it was my first legitimate phone interview for an engineering position. The interview was composed primarily of behavioral/STAR based questions and at one point I mentioned while explaining a response regarding one of my previous work experiences how I had felt unsure in an emergency situation and had consulted a supervisor, which he didn't like. I probably could have worded it better but it seemed a little strange to me. Secondly he said I just didn't sound enthusiastic (I've got a pretty monotone, deep voice and this issue is compounded when distorted via phoneline).

So, what are some good tactics for portraying enthusiasm and interest in a position over the phone, when you can't rely on good body language and physical communication? My first thought would be to reiterate your interest and gratitude for the opportunity at the start of the interview and ask pointed, informed questions about the company and position (though I did this). Anything else?

Don't just go into the phone call ready to bang out an oral examination. Actually converse with the interviewer, demonstrate your enthusiasm by actually being excited. Force a smile onto your face as you answer the questions. You will naturally provide more enthusiastic answers. It makes a world of a difference.

Keep in mind that these guys are choosing PEOPLE that they will be spending 40 hours per week with. They are not going to pick people they don't have a human connection with.

[Brad155]

I have came to the realization that I am going to have next to no life for the next 4 months.

Working full time plus 13 credit hours this semester.

Anyone else coming to this realization?

You'll make it brah. I did 40 hours/week waiting tables while taking 17 hours per semester my first three years of college. It seems daunting at first but you eventually get used to it.

[M0hi]

Big update for you guys. If anything, please respond to last paragraph.

I'm so excited brahs, applying to 3 internships this weekend
In order of desire:
1. Univ of Washington Seattle research intern 5k stipend (no income tax), free housing, full time + seminars to go to, research I can publish, never been to this side of the country and can't wait to do lots of fishing, I don't have a car so hopefully I make a friend that likes fishing, dat pacific ocean, dat oregon/washington border sturgeon fishing, that canada fishing. A colleague of mine was in it last year and he said he had a good amount of free time on weekends to go kayaking, visit vancouver, etc. Family has never been West of Illinois (plenty East) so if I get it they are making driving me 30hrs to get there a vacation.

2. NYU Poly same deal except 4k stipend and I haven't been to New York in a long time. I live in Chicago now so it would be cool to try the other city for awhile. Also will be good for me since I am considering Columbia for grad school.

3. NASA. This is 3rd only because they are just in general looking for engineers, the internship would surprise me if it related to my major. I am just applying because by the off chance I get it, NASA can't possibly look bad on a resume lol. I am a big fan of NASA tbh and really only applying because my biggest policy is not getting tunnel visioned because you never know what might pay off if you give it a chance.

Also in the process of getting my research from last summer published. By biggest issue though is that I can't get into a research lab here on campus part time, I've sent thoughtful emails (specific questions about their papers), asking to come to office hours, etc. But they just don't respond or say they are full. I understand they get emailed all the time but it sucks. I am good friends with some of the top professors in my department, but they aren't my concentration and I really want to get a taste for what I believe to be my future career path, but all those professors have been the one's that ignore me. This is going to be very arrogant to say but I am one of the top students here and it sucks knowing you likely would be given some role if they actually looked at your resume instead of treating your email as just another person. But my full time research has been an awesome experience in the past and has paid huge dividends, so I can't really be upset. Plan now is to move on to adjunct faculty, possibly with the med school and see if I can do something unique there.

Does anyone else know feels of your ex working in the lab you want to work in? Just saw today she just got literally every undergraduate research award available this past semester. Hold me misc.

In other news didn't even realize how far I am in the curriculum, I could graduate in 4 more semesters taking only 13 credit hours if I wanted to which is a big relief for me. Might be able to tack on a math minor (1 more class than normal) and if anything devote a lot of time to research.

Also does anyone have any good resources for Physics 2? I purposely delayed taking it because I have a really bad physics background and it's always been my crutch that I have been wanting to master (big on astronomy, string theory, etc.). I have a good professor and intend to visit office hours a lot, but I got to the point of breaking out khanacademy and it's still not cutting it in terms of this class.

So all in all, things are really looking up for me for once, on top of those 3 internships, there's 2 companies I am going to check out at career fair in 2 weeks now if only I could show physics 2 who's boss I'd be golden. Only the 2nd week of school and I somehow had to pull 3 consecutive near all nighters (2-4 hours of sleep) so I need to fix that ASAP because I usually never let something like an allnighter happen, let alone 3 in a ****ing row.