Essential Job Roles in Upstream Oil and Gas

Categories Oil & Gas

Course Description

Essential Job Roles in Upstream Oil and Gas is a career-focused module that highlights the key professionals driving the exploration, development, and production of energy resources. The upstream sector is where the search for oil and gas begins—deep beneath the Earth’s surface—and where technical expertise meets strategic decision-making.

This lesson introduces the core roles that power this phase of the industry, detailing their responsibilities, required skills, and impact on global energy supply. Whether you’re preparing for a career in energy or seeking to understand the industry’s inner workings, this course offers a clear and practical guide to its most vital contributors.

What You’ll Learn

🛢️ By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to:

  • Understand the functions and responsibilities of key upstream roles:
    • Geologists – analyze subsurface formations to identify potential oil and gas reservoirs
    • Reservoir Engineers – evaluate reservoir performance and design strategies for optimal extraction
    • Petroleum Economists – assess project viability, forecast market trends, and guide investment decisions
  • Explore the skills and expertise required for success in these roles, including:
    • Technical proficiency in geology, engineering, and economics
    • Data analysis and modeling
    • Decision-making under uncertainty
    • Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams
  • Recognize how these roles interconnect to drive exploration success, maximize resource recovery, and ensure economic sustainability
  • Appreciate the global significance of upstream professionals in securing energy resources and shaping industry innovation

Who This Lesson Is For

This lesson is ideal for learners pursuing careers in the oil and gas industry, as well as professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of upstream operations. It’s especially valuable for students in engineering, geoscience, and energy economics.

Course Duration: 1h

A free course by

Course Duration: 1h
Course level:Beginner
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Requirements

  • Basic understanding of geology, engineering, or economics
  • Interest in energy production and industrial operations

Target Audience

  • Petroleum engineering and geoscience students
  • Energy sector professionals and career changers
  • Educators teaching oil and gas operations
  • Business analysts and economists in energy markets
  • Anyone curious about the technical and strategic roles in upstream exploration