Most service companies find that a geophysicist is the best person to do interactive programming. Service companies need to address the problems of data structure, data transfer rates, and parallelization, which are not addressed by higher-level software tools commonly used in the universities. Many felt that interactive Java and other web-based applications are on the horizon. Next to technology, formal communication skills are paramount in service and software companies. In essence, everyone is a marketer, whether doing a high-tech demo at a trade show or rolling out paper seismic sections for QC in a client's office.
Extroverts thrive in a service company, particularly in the marketing and technical support roles.
Strong writing skills are essential for software documentation and report writing. Service companies value internships with oil companies. Project management skills are also essential - projects need to be well organized and results need to be delivered on time and within the budget. Progress needs to be communicated clearly and continuously to clients. Expertise in only one of these areas limits a career and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing marketplace.