The oil and gas industry is an attractive career path for many people. It requires a wide variety of skill sets and some educational requirements. If you have them then you are good to go in this field.

This industry is very attractive these days for young graduates and seasoned employees. Graduates want to start a prosperous career while experienced employees are looking for a highly incentive career change.

Career Growth in the Oil and Gas Industry

Although there is a current decrease in the oil prices, the long-term approach to a career in this industry is promising. It is likely that the current dip in oil prices may have influenced some fresh graduates’ decision to choose this industry for establishing a career. However, it shouldn’t.

It is because the need for energy will always be high globally and the companies would look for new talent in this field as soon as the prices of oil rise back up. Oil and gas have become a necessity for the entire world and which is why the demand for oil will always be on a boom. With this long-term outlook, you can be promised a high career growth.

There will always be a high requirement for engineers, project managers, environmental consultants, offshore technicians and workers in the oil and gas industry. The world has huge oil reserves which is why it needs a bigger workforce.

There are endless oil and gas jobs in Canada, as it has the world’s third largest oil reserve. All you need to do is start at an entry level position or you can just select a degree program in a college that is affiliated with this industry.

Job Opportunities in the Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry has various career paths that you can opt for. It all depends on what your interests are, what education you pursue, what your location is etc.

However, the opportunities in this field are numerous. Here are three opportunities that you can go for:

• Entry Level Positions and Technicians

Like many others, you can begin your career in an entry level technical position in an offshore setting or a machine shop. The advantage of such a job is that you would not need to have a full 4-year college degree. In some cases, you may not require any degree at all.

Opportunities available are drafters, field hands, mechanics, welders, electricians and crane operators. You can get a job as a cook or a housekeeper.

• Engineering

If you have an engineering degree then you can have a marvelous career in this industry. There is a place for all kinds of engineers in this industry. Some of the common types are electrical, chemical, civil and mechanical.

• Project/ Planning/ Sales Management

Although, the technical positions are always high profile but there is also a side which is often overlooked. It is the project managers, sales teams and planning specialists who brim the business. If you have the skills and qualifications for this then the oil and gas industry would welcome you.

How to get your career started in this industry?

For a profitable career, all you have to do initially is to put your step through the door. Which means you have to just enter the industry. It might be easy or difficult to find your first job in the industry based on the market condition. If the oil prices are low, then you would have to struggle a little for finding your first job. Whereas, if the oil prices are high and the industry is doing pretty well you might not have to struggle so much.

Here are a few things to consider to get your career started:

• You must consider all your options.

If you want to pursue a successful career, our advice is that you consider all your options and not choose a particular major operator like Chevron or Exxon. The oil and gas industry is huge and there are numerous service providers onshore and offshore. 

Often small companies are looking forward to expanding. They would be willing to offer you an internship which would help you build your resume and in many cases, you would get a permanent job once your internship finishes.

• Work on your networking.

Networking solves a lot of problems in many cases. If you really want to start a career in this industry you must start making connections. You can do that by finding national and local professional organizations or groups. Join them, and get involved. This will help you stay updated with the current news and events. Also, keep in touch with your neighbors and friends. 

As you would network with others, you would find unexpected opportunities among which you will find the one in which you can fit in.

• Present yourself.

If you are interested in the oil and gas industry, you need to market yourself in order to get your dream job. You must stand out from the rest of the crowd in order to get the job you have applied for.  Structure a powerful resume with a cover letter that stands out. Don’t forget to brush up on your interviewing skills and dress up professionally.

On an industry basis, it is very important to market yourself correctly. All your efforts, time and energy can go to waste if you don’t present yourself.

Conclusion

The oil and gas industry is an attractive industry for a career path. However, if you have decided to build your career in this direction then you must be ready for a bumpy ride. Although careers in this industry are challenging, when it comes to rewards, they are beyond par too. You may find some of the most rewarding opportunities for future growth in this industry.