Everyone has pretty much covered everything, but I have a couple of things to add. The field experience you will gain from something like this is huge, but I also want to mention that Halliburton does offer training programs to supervisors that is very similar to what the engineers go through. There are various levels that start out with the simple math we use out in the oilfield, but they eventually work up to the theory behind what happens down hole.

This will be a fast track to a spot in management in Operations and you should keep in mind that if you do end up being some sort of manager, you will essentially never be on days off. Your phone will be ringing all the time, but this is true even if you were to go through the engineering route and end up in an engineering management role. Heck, I'm in between a field and management position and I still have to keep my phone nearby.

I went the engineering route and still learned a lot from working with the crew, but you will learn more from actually having to operate and work on equipment by starting out on the crew. Like anything else, you'll get more out of it if you put more into it.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions you think I could answer.

Just remember:
Service company manager is NOT equal to Operating company manager. Once you move into service company management, you are service company pot committed. The only alternative is to become an entry level engineer (if you're a degrees engineer) and start at the bottom. Doubt you'll want the pay cut.

WinaGs, what about Jon experienced Ags?

Maybe a bit off topic, but this seems like a decent place to ask.

I am a second year Petroleum Engineering student right now.

I have come into a bit of financial difficulties and really don't want to take out loans to pay for my schooling.

Would those of you in the industry say that taking a few years off school to work in a position like this for Halliburton to save up some $$ and gain some experience before returning to finish my degree would be a bad idea?

I really want to work with an operator in the future, but again I really haven't worked out in the field so I know that's hard to say.

Either way, do you think experience in something like this would be valuable in the future or should I just take out a bit in loans/make it work and drive on?

TIA

Edit: Repeat post

[This message has been edited by aggie1357 (edited 1/21/2013 3:48a).]

Edit: Repeat post.

[This message has been edited by aggie1357 (edited 1/21/2013 3:48a).]

Absolutely not! Take out the loans and get out there! You will pay those things off very quickly. Having to explain why you took a year off because you were afraid of the low loan interest rate will puzzle most interviewers.

I agree. Finishing school should be your priority. Between scholarships and summer jobs you may be able to make quite a bit to help pay for things as you go along. If you were getting some kind of worthless degree with no job prospects then I might have a different opinion.

You couldn't get this job at HAL without a degree.

Thanks for the input everyone.

I guess I'll keep on keeping on.

And to the OP, sorry for derailing your post.

Thanks everyone for all the input. I decided to go the field engineering route (wireline). In the end it seems like it suited me best.

Thanks again!

GIG'EM!

I am trying to decide if this is a road I want to travel down. Found this forum through google and surprisingly enough it was on TexAgs. Haven't been able to find much information on the pay structure for this job title. I understand the hours are long and rough, but it sounds like it is a great way to learn about the industry from a first hand experience.

What does a "Field Operational Professional" make with Halliburton or a similar company that offers a program like this? All I find on different forums are that the hours are long and the pay is great. Everyones definition of great pay is different and I have seen some say the pay isn't worth it having to work 100+ hours a week. Are you driving a company truck or will trading in my sedan for a truck be required. Thanks for the insight!

You won't have a company vehicle. Pay depends on product line.

Do you mind sharing your knowledge or own experience on a few of the bigger products? They have posted these specifically 1) Production Enhancement/Fracturing 2) Cementing 3) Coiled Tubing.

Thanks

What would you want to know about them?

