Top 4 Tips to Start Your Oil and Gas Jobs Journey

There are many opportunities for professionals looking for entry-level careers in the oil and gas industry.

In 2023, over 8 million people were directly employed by the petroleum sector. Oil and gas jobs have long offered some of the most competitive salaries—this being one of the primary benefits of working in the oil and gas industry. 

Although environmental concerns have seen some professionals shifting to more sustainable fields, modern technological innovations have been helping to reduce environmental impact, which has tipped the balance back in favour of oil and gas for many.

If this field is calling you, you’re probably asking, “How do I get started in the oil and gas industry?”.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional looking to change direction, we’ve got some top tips to get you started in the oil and gas industry:

Launching entry-level careers in the oil and gas industry

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, such as:

• exploration
• production
• transportation
• marketing

Whatever the area of specialisation, the oil and gas industry offers a variety of career opportunities for professionals with different backgrounds and expertise. 

Location, location, location

One of the exciting things about oil and gas is the wealth of global opportunities the industry offers.

If you enjoy travel and are interested in working abroad, working in oil and gas 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 oil and gas jobs may require you to 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 industry, you might be wondering, “How do I get experience in the oil field?”. 

The oil and gas industry comprises many contractors and sub-contractors, with technical roles commanding higher salaries because of the required knowledge and educational backgrounds.

The diversity of roles means there are many entry-level oil and gas positions available, especially in operational roles where you can pick up skills on the job 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; meanwhile, keeping up with the latest trends will help you remain competitive in the job market.

Trade or vocational schools are great places to meet people in the industry and build your contacts; after all, many experienced oil field professionals start off by being recommended by someone they know.

Education and training

If you're looking to specialise, you might be wondering what qualifications you need to work in oil and gas.

As every role calls for something slightly different, it’s important to check the minimum requirements for the specific 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 offers useful sources of information on the certifications needed in the energy industry.

Depending on your chosen career path, you might need to be trained in a range of specialties, like:

• computer-aided design (CAD) knowledge for piping roles
• a degree in a relevant field like Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geology, or Environmental Science
• other certification that might be critical to your role, such as a professional engineer license.

Find a rewarding career in oil and gas

Working in oil and gas means you could contribute to an industry that plays a vital part in the global economy.

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, construction and beyond, so we know a thing or two to guide you in the right direction. 

If you’re looking for entry-level career opportunities in oil and gas, competitive salaries, global reach, and career growth, look no further than our oil and gas jobs and start unlocking the next stage of your career.