Careers in oil and gas: top ten tips

Simon Coton

Simon Coton offers advice for those considering a career in this expanding sector.

The oil and gas business is the place to be right now and in the future. Whether you are an engineer, welder, field or office worker, the energy industry offers tremendous opportunities across the job spectrum.

This is an exciting time with the industry at a crossroads. Seasoned workers are gearing up to retire but new and challenging exploration projects are coming online in order to meet the ever growing global energy demand, which is predicted to increase by 43% by 2035 according to the International Energy Agency.

These two opposing forces are creating unprecedented gaps in talent and experience, causing the industry to enjoy a recruitment boom.

Top ten tips:

1) Don’t be daunted: Regardless of your current job, your academic background or previous work history, there are many types of jobs available in oil and gas. No matter what your background, this industry will welcome people with the necessary skills and a willingness to learn.

2) Discover your interest: Working in the oil and gas industry does not just involve being out on offshore rigs. As the lifecycle of an oil and gas project moves from the conceptual design stage through to decommissioning, different skillsets are required. Talk to a career advisor if you are still in school to find out more, and take time to research roles online. You will be surprised at the wide range of jobs that are available – there is sure to be something to interest you.

3) Gain experience: From a week’s work experience to an internship or apprenticeship, get a feel of what the industry is like. Most major oil and gas operators run schemes designed to give people a taster of what it is like working in the sector. Be warned however these are highly competitive, so make sure to do your research.

4) Study, study, study: The importance of studying the STEM subjects and obtaining an engineering undergraduate degree cannot be overstated. But, if you did not study the STEM subjects then do not panic; schemes like the Prince’s Trust ‘Get Into’ Oil and Gas can give you the advice you need to help you transition into the industry.

5) Get a mentor: Chances are that you know someone in oil and gas – talk to them about their job. Mentoring is important in all careers and an oil and gas mentor will help you navigate the industry. Groups such as the STEMettes and UK young scientists fair ‘The Big Bang’ can help show you the rewarding opportunities available in engineering.

6) Do your research: Find out which disciplines are in highest demand, the best companies to work for and the regions that are experiencing particular oil and gas growth. A number of new discoveries are being made in more testing environments currently, which require more advanced technology and skills, a good example being the specialist subsurface discipline. While Houston, Perth and Abu Dhabi remain hotspots for exploration and production activity, new opportunities are emerging in countries such as Mexico and Mozambique.

7) Know the pros: With a wealth of opportunities for global travel and no end of complex technical challenges to solve, working in oil and gas engineering will give you a chance to see the world as well as stimulating your mind. If it’s variety that you are looking for, then the oil and gas industry also delivers. Not only are there a wide range of disciplines to choose from, you will also have the flexibility of working on either temporary or permanent assignments across the globe. The earning potential and benefits attached can also be substantial. For instance, skilled contractors working on major projects in the US can often earn over $250,000 per year.

8) And the cons: A good salary, the opportunity for travel and an exhilarating and challenging work life – sounds perfect. But it is important that you also recognise the potential challenges associated with a career in oil and gas such as being away from friends and family, long hours, tight deadlines and the need for work flexibility to accommodate project demands. In order to get a foot in the door and gain the experience required to progress your career in oil and gas, you need to be willing to work your way up the ladder.

9) Sell yourself: Brush up your CV. Ideally tailor it to a specific application, ensuring that you keep it concise and focused on the key points. Once your CV is finished, start networking. Make sure you are on popular professional networks such as LinkedIn, pay attention to your profile, make connections, follow relevant industry news as well as influencers and thought leaders to help develop your market knowledge, and attend industry events to grow your circle of contacts.

10) Talk to an expert: Oil and gas manpower specialists have vast experience placing people across the oil and gas industry. They have discipline specific consultants with industry knowledge and expertise who can talk to you about the opportunities that are available to you and match you to the perfect role.

Simon Coton is managing director of NES Global Talent.