DadsanAG,

What is the typical pay like for someone with this title? I have read everything from the pay is great, but the hours are long and I have seen the pay isn't worth it because you work so many hours. I've heard there is a bonus involved, but must be returned if you leave before the training period is up. Would love to hear from first hand experience what to expect numbers wise. Thanks for the insight

quote:

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What is the typical pay like for someone with this title? I have read everything from the pay is great, but the hours are long and I have seen the pay isn't worth it because you work so many hours. I've heard there is a bonus involved, but must be returned if you leave before the training period is up. Would love to hear from first hand experience what to expect numbers wise. Thanks for the insight

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Pay sucks, take it from me. If you get a degree from A&M or really anywhere for that matter then this is not for you. Unless you enjoy doing the exact same job right alongside high school dropouts for $3.00 more per hour. Sure you may move up a little faster than the high school dropout, but you're not going to be using your college degree for at least 7 years when you might be able to go to the office depending on space. If you want more info on the program, let me know and I will give it to you. I'm not bashing Halliburton at all as they are a great company, but just be informed on the reality of the position vs. what the recruiter will tell you about the position

I can elaborate soon. Currently working with them on their offer for the FOP - Coiled Tubing position.

Texas_Aggie_12, got an email I can reach you at? Got a question or two.

[This message has been edited by Dadsanag (edited 7/21/2013 6:52p).]

In what world does 80,000 per year your first year out of school suck? Yeah, you work long hours, yeah it is with guys that have GEDs and high school diplomas, and yeah it isn't for everyone but a large position of graduates aren't 'using their degree' and hardly any of them are making 80 grand straight out of school. You are making more your first year than the engineers coming out of school with MEs and PEs and working as ATPs right alongside of you.

[This message has been edited by Kt_ag08 (edited 7/22/2013 1:02a).]

If it takes more than seven years for you to use your degree, no wonder you think it sucks. Should have been using things you learned in college in the first seven minutes.

Another reason that people might not like it. You have to compete. Every day. And you are competing with GED guys. Nobody gives a crap about college and eat guys up if they have sense of entitlement. Who does the best job, works the hardest?

quote:

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In what world does 80,000 per year your first year out of school suck? Yeah, you work long hours, yeah it is with guys that have GEDs and high school diplomas, and yeah it isn't for everyone but a large position of graduates aren't 'using their degree' and hardly any of them are making 80 grand straight out of school. You are making more your first year than the engineers coming out of school with MEs and PEs and working as ATPs right alongside of you.

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$80,000 per year is not bad at all, (I believe ATP's only make 60k/yr + 5k signing bonus). That being said, never once did any FOP I ever worked with make close to that the first year.

That is what they tell you that you will make, (65k-85k), but it is simply not the reality. At $16.00/hr for the first 40hrs and $24.00/hr for >40hrs it takes quite a lot of hours to make that $85,000. Sure it's doable if you work ~100hrs/wk, but to catch that many jobs is rare. There will be times when that's entirely possible, but when business is slow and you only get 40hrs/week, expect around $2,000/mo.

That is simply part of my experience as an FOP, it probably varies by PSL and location.

quote:

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If it takes more than seven years for you to use your degree, no wonder you think it sucks. Should have been using things you learned in college in the first seven minutes.

Another reason that people might not like it. You have to compete. Every day. And you are competing with GED guys. Nobody gives a crap about college and eat guys up if they have sense of entitlement. Who does the best job, works the hardest?

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It doesn't take a college degree to know how to pressure wash equipment and swing a hammer lol it isn't rocket science.

If you believe a OA (non degree) will move up faster than an FOP (degree) you are sorely mistaken. I can promise you that.

Under what PSL are you an FOP?

Unless you are stuck in a crap location that isn't working their crews then the 100 hours a week should be no issue to achieve.

ATPs are receiving some field bonus now as well if they are leading jobs. Still, FOP are making more especially if you are on Variable plans like Coiled Tubing. Last we pulled down the numbers the average across the US for FOP in PE and CMT was around 78-79k.

I've tried applying for the same position at HAL but no success yet. I was wandering if there is a way to get my foot in the door. I would like to get a FOP position and prove my worth.

You could try applying for a field specialist position with Baker or SLB as well. Requires a 2 yr degree or military service with a mechanical background. They probably get paid around the same if not more, and eventually transitions into operations management/supervisor role