The massive oil and gas industry has started to bounce back; the United States has started to ramp up production, prices of Brent crude have rebounded from the lows of $40 per barrel to currently trade at above $70 per barrel, and there’s a lot of optimism.
Furthermore, short-term volatility is unlikely to hamper the industry’s long-run outlook since international energy demands are said to increase by as much as 43 percent from 2014 to 2035, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
As the Middle-East becomes a critical growth area, energy companies will be looking out for a talented workforce, which means that this could be the ideal time for you to consider exploring job opportunities in this sector.
Oil and gas jobs usually involve rigorous work, in incredibly harsh conditions sometimes, but they are also some of the most diverse and rewarding. Here are the top 10 tips for helping you find your dream job in the oil and gas sector:
1. Know How You Can Fit into the Sector
The oil and gas industry has no issues with taking people from several other industries such as hospitality, construction, or even law. Still, it is important to do some groundwork to determine how your skills can fit into a job in the oil and gas industry.
2. Find a Role That Will Suit You Best
If you haven’t previously worked in the industry, or you are looking to switch roles, there’s a wide range of roles across a rig’s entire life cycle and beyond. Do a thorough search online and talk to people in the industry to find a suitable role for you.
3. Make Connections Among Peers
Most people are so busy trying to impress managers and top bosses in the oil and gas industry that they often forget to connect with peers. In many cases, however, it is our peers that can give us the referral that will help us land our dream job.
4. Understand What Is Required in the Sector
Leaders in the oil and gas supply chain, even the biggest corporate honchos, almost always start out in the field. The oil rig is usually the ideal place to get hands-on insight into what actually drives the industry, so it can be a good idea to get some field experience.
5. Find a Good Mentor
A mentor is necessary in just about any industry, but in an industry such as oil and gas where experience counts for everything, a mentor is particularly important. A mentor can not only give you a good reference, but also valuable long-term career advice.
6. Do Proper Research
You should always be keeping tabs on niche as well as upcoming disciplines in the oil and gas sector along with the demand for professionals in the space to apply accordingly.
7. Regularly Browse Internal Job Boards
The vast majority of companies like Halliburton, BP, and Baker-Hughes have their own job boards that showcase the most interesting job opportunities within the organization. If you want to shift locations or roles, this could be the best place to start looking.
8. Update Your Profile on Social Networking and Job Websites
Ensure that you update your profile on social media platforms and job websites and keep yourself informed of the recent developments in the oil and gas sector. It is advisable to follow industry influencers on social media, and perhaps, attend several events to build networks.
9. Shortlist Relevant Job Boards
You should only find job boards relevant to your choice or roles or those specific to the oil and gas industry. It can also be a good idea to target a certain location like the Gulf region where oil and gas jobs are available in plenty.
10. Prepare Well for Your Interview
You should also do proper research not only on the company that you are interviewing with, but also about how it fits into the oil and gas industry in its entirety. Conservative dressing is important for your interview, and just like with any other interview, good body language and eye contact are key.
