I managed to get onto a Production Platform for Mobil Oil for two summers, and that pretty much paid my way thru college. However, by the time I graduated in 1985, I was lucky to get a clean-painter job on a drilling rig. In 1986, I got laid off from that and haven't been in the oilfield since.
Now, if some oil company is willing to hire an old, broken-down Highway/Geotechnical Engineer for $87,000-$113,000, I'll be more than willing to re-locate. {8^D
Point is, the Petroleum Engineering is more subject to the whims of economics and politics than other Technical fields. A prospective Petroleum Engineering student entering college needs to have a passion for the Oil Patch, and is willing to stick it out during the dry times as well.
I believe you could start your search in North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Texas.
http://oilshalegas.com/bakkenshale.html
http://geology.com/articles/marcellus-shale.shtml
http://oilshalegas.com/eaglefordshale.html
This can do with less of their political crap.
I’ve been at it since the mid 70’s and yep it’s got it’s ups and downs but I was never out of work. Hell I’m trying to retire now and they won’t let me, it’s always one more project. I’ve got a standing offer for 2,000 a day if I’d just move to Williston ND but that ain’t gonna happen. Four rigs running at the same time keeps a man plenty busy and I’m just to old for that anymore. Plus it’s colder than hell up there, did some work for ARCO back in the 80’s south of Williston and damn near froze to death. My feet are now planted in West Texas and they ain’t moving.
Lots of jobs in exploration here in Fort Collins, CO
We just had a guy move in from TN and is working the fields.