Careers - the business side of oil & gas

[calgarygeologist]

All the recent discussion about layoffs has got me thinking about possible options for continuing education in the event that I lose my job sometime in the immediate future.

In the past I've always had a desire to go back to school and complete an MSc in the new-ish Reservoir Characterization program at UofC. But that obviously is a fairly long commitment and the folks in the program had mentioned that acceptance is pretty competitive when I last inquired.

Obviously my education and experience is in the technical side of the industry but the business side has always called out to me. When I was doing my undergrad I did complete a minor degree in Applied Energy Economics. I have no desire, at this point, to pursue an MBA or any sort of financial degree. Are there any programs that could be useful towards potentially branching out or crossing over into the business side of the industry?

Can anyone comment on programs like:
Energy Asset Management at SAIT
CAPPA Oil and Gas Production Accounting at SAIT
Professional Management specializing in Risk Management at UofC

Is there anything else that could be recommended as a go-forward option?

[terminator]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

All the recent discussion about layoffs has got me thinking about possible options for continuing education in the event that I lose my job sometime in the immediate future.

In the past I've always had a desire to go back to school and complete an MSc in the new-ish Reservoir Characterization program at UofC. But that obviously is a fairly long commitment and the folks in the program had mentioned that acceptance is pretty competitive when I last inquired.

Obviously my education and experience is in the technical side of the industry but the business side has always called out to me. When I was doing my undergrad I did complete a minor degree in Applied Energy Economics. I have no desire, at this point, to pursue an MBA or any sort of financial degree. Are there any programs that could be useful towards potentially branching out or crossing over into the business side of the industry?

Can anyone comment on programs like:
Energy Asset Management at SAIT
CAPPA Oil and Gas Production Accounting at SAIT
Professional Management specializing in Risk Management at UofC

Is there anything else that could be recommended as a go-forward option?

I'm a geoscientist and I did my MBA while employed, I then got laid off lol. I've found great employment since continuing where I left off.

I would not recommend the MBA program, its useless especially so UofCs.

I've thought about CAPPA, CFA, FRM... or an MSc in Petroleum engineering, I'm on the same boat as you don't really know where to re-re-start if laid off.

[gladaki]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

All the recent discussion about layoffs has got me thinking about possible options for continuing education in the event that I lose my job sometime in the immediate future.

In the past I've always had a desire to go back to school and complete an MSc in the new-ish Reservoir Characterization program at UofC. But that obviously is a fairly long commitment and the folks in the program had mentioned that acceptance is pretty competitive when I last inquired.

Obviously my education and experience is in the technical side of the industry but the business side has always called out to me. When I was doing my undergrad I did complete a minor degree in Applied Energy Economics. I have no desire, at this point, to pursue an MBA or any sort of financial degree. Are there any programs that could be useful towards potentially branching out or crossing over into the business side of the industry?

Can anyone comment on programs like:
Energy Asset Management at SAIT
CAPPA Oil and Gas Production Accounting at SAIT
Professional Management specializing in Risk Management at UofC

Is there anything else that could be recommended as a go-forward option?

I am a Geo scientist and started with industry in 2011. In last 4 years already got laid off once for 4-5 months.

Here is my view: Reservoir characterization program of university of calgary is not good. Couple of people in processing shops who completed this course didnt use it any where except other than writing on resume, so oil company will notice it. MBA is a great option, I highly recommend it but it should be from Queen or Western. UfC is worst choice for full time MBA (no offense terminator.)

If MBA is too expensive go to Colorado school of mines or University of Texas for their energy management programs like this one.
http://inside.mines.edu/MS-Mineral-and-Energy-Economics.

If you want to work in Finance then CFA is a great idea. But would only recommend doing it if finance is your area of interest.

Dont do any Business program from UfC if its full time.I cant comment on courses from SAIT and CAPPA

[gladaki]

Originally Posted by terminator

I'm a geoscientist and I did my MBA while employed, I then got laid off lol. I've found great employment since continuing where I left off.

I would not recommend the MBA program, its useless especially so UofCs.

I've thought about CAPPA, CFA, FRM... or an MSc in Petroleum engineering, I'm on the same boat as you don't really know where to re-re-start if laid off.

I think u work with Oil company Hows condition at H...

[terminator]

Originally Posted by gladaki

I think u work with Oil company Hows condition at H...

Lol

[calumniate]

Interesting topic! May add 2 cents later

[OMG!WTF!]

Obviously my education and experience is in the technical side of the industry but the business side has always called out to me.

If you're not so confident about the technical side of he industry, what makes you think the business side would offer more opportunities? Wouldn't a new field be more prudent?

Is there anything else that could be recommended as a go-forward option?

Yes...

http://www.profitguide.com/manage-gr...-using-60975/3

And...

http://www.mtroyal.ca/ProgramsCourse...smallbusiness/

[Brewmaster]

I'm interested in hearing a few more opinions on Canadian MBA programs. I would think UofC and UofA would be good options if you plan on staying in Calgary O&G. What is recruitment like in the energy business for MBA grads across Canada?

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by OMG!WTF!

If you're not so confident about the technical side of he industry, what makes you think the business side would offer more opportunities?

I'm not expecting a higher level of job security on the business side but rather just hoping to potentially be open to more job opportunities. I would also think that having some sort of risk management or business development training would be more transferable between industries as compared to Geology.

[gladaki]

Originally Posted by Brewmaster

I'm interested in hearing a few more opinions on Canadian MBA programs. I would think UofC and UofA would be good options if you plan on staying in Calgary O&G. What is recruitment like in the energy business for MBA grads across Canada?

There are more chances that you will get high paying job in Energy sector from Ivey, queens, Rottman, Sauder than UofC. Avg GMAT Score in these universities are much higher than calgary. I cant really comment on UofA but I guess it boils down to the quality of students in the end.

But, I have friends who started with 6 figure salary from UofC with city of calgary, Energy, Banks and consulting. But there numbers are less compare to east coast schools. May be its because of number of intakes which is 400 some thing for Rottman, and 130 something for others. But, UofC if i remember is close to 50-60 students in each batch.

[gladaki]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

I'm not expecting a higher level of job security on the business side but rather just hoping to potentially be open to more job opportunities. I would also think that having some sort of risk management or business development training would be more transferable between industries as compared to Geology.

Companies like schlumberger train geologist for Business development programs. They even sponsor their employees for MBA @ INSEAD.