Posted on: 04-02-05 05:24:38
I am new to this forum. At the outset, I would like to thank all CDs for this wonderful forum to exchange information and to share views.
I searched thru the existing information and could not find the answer to my questions, so requesting your advice.
Background – I am married with two children studying in primary school. I am in late 30s and presently working for last 7 years in Middle East (in oil / gas service sector - upstream), currently I am in middle-management position. I completed my M.Sc (Engg.) Mechanical in 1991. Initially I worked in other industry and since 1994 working in oil / gas industry.
Objectives:
1. I wish to study further and would like to do Masters in Petroleum Engg. with major in Drilling Engg. because I strongly feel that it would provide me much better career opportunities.
2. I am planning to apply for PR ASAP (recently I gave IELTS-Academic hence I can not appear for IELTS-General within 3 months) because here in ME we cannot plan for long period. I trust that I have sufficient points to get PR.
For Petroleum Engineering, I learned about the following Canadian universities
1. University of Calgary
2. University of Alberta
3. University of Saskatchewan (here tuition fee is same for PR and Int’l student)
4. Dalhousie University
Q1 (for study): May I request CDs to advise if there are more universities and arrange them in order of preference or any comments. I would appreciate some information on job prospects after Masters in Pet. Engg. in Canada.
Q2 (for immigration): As I am currently in ME and wish to expedite on my PR application filing (it takes about 1.1/2 to 2 years thru CHC London and almost the same time for completion of masters programme) and also wish to study (most of classes start in September and either I can apply now to get admission for Sept. `05 batch or only next year). I plan that for the first year; let my family go back to India.
My question is can I apply now (after getting admission) for Student Visa and after getting Student visa, file case for PR (thru CHC London) OR apply for PR by April (after IELTS score) and then apply for Student visa.
Is it allowed to apply either way? Which one first? Any points I need to bear in mind.
I can,t much of your questions. But I am also in Drilling Engineering( Working as Company Man). Got around 21 years experience. You can do Masters in Petroleum Engineering but getting a job will not be so easy. What you are doing in ME- what type of service company you are working. If you give all the details, may be i can help you.
Good Luck
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Driller the thriller
Dear Desi_driller,
Thanks for your feedback. I have mixed experience. I have worked with oilfield equipment (drilling & production) manufacture – (design review & Technical sales), EPC contractor (Materials Management) and currently for last 5 years in representation / agencies (Project & Contracts Management) We represent different companies – drilling contractor, oilfield service companies, Field development & production company, EPC contractor – oilfield construction / pipeline and oilfield equipment manufacturers.
I have limited rig experience, but no certification. I have strong determination & inclination for drilling / well engineering and would like to make a shift to what I am currently doing. Your inputs as a Company man would be valuable to me.
Dear Jupiter,
In my opinion, try to enter MWD/LWD/ Directional Drilling field as nowdays they are hiring lot of people as trainees. I do,nt know if service company will hire you or not. ( Your nationality is little bit draw back for you). Try to contact service companies & tell them you are willing to work as trainee & do 2-3 month at a stretch & not afraid of physical work. Because now in this age it will be tough to enter mainstream drilling. Try to enter above field where you get paid upto 500 US $ per day as field bonus. Also, why you want to do ME from Canadian UNiv., try LSU in USA. You will have better chance of job.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Driller the thriller
Dear Desi_driller,
Yes, you are absolutely right. My Indian passport is the main problem. I had few such opportunities for North Sea, but Indian passport…..EU work permit….I know the pain.
Regarding MWD / LWD, yes, I have interest to go for DD operations or UBD, it is in demand everywhere. I represented Computalog (now Precision Drilling) in India and could dig up, once I am on PR. Someone also helped me with Anadrill DD course material. Again it is all by self-study only. I am mentally & physically prepared to make an entry. I know well about PITS, which would be handy, if no other option is available (after PR).
I did some homework on the study & migration issues - Australia, whole EU (oil / gas producers), US and Canada. I concluded that Canada is the best bet among all. Due to comparatively less expensive study and easy immigration (to change my passport).
As such, I wanted to study in U of Texas A&M or CSM, but age, family, funds, time and immigration issues. So I zoomed to Canada due to all above and oil & gas resources.
Precision has got a big presence in Canada.I agree with you that Canada migration is best option but you will have to work really really hard to enter in oilfield. As you represented precission in India( Mumbai), we must have met sometimes. I had a long stint in ONGC. After you land, PM me, i can give lead of some persons in Calgary Area. BTW, I live in TO.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Driller the thriller
Dear Desi_driller,
I represented Computalog (Logging) from Delhi and that time Computalog (Drilling) had another rep.(approx 7-10 years back).
One day, for sure I would be there and contact you. I know that it won’t be within next few months, but just want to make sure that I am on CORRECT track. Now, my main concern is that should I apply for PR or admission.
Would please rate above indicated Universities (any other?) and advise me on other up-gradation resources.
NB: In event, I have to just apply for PR and wait for study after landing there, as PR. Is there any homework, which I could do to smoothen the entry.
