Thinking about jobs in oil and gas? Here are our 4 top tips to get started

Why work in oil and gas?

There are many oil and gas opportunities, in fact nearly 6 million people are directly employed by the petroleum industry alone. With oil and gas also seeing some of the most competitive salaries, and advanced technological innovations to help reduce environmental impact, it’s clear there are many benefits of working in the oil and gas industry. 

But how do you get jobs in oil and gas? Whether you’re at the beginning of your career or changing direction, we’ve got some top tips to get you started:

Consider your skills and interests 

Jobs in oil and gas are diverse, and opportunities extend beyond offshore rigs or drilling platforms. Throughout the lifecycle of an oil and gas project, from conceptual design to decommissioning and refining, a wide range of skill sets are required. Whether it be exploration, production, transportation, marketing, or other areas of specialisation, the industry offers a variety of career opportunities for professionals with different backgrounds and expertise. 

A good starting point can be to explore oil and gas jobs and read the job descriptions to understand where your skills and interests align.

Location, location, location

One of the exciting things about oil and gas is the global opportunities. If you enjoy travel and are interested in working abroad, this could be a great career move for you. There are operations and advancing developments available in many parts of the world, from the world’s largest oil reserves in Venezuela to exciting projects exploring Liquified Natural Gas usage in South Africa. 

With so many options, it’s important to be flexible, as many entry-level roles may require that you move country. Making a list of all the countries and cities you’d be happy to relocate to will help make your job search efficient, and allow you to search preferred opportunities via geographical listings.

Networking is key

If you’re new to the oil and gas industry you might be wondering how to get an entry-level job in oil and gas. 

The oil and gas industry is made up of many contractors and sub-contractors, with technical roles commanding higher salaries because of the required knowledge and educational backgrounds. A diverse range of roles means there are many entry-level positions available, especially in operational positions where you can pick up skills and work your way up. Training schemes are also available for those without STEM backgrounds.

Attending industry conferences, seminars, and trade shows will help you meet people in the field, exchange ideas, and make connections. Keeping up with the latest trends will help you make informed decisions about your career path, and ensure you remain competitive in the job market. Trade or vocational schools are great places to meet people in the industry and build your contacts. Many experienced oil field professionals started off by being recommended by someone they know. So why not join professional oil and gas associations to expand your network?

Education and training

If you're looking to specialise, you might be wondering what qualifications do you need to work in oil and gas.  It’s important to check the minimum requirements for the job you’re interested in. Completing training can help increase your experience and make it easier to get a job in the oil industry. The skills organisation OPITO offer useful sources of information on the certifications needed in the energy industry.

Depending on your chosen career path you might need a range of training, from Computer Aided Design (CAD) knowledge for piping roles, a degree in a relevant field like Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geology, or Environmental Science, and other certification that might be critical to your role, such as a Professional Engineer license that’s relevant to where you plan to work.

Find a rewarding career in oil and gas

At TRS Staffing we have a long history of finding and connecting the best talent with businesses and organisations. We’re specialists in staffing jobs in the oil industry, mining staffing, construction staffing and beyond, so we know a thing or two to guide you in the right direction. 

If you’re looking for diverse career opportunities, competitive salaries, global reach, and career growth, look no further than the oil and gas industry. Working in oil and gas means you could contribute to an industry that plays a vital part of the global economy. Start exploring rewarding and fulfilling careers in oil and gas.