The Dream Internship: How to Land a Spot at Exxon or Shell
Let’s be real—getting into petroleum engineering is just the first step. The real challenge? Scoring an internship with a top oil company.
You’ve probably heard the stories—students applying to dozens of internships, only to get rejection after rejection. It’s frustrating, right? But here’s something most people don’t know: Some universities actually guarantee internships at ExxonMobil and Shell. Yes, 100% placement!
Now, imagine this: You’re walking into your first day at ExxonMobil or Shell, meeting top engineers, working on real projects, and setting yourself up for a six-figure job before you even graduate. Sounds unreal? Well, for students at certain universities, it’s the norm.
So, if you’re serious about petroleum engineering and want an internship without the stress of job hunting, this guide is for you. Let’s check out the best schools that make it happen!
1. Texas A&M University—The Oil Industry’s Favorite
If there’s one university that oil companies can’t get enough of, it’s Texas A&M. Their petroleum engineering program is one of the best in the world, and their students regularly intern at ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron.
Why Texas A&M?
✔ Internship Guaranteed: Thanks to their deep connections with oil giants, every student lands a placement.
✔ Huge Alumni Network: Many Aggies (A&M grads) work at Exxon and Shell, making hiring super easy for them.
✔ Hands-On Training You won’t just be memorizing theories; you’ll be working on real industry problems.
📌 Quick Tip: Join Texas A&M’s Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)—their events are full of recruiters looking for interns.
2. University of Texas at Austin: A Pipeline to Big Oil Jobs
Ask anyone in the oil & gas industry, and they’ll tell you: UT Austin is a big deal. Their Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering has tight connections with ExxonMobil, Shell, and BP—so students don’t just get internships; they get job offers before graduation.
Why UT Austin?
✔ Exxon & Shell Recruit Directly Here: These companies come to UT Austin to find their next hires.
✔ State-of-the-Art Labs You’ll get to solve real energy challenges before stepping into the field.
✔ High Job Placement Rate: Many UT Austin grads skip the job hunt entirely—offers come straight from internships.
📌 Want to stand out? Network with professors who have industry ties—they often recommend students for top internships.
3. Pennsylvania State University: A Legacy of Top Engineers
If there’s one thing Penn State is known for, it’s producing some of the best petroleum engineers in the world. The university has deep connections with ExxonMobil, Shell, and BP, making internships practically guaranteed.
Why Penn State?
✔ 100% Internship Placement: If you’re in their petroleum engineering program, you WILL get an internship.
✔ Industry-Funded Research: Exxon and Shell actually sponsor research here, so they already know Penn State students.
✔ Career Coaching for Oil Jobs: They prep students specifically for Exxon & Shell interviews.
📌 Fun Fact: Many ExxonMobil executives are Penn State grads—so the company actively hires from here.
4. Louisiana State University—In the Heart of the Oil Industry
LSU’s location near the Gulf of Mexico gives its petroleum engineering students a serious advantage. With so many oil companies based in the region, getting into ExxonMobil or Shell is way easier.
Why Choose LSU?
✔ Close to Major Oil Refineries—Internships at top energy companies are just a short drive away.
✔ Industry-Funded Research: Many projects are sponsored by Exxon, Shell, and Chevron.
✔ Real-World Training: Expect site visits to offshore rigs and refineries as part of your coursework.
📌 Want to boost your chances? Get involved in offshore drilling research—Shell loves hiring students with that experience.
5. Colorado School of Mines—The Underdog with Big Connections
You might not hear about it as often as Texas A&M or Penn State, but Colorado School of Mines is an oil industry powerhouse. Their internship placement rate with Exxon and Shell is insanely high.
Why Mines?
✔ Small Classes = More Attention—Professors (many of whom worked at Exxon & Shell) actually mentor students.
✔ Guaranteed Internship Placements: Companies come directly to the school looking for interns.
✔ Real Rig Experience: Unlike most schools, Mines actually trains students on drilling rigs.
📌 Did you know? Many Mines grads land six-figure salaries straight out of college! Read More>>>
Didn’t Get Into These Schools? Here’s How to Still Land That Extension/Shell Internship
Already in college and not planning to transfer? No worries! You can still get noticed by Exxon and Shell—here’s how:
🔥 Join the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). It’s your golden ticket to network with top recruiters.
🔥 Apply for Exxon & Shell Scholarships. Many scholarship winners get internship priority.
🔥 Attend Career Fairs & Conferences: Exxon & Shell recruiters often spot students at events like the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC).
🔥 Work on Energy Research—If your school has oil and gas research projects, join them!
🔥 Find a Mentor in the Industry: A mentor working at Exxon or Shell can guide you through the application process.
Final Thoughts: Set Yourself Up for Success
Not every petroleum engineering school can guarantee you an internship at ExxonMobil or Shell, but some come pretty close. If you’re serious about breaking into the oil industry, choosing the right school can change your career trajectory.
What’s next? If you’re still deciding where to study, aim for a school with 100% internship placement at big energy companies. Already in college? Start networking, gaining experience, and building connections now—your future career depends on it.
🚀 Your journey to becoming a top petroleum engineer starts today! Got questions? Drop a comment below, and let’s talk!
