Frequently Asked Questions
1. As a first year student in Geophysics/ Geology what are my future options in this field?
Ans: It is wide open. It will depend on your future
interests, specializations, and opportunities available.
2. I am a Geology/Geophysics student in an Indian university.
How can I get internship in an oil company (like,
Ans: It is
practically very difficult (almost impossible) to get internship in oil
industry in USA with education from Indian universities due to various issues
including VISA. However, recently, there has been internship awarded to Indian
students in US universities.
3. I am a Geology/Geophysics student in an Indian university.
How can I get a job in an oil company (like,
Ans: It is very difficult to get full time position in
oil industry in USA with degree from India due to various issues including
VISA. But after a few years of experience in private/public sector in India,
the chances of getting job opportunities outside India get better.
4. As a student of Geosciences I am interested to attend SEG/AAPG/AGU convention what are the different routes to do so?
Ans: If your paper is accepted then contact various
professional societies (SEG, AGU, SPG India, SPG-NA) for financial support to
travel to present paper. SEG also has company funded programs during SEG convention;
you need to apply for those in advance. Check their websites on regular basis.
Students selected from SPG India quiz competition can participate in the
challenge bowl finals during the SEG convention with a fully funded trip.
5. I am a final year student of Geoscience in India. I want to
apply for higher study in USA/Europe. Should I apply for MS or
Ans: Explore various universities and research of their
faculty members; find out which schools have good program structures that align
with your interest. It is also good practice to discuss with prospective
faculty members about research and funding. Plan ahead, discuss with your
teachers and seniors.
6. I have got admission in a Europe/US university but don’t have funding? Please advice different ways to get funding?
Ans: Try to convince faculties from that university that you are interested in working with them and like to get financial support. Financial support can be in terms of Research Assistantship (RA), Teaching Assistantship (TA) and fellowships. You can also try to contact different agencies in India (CSIR, DST) for support.
7. In general how many years it can take to complete a
Ans: In Europe it is about 3-4 years and in North America it is about 4-5 years. It depends on university, your supervisor and how much effort you put in.
8. Can SPGNA fund me for a conference apart from SEG and AGU in America? I have a paper selected to present.
Ans: Not likely. We have limited funds.
9. Can SPGNA fund me to attend conference organized by EAGE in Europe?
Ans: Not likely. We have limited funds.
10.I am a student in Petroleum Engineering or Engineering and would like to know if I am eligible to get funding from SPGNA to attend petroleum engineering conferences? or SEG ? Or any other conference where I have a paper related to Geophysics selected?
Ans: It is possible, but keep in mind that we have limited funding.
11.As a student I would like to be a member of this society, can I do so?
Ans: Yes, if you are based in North America.
12.As a Geology/Geophysics student which are the places in India where I can undergo summer internships?
Ans: There are various research institutes, private and public sector companies you can apply to.
13.I have degree in geology/geophysics from India. I came to
university in Europe/USA for MS/
Ans: It will be
difficult to get job in USA with simply a degree from India. It is advised to
complete MS/
14. Is it Preferable to carry out a PhD in any of the USA universities rather than in European universities? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Ans: Either one (USA/Europe universities) is good. Look for good universities and faculties in your field of interest. There are some differences in USA and Europe university systems, but all are globally recognized.
15. I am a final year student of geosciences in India and presently I have option to go abroad for PhD or start a job in seismic (oil) industry in India. Right now I am interested to carry out my PhD and enhance my knowledge and skills. However at some stage of my life I will look out for a job. Will the Doctoral degree be of some sort of advantage in that case? Most oil companies in India either ask for experience in the seismic industry or they hire graduates directly. Is it that outside India Company prefers PhD students?
Ans: You do not need PhD if you want to work in industries in India, many times experience is more important in industry. Even outside India, not all oil companies are interested in PhD, but few likes PhD especially for R&D groups. However, with PhD you have additional opportunities in terms of teaching in universities.