I think working in DW has limited my skillsets as a reservoir engineer. The worst part is that no one in the industry hires people like us who have >10 yrs of work experience but only in DW since it’s a niche market. Does anyone have similar experience? Please advise how to pivot from getting pigeonhole.
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What do you mean by the old school way?
Apply to Oxy. They will love you there with Shell RE training, and you could easily move to Permian there any time you want.
What is done at other operators by reservoir engineers is done by development planners, economists and subsurface leads at Shell. Reservoir engineers at Shell are glorified video gamers on Mores.
At the DW RE Away Day, Dave Reid said that he has done only 500 simulations in his career. I have done 500 simulations since the beginning of the month. It is the May 8.
As someone who has actually interviewed for >10 unconventional positions over the last 12 months, I can credibly say that there is a bias against Shell DW Reservoir Engineers. There are entire corporations where a Shell DW Reservoir Engineer resume is treated with contempt because of the perception that we only do simulations. Simulator licenses are expensive. Most smaller operators want us to be able to drive development the old school way. However, Shell demands a completely different skill set compared to the industry.
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It sounds logical, but it certainly doesn’t work in the industry. The principle is the same, but the workflow is different. You may get an entry position to start over your career even you have 10+ years DW experience. My advice is that if you don’t think you are going to make it before the next layoff, then network your way into an unconventional position. The job market is broader there. Unfortunately that we have divested all Permian already and I doubt that we will get back into it.
I don’t think having DW experience is going to pigeon-hole you. Reservoir engineering skillsets are transferable to any type of geological play (there may be a learning curve for unconventionals, but it’s not impossible).
Remember you have engineering skills; the world needs more of these today than ever before. Consider investing in yourself using the severance money, due to the IRA bill passed by US there is lot of clean energy MFG and development underway in the US. It might not pay you comparable to Shell especially if you are JG1 or higher, but it is a great satisfaction to work on next generation energy system with very good pay. It never is as bad as it looks, it is up to all of us to turn this adversity into opportunity.
Reskill/ Upskill internally into a different role or take a role in the business that leverages your technical background