Career Advice from a Petroleum Geologist
By Jill Farinelli

In addition to his work as a consulting geologist and independent oil and gas producer, James Gibbs is president and CEO of an energy company in Dallas, Texas. He has some advice for young people interested in a career in petroleum geology.

First, you need a basic curiosity about the earth. “A lot of kids get fascinated by rock collecting,” says Gibbs. “Or they get interested in dinosaurs, or they get interested in understanding what goes on in mountains. Mines are fascinating to them, or minerals—the shapes, forms, colors of minerals. They get into earth sciences of some kind and then somewhere along the way they start saying to themselves, I really enjoy this. How do I make a living at it?”

Second, you’ll need to study science and math. “Geology is an applied science. It draws heavily on physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Students need to enjoy those courses, or at least tolerate them,” says Gibbs.

Third, you’ll need to go to college and get a degree in geology. Then it’s on to graduate school—either for a Master’s or a PhD—in order to specialize in petroleum geology.

Gibbs has some other tips for prospective petroleum geologists: Learn how to use a computer. Learn a second language. Learn about the customs of other cultures, especially those of other oil-producing nations. Try to get an internship working with geologists. And learn accounting so that if you decide to start your own business someday—like he did—you’ll know how to manage your finances.

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