Meet Alfredo Baluta, a petroleum engineering major from Cabinda, Angola. Although he’s been in the oil and gas industry for more than 10 years, he came to UL Lafayette because he wanted to increase his knowledge in the field.
“I had this opportunity to be part of the company scholarship program, so I decided to come to UL Lafayette when I read about its petroleum engineering program,” Alfredo said.
Alfredo started his career as a radio dispatcher before switching to production operator in 2014. He was part of the Cabinda Gulf Oil Company (CABGOC) Production operation team in Angola’s offshore Block 0.
Some of Alfredo’s favorite classes have been Introduction to Petroleum Engineering (PETE 101), Phase Behavior of Hydrocarbon Systems (PETE 321), and Oil Field Chemistry (PETE 460), but he has enjoyed all his studies at UL Lafayette.
“My favorite part about studying here is the environment itself,” he said. “I think Lafayette is a quiet place to study. You have much time to focus on your goals!”
In the petroleum engineering department, Alfredo has appreciated how accessible his professors are and how everyone is available to help.
“I believe that meeting tutors at Lee Hall was one of the keys for my success as a student,” he recalled. “I understood that we must search for help whenever necessary. On the other hand, joining study groups also helps me a lot. I am sure I will find success in my career!”
