As the Baby Boomers generation continues to retire, the oil and natural gas industry is expected to generate more than a million new jobs over the next 20 years in the United States, providing college graduates, and those looking for a rigorous and rewarding opportunity, a career path for a lifetime.

Not only will the oil and natural gas industry bring jobs, but quality, high-paying jobs with benefits. In 2010, the American Gas Association found that those working in the oil and natural gas industry had significantly higher than average pay of $124,000 according to Hays.

As companies in the industry are on the lookout for the next generation to recruit, many schooling programs are investing early to provide students with opportunities to partake in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) technology-driven curriculum. With this in place, students will be able to gain a foothold in energy careers at a younger age – allowing them to experience and learn about the benefits of the industry from early on. Additionally, an increase in internship programs throughout the industry is giving more students an early introduction to working with oil and natural gas companies.

In Texas, petroleum engineering is the 7th fastest growing occupation with one of the highest employment rates in the state according to the U.S. Deportment of Labor.