The oil and gas industry is finally bouncing back; the US is ramping up production, there is a great sense of optimism, and Brent crude prices have rebounded from the $40/barrel level and are now trading over $70.
Moreover, short-term volatility cannot hamper the long-run outlook of the industry since international energy demands are said to increase by a whopping 43% from 2014 to 2035, according to the IEA (International Energy Agency). As the Middle-east becomes a key growth area, energy companies will be on the look-out for a talented workforce and hence this might be perfect time to explore job opportunities in this sector.
While oil and gas jobs can be rigorous work, sometimes in extremely harsh conditions, they are also among the most rewarding and diverse.
Here are the top 10 tips to help you find your dream job in the oil and gas sector.
- Know how you can fit into the sector
The oil and gas industry is open to taking people from a number of other industries from construction to hospitality and even law. Just do some groundwork to figure out how your skills can fit into a job in the oil and gas industry.
- Find the role that suits you the best
If you haven’t worked in the industry before, or if you want to switch roles, there is a wide range of roles across the entire life cycle of a rig and beyond. Do a thorough online search and talk to people in the industry to zero in on the role of your choice.
- Make connections among your peers
Most of us are so busy trying to impress our managers and top bosses in the oil and gas industry that we often forget to connect with our peers. Many times, it is the latter who can give us a referral that can help land that dream job.
- Understand what the sector involves
Many leaders in the oil and gas sector, even the biggest corporate honchos, have started out in the field. An oil rig is often the best place to get a hands-on insight into what really drives the industry, so it might be good to get some field experience.
- Find the right mentor(s)
A mentor is needed in any industry, but in an industry like oil and gas where experience counts for everything, a mentor is even more important. Not only can the mentor give you a good reference but can also give you valuable long-term career advice.
- Do sufficient research
It’s important to keep a tab on niche and upcoming disciplines in the sector and the demand for professionals in these spaces to apply accordingly.
- Browse internal job boards regularly
Most companies like BP, Halliburton and Baker-Hughes have their own job boards which showcase the most interesting job opportunities within the company. If you’re looking to shift roles or locations, this may be the best place to look first.
- Update your profile on job and social networking sites
Make sure to update your profile on job sites and social media platforms and keep yourself abreast of the recent developments in the Gulf oil and gas sector. It is recommended to follow industry influencers on social media and, maybe, attend a few events to build networks.
- Shortlist relevant job boards
Find job boards that are relevant to your choice of roles or those that are specific to the oil and gas industry. You may also target a particular location like the Gulf region where oil and gas jobs abound.
- Prepare well for the interview
It’s important to do your research not just on the company you’re interviewing with, but also about how the company fits into the oil and gas industry as a whole. Dress conservatively for the interview. Like for any other interview, eye contact and good body language are key.
