Case studies: Seismic interpreter: Jo

Jo has a degree in earth sciences from Oxford University and currently works as a seismic interpreter for BP.

I enjoyed my degree in earth sciences and wanted to work in geology, but never considered joining the oil industry until I did a couple of internships and realised that it would be the right working environment for me.

I started work with BP on their graduate Challenge scheme. I was given three, twelve-month assignments allowing me to build up my skills and see the variety of work that a large company such as BP can offer.

After graduating from Challenge, I applied for roles within BP and was offered my current position as a seismic interpreter. I work within a team that is developing a geological understanding for a basin located offshore of Libya, in order to understand its petroleum potential and decide the location of BP's future exploration wells. The team has 2D and 3D seismic and well data; currently my role is focused on 3D seismic interpretation.

Seismic interpretation involves using the 3D seismic dataset to map the sub-surface horizons, which represent geological boundaries and faults. This is done using software specifically developed for the task. I observe the seismic reflectivity and character of the horizons and intervening geological units to help understand the stratigraphy and structural history of the basin. As well as developing an understanding of the basin's geological history, my interpretation focuses on definition of elements of the hydrocarbon system, such as the presence and effectiveness of source, reservoir and seal lithologies.

I chose the role because I felt it was a rare opportunity to work in an unexplored area; most of the large hydrocarbon basins of the world have already been found now. Also I wanted to learn and improve the skills I hadn't mastered on Challenge, such as seismic acquisition and interpretation.

I love that my job gives me the opportunity to work with and solve geological problems and that I have such a fantastic high-quality dataset to play with. I've also spent two weeks on a drilling rig in the southern North Sea, one week on a drilling rig in the desert in the Middle East and nearly two weeks on a seismic acquisition vessel. I also enjoy collaborating in teams and I feel lucky that I work with people who are enthusiastic, intelligent and who listen to my opinions.

If you are considering this career I cannot recommend internships highly enough, where you get to try the job out over a summer. If you don't like it then at least you tried it, and if you do, then that's great. If your degree is not directly applicable to the industry, then I think you can really help your chances by doing some reading about it or try and find someone in the industry to talk to. A big company such as BP can train you up, but if you do some research yourself it shows a lot of enthusiasm and passion.