When University of Texas student Bradley Barnum chose his major in 2004, oil prices had already leapt to the $40-to-$50-a-barrel range, ushering in a new era of profitability for oil companies. “It was a good time to get into the oil industry,” says Mr. Barnum, who will graduate in May and has already accepted a job with Chevron Corp. as a production engineer in Midland, Texas. He declined to give his specific salary but said normal offers are between $80,000 and $90,000. As petroleum-engineering salaries rise, so does the coolness factor. Students are crowding into lecture halls to learn about oil-reservoir mechanics and well drilling. An online group for students heading into oil-related careers describes itself thus: “We make the world go round, while at the same time making some huge bank.”
The Wall Street Journal
A Gusher for Oil Grads
(Feb. 21)
