2008 Woodie Awards
Bakersfield Oil
By Kevin Duffy
9/3/07 - Opinion
Immense electric alternators cycled as the thousands of grasshoppers began their down stroke, surging viscous oil through the labyrinth of pipe. Here I was, standing in the middle of the Belridge Petroleum Production Complex, while only weeks before I was sitting in a lecture in Brown Hall. I thought to myself, as the mercury continued to rise, this summer will be one I never forget.
I was fortunate to spend the entirety of my summer employed as a production engineering intern with Aera Energy LLC, headquartered in Bakersfield, CA. The experience afforded me the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture of a world-class E&P (Exploration and Production) company and learn an innumerable amount of life lessons along the way. I did not just work at Aera for 3 months, I became a part of the company and the city.
While working for Aera I had the opportunity to explore 8 separate oil fields operating on California's coast and central valley. I witnessed seemingly every part of their business from drilling operations to well completion and steam service. The things I observed were far removed from any class room experience.
What really made the experience were the great people and mentors who guided me through the process. I even had the privilege of working directly under a former Mines graduate, Michael Dixon '06. Michael was able to help me bridge the gap between going to class and going to work.
Working a full 12-week internship changed my outlook and priorities on a great many things. I am already counting down the days until next summer when I can again join the engineering work force.
I was fortunate to spend the entirety of my summer employed as a production engineering intern with Aera Energy LLC, headquartered in Bakersfield, CA. The experience afforded me the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture of a world-class E&P (Exploration and Production) company and learn an innumerable amount of life lessons along the way. I did not just work at Aera for 3 months, I became a part of the company and the city.
While working for Aera I had the opportunity to explore 8 separate oil fields operating on California's coast and central valley. I witnessed seemingly every part of their business from drilling operations to well completion and steam service. The things I observed were far removed from any class room experience.
What really made the experience were the great people and mentors who guided me through the process. I even had the privilege of working directly under a former Mines graduate, Michael Dixon '06. Michael was able to help me bridge the gap between going to class and going to work.
Working a full 12-week internship changed my outlook and priorities on a great many things. I am already counting down the days until next summer when I can again join the engineering work force.
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Lawrence Stevens
posted 9/06/07 @ 5:34 PM MST
Bakersfield is the best city in the whole world.
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