Did you know that in 2017, over half a million Canadians worked in the oil and gas industry?
And the United States alone supports 9.8 million jobs? That’s 5.6% of total U.S. employment!
While recent economic circumstances have certainly caused that number to fluctuate, there’s no denying that the oil and gas job market is still lucrative when it comes to finding work.
Many people around the world consider making a move or starting their careers in the oil and gas industry. If you are one of them, you are probably wondering where exactly you should begin.
Here are some tips on how you can get a job in the oil and gas industry:
1. Don’t Let Your Work History Stop You
The amazing thing about the oil and gas industry is that there is a job for everyone! Whether you are an engineer in another industry, or have no experience at all, there are many positions available for a wide variety of experiences and skillsets.
Oil and gas jobs don’t involve just working on rigs and drilling platforms. From extraction to production and transportation, individuals of many skills are required to ensure the lifecycle of an oil and gas project operates efficiently and safely.
Many companies are looking for both experienced and inexperienced individuals with transferable skills and a willingness to learn.
So don’t shy away from applying for positions that are not in line with your current experience - you never know how valuable your skills can be in the oil and gas industry.
2. Get Some Experience and Education
While it is possible to obtain positions such as Roustabout and Floorhand without any experience, the oil and gas industry is competitive so having some experience and education will definitely give you an edge.
Knowing your passion and interests is key in decided what type of courses to tuck under your belt. If you’re not sure which career path you wish to pursue, you can always take health and safety courses.
The benefit of studying a trade, however, is that many programs offer an apprenticeship program that will place you in a job to gain experience. If a company recognizes your work ethic and willingness to learn, it’s possible that they may hire you after your placement is complete.
3. Know Where to Look for Jobs
Your first course of action when finding a job in the oil and gas industry may be to send out as many resumes as you can. This may not be effective, however, since your resume may get lost in the shuffle and you may not hear back from the companies you applied to.
Instead, start by reaching out to your network. Connect with people you know already working in the oil and gas industry - they may be able to give you a heads-up about available positions.
You can also take to social media and join relevant groups that share job leads.
Also, don’t forget about job sites that specifically post available positions in the oil and gas industry. Energy Job Shop, for example, curates job postings from around the world to make your job search easier and efficient!
4. Understand the Industry
You’ve probably heard your whole life how there is good money to be made in the oil and gas industry but oilfield jobs are ever-changing as needs adapt to the global economy.
These changes in the industry can affect the types of jobs available as well as the types of skills that companies are looking for. For instance, with changes and advancement in technology, the demand for particular skills are vastly different that they were a decade ago.
However, this is good news! It means that there is a healthy demand for motivated and adaptable individuals who are ready to face the challenges faced by the oil and gas industry.
So, if it’s variety you are seeking, this industry may just be right for you. There is a wide range of sectors that require a variety of skills that involve temporary work, permanent assignments and even travel.
Plus, there are always opportunities for advancement, allowing you not only to increase your earning potential but develop a stable career as well.
Your Job Awaits!
Are you ready to get started in the oil and gas industry?
While these tips should certainly help you get your foot in the door, be sure to check out our other articles full of expert advice on excelling and succeeding in the oil and gas industry.
Be sure to also take a look at our current job postings in both the United States and Canada.
Good luck!
