What is the QED Career Launchpad?
QED Career Launchpad is a hands-on workforce development program designed to prepare students and emerging professionals for successful careers in the energy industry. Through real-world exposure, mentorship, technical learning, and professional skill development, Launchpad connects participants with experienced industry leaders and meaningful opportunities across engineering, operations, banking, project management, and energy consulting.
The program is built to bridge the gap between education and industry by helping future talent gain confidence, practical experience, and a clear pathway into long-term careers in energy. Offered at no cost to participants, QED Career Launchpad reflects our commitment to investing in people and developing the next generation of industry leaders. With hundreds of successful QED team members who began their journey through this program, Launchpad has a proven track record of creating opportunity, building careers, and delivering lasting impact across the energy industry.
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Must Reads if You Want to Apply
How does the QED Career Launchpad work?
Not everyone follows a straight path after college, and that is okay. Many of our most successful consultants started out unsure of their direction before finding their footing at QED.
The QED Career Launchpad is designed to take individuals with potential and develop them into highly capable reservoir engineering technicians, a critical role within the energy industry.
Training is conducted in person at our Houston office. It is hands-on, fast-paced, and immersive. Participants learn both the technical content and professional skills required to succeed in a demanding, client-facing environment.
The next QED Career Launchpad cohort begins on October 19, 2026. Each cohort runs for twelve weeks. We typically offer one cohort per quarter, based on client demand. Dates are subject to change, and additional cohorts may be added. You can explore our success stories here or on our YouTube.
How much does it cost to train at QED?
There is no cost to participate in the QED Career Launchpad, but you are putting in a lot of time and effort.
QED invests in our candidates by covering the actual cost of training. Our return comes when we successfully place you in your first role in the energy industry, at which point the hiring company pays QED.
This model allows you to focus fully on building your career without financial barriers. What you do with that opportunity is entirely up to you.
Are you still in college or are you done with that phase of your life?
The QED Career Launchpad is designed for individuals who have completed their formal education and are ready to fully commit to building a career.
A college degree is not required. While most successful QED consultants have come from a wide range of academic backgrounds, we have also seen exceptional success from individuals without a degree.
What matters most is that you are finished with school and ready to focus on your next step.
If you are currently in college or planning to continue your education, this is not the right time for the Launchpad. When you are ready to fully commit to your career, we would love to meet you.
If you are still in college, consider applying to the QED Summer Externship as an introduction to our work and expectations.
The QED Career Launchpad is a competitive program. What does that mean?
This program is intentionally rigorous.
Not every candidate who begins the training program completes it. Historically, about 50 percent of participants successfully finish. The pace is fast, the expectations are high, and the standard is clear.
Participants are assessed regularly, with quizzes every three to four days. A score of 90 percent or higher is required to continue in the program.
We are selective because we are investing significant time, training, and resources into each individual. Our goal is to develop professionals who are fully prepared to succeed in the upstream energy industry.
Candidates must also pass a drug test and background check.
In addition to technical training, we place a strong emphasis on professionalism, communication, and accountability. Success in this program requires trust in the process and a willingness to grow.
Most importantly, this program is for individuals who want a real career, not just a job. If you are looking for direction, structure, and an opportunity to build something meaningful, this is the environment designed to help you do exactly that.
Want the specifics?
QED develops experts by combining technical training with high standards of professionalism.
Participants are trained in the tools, systems, and industry knowledge required to perform as reservoir engineering technicians. This is a role that is both in demand and highly valued.
Training modules include Introduction to Oil and Gas, ARIES, PHDwin v2, PHDwin v3, QGIS, data analytics, and production and accounting data analysis, among others.
Explore the full program details here.
Do you have experience working in the oil and gas industry (non-internship)?
If you are already an experienced oil and gas professional, this program is not designed for you, whether you are currently working in this discipline or looking to transition into it from another area of the industry. Our program is specifically built for individuals who are new to oil and gas and beginning their careers from the ground up.
QED is known for delivering exceptional training, but we do not offer training programs for individuals. Due to intellectual property protections, our training services are available exclusively to corporate clients.
If you are an experienced professional interested in joining QED, we encourage you to explore the Careers section of our website for current opportunities. While experienced positions are not always available, we are always interested in connecting with talented industry professionals and are happy to keep resumes on file for future consideration.
Ready to take the next step?
Apply to the QED Career Launchpad
