₦airaland Forum

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Good day gabbros an obsidians! I'm really pleased to have come across this forum, and I've carefully read each comment and reply.

I graduated with a B.Sc. in Geology (2:1) from University of Calabar. Right from my 100 level I've been very passionate about geology, to the extent that despite reading about all the challenges and difficulties coupled with the little I've experienced, I do not regret reading geology because I can't think of any course that would have made me love academics this much. I'm also a beneficiary of the NNPC/Chevron scholarship.
I'm very goal oriented and self motivated, trying not to give room for discouragements career wise because like I tell myself there's also a frustrated engineer, lawyer, and even a doctor somewhere, but it's DAMN tough not to be discouraged at some point and just go full time into business.

I'm 22 years of age, and I wouldn't say I've seen disappointments like real disappointments relating to this geology as a career but I think I've had a taste. I'm currently serving in Ogun (Ota) state (Batch A 2017, Stream 1). It all started when I got posted to Ogun, I needed a PPA at Sango Ota because I stay at Lagos, brothers and sisters I combed the whole local government including the industrial estate with no hope. The three major replies I get are:
1. We need people who studied engineering (Whenever I heard this, I wish they rather told me just go I don't like your face)
2. You have to know someone at the top to give you are recommendation (this almost killed my zeal to check keep going to copanies, but I'll keep on trying so far transport dey)
3. "Who do you want to see" by the gate-man, and if you don't know anyone, you may as well get lost already

I've finally gotten myself at a PPA where I go just twice a week (I spend the two days reading my sedimentology, stratigraphy and geophysics textbooks cause of idleness), and with the understanding of my boss, if I get an job or an internship I could come just once a week. This gives me 3 to 4 working days to add value to my life. I included this cause I believe I can still get help from someone in this forum.

I'm currently searching for an internship or any form of job related to geology just to gain experience or as a last option a job of any kind so I can saffe up money to write the IELTS exam. I've even gone begged to companies to take me as a volunteer worker, with no pay or stipend of any kind yet still, they bluntly refused saying there's no space for that.

Not withstanding, I'm still looking at the positive side. I'm also thinking critically about my future regarding M.Sc. which I would like to pursue immediately after my NSC God willing. I have 3 choices (Petroleum Geoscience, Applied Geophysics and Environmental Geology/Engineering which I'll expantiate on to enable everyone here to offer advice.

1. Petroleum Geoscience: Yes, it's lucrative, but if you were to look at my area of strength an pick a course for me you'll pick same. I find myself doing very well in courses like Stratigraphy, Sedimentology, Petroleum Geology, Applied Geophysics, Economic geology etc (if I don't get an A, it's a B). I'm naturally interested in this course, maybe the fact that it's lucrative makes it easier for me to understand.
Most times I try to think of a case where there would be shortage of petroleum geoscientist since many people are talked out of streamlining their careers to study pet geo. Remember that, despite the oil troubles companies are still searching for reserves using advanced technologies.

2. Applied Geophysics: This is like the safest option, because not only can you work in the oil industry, but also in other aspects like solid mineral exploration etc. You can even run your own company and search for contracts. BUT I love to be realistic, I have a B.Sc in geology, not geophysics, maths, engineering or physics. Schooling in Nigeria is bad enough, I don't trust my maths and physics so well, I last offerred Advanced Maths in 200L which I passed with strive. I have doubts that I'll be able to cope well if I go outside the country to study Geophysics. Even if I somehow struggle to pull through, this world is too competitive to travel out to study only to be average in what you do, you must excel in your chosen field). I've read forums which say it's easier for a engineer or mathematician to study for an M.Sc. in Geophysics than a geologist. Otherwise, I'll Take this option over Petroleum Geoscience.

3. Environmental Geology/Engineering: Everyone talks about how important environmental geology is and is becoming. Yes, but looking at it critically, are the positions for an environmental geologist not also limited? How many will an oil company employ? How many will other companies and federal ministries employ? Also, looking at the future, I see a situation where environmentalist would be far higher than the available jobs, like very high, can't predict how soon though.


Everyone should please feel free to let me know if I'm wrong, it may help another person too.

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