According to the Oil and Gas UK, Workforce Report released in 2018, oil and gas companies supports roughly 283,000 jobs within the UK alone, hinting at the worldwide scale of this sector. The industries of oil and gas vary in the way it works, offering numerous opportunities and perks to those with the exact educational standards and professional skills required.
Despite the rumored crude oil shortage in recent years and the rising concerns about environmental issues, this industry is still growing strong, with greater emphasis now being placed on carbon management and the general health of the planet.
We all prioritize different aspects of our job differently, while some may value passion over money, others consider location or travel possibilities first. Employment opportunities within this rigorous industry come with numerous reasons why you should consider this career path.
Why should you choose the oil and gas industry?
The energy sector is a huge contributor to world GDP, and it accounted for 2.2% of the total world GDP for the year 2016, according to International Energy Agency.
So as individual planning to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry, or the wider energy sector, this industry offers a number of tempting benefits.
Salaries
Salaries for this industry are normally higher than the average salary obtainable anywhere else, and this is attributed to many factors, such as the educational qualifications required.
However other incentives, such as mouthwatering financial bonuses, will also be considered and therefore make potentially remote working locations more enticing to workers.
Individual salaries are very much dependent on experience levels and role-specific skills, though it rarely starts below £25k. Those in managerial, or more skilled positions can command notably higher pay.
Technology is vital to this industry, and as you progress along this career path, opportunities would present themselves for you to be trained regularly with cutting-edge equipment. Ensuring your skills are kept updated will contribute massively to your career trajectory.
Travel possibilities
Travel possibilities are usual, due to the worldwide demand for these resources. The growing demand for highly skilled professionals means this career path gives you great geographic versatility, mostly as an off-shore worker.
Note that Learning in the oil and gas industry is continual, as the sector is constantly evolving, advancing in technology and practices are common, this means you can develop professionally alongside working.
Skills you need to develop in this industry may be very exact, such as petroleum economics, oil and gas exploration management, refinery management, and operations material management. However, you will also need to broaden your analytical, communication, and managerial abilities.
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What are the career options with an MBA in oil and gas?
Master of Business Administration programmes is specifically designed to strengthen mid to senior-level managerial skills.
There are numerous career options for which oil and gas-focused MBA will be either imperative or highly desired, such career options are:
Engineering Geologists
These are professionals who undertake technical and scientific analysis of rocks, groundwater, soil, and other factors to determine what effects construction developments would’ve on sites.
Mining Engineers
These professionals ensure that the procedures used for developing mines, and other operations both above and below ground are not only safe but also efficient. In addition to your managerial skill, for this position you’d requires the technical aptitude to assimilate the impact of mining on its surrounding environment.
Hydrographic Surveyors
These professionals gather scientific data and also map the underwater topography of oceans and inland water bodies. They conduct studies that expedite marine research into ocean currents and the effects of climate change and industrialization on the marine ecosystem.
Petroleum Engineer and equivalent positions
These professionals perform their duties which revolve around the production of the resource. They are responsible for analyzing reservoirs to determine whether it can be exploited profitably by the company.
In addition, their duties include drawing out a self-sustaining drilling and extraction plan to pump out the resource.
How to start your career in the oil and gas industry
A career path in the energy sector can be immensely rewarding, both professionally and personally. Continual developments depict it as growing at a swift pace, and for this reason, you need to keep an eye on the latest emerging trends and update yourself where necessary.
Due to the humongous scale of the industry, there are lots of disciplines to choose from. Just ensure to do your research properly, in order to gain the necessary knowledge about what roles are available, the roles that interest you the most, and the required skills and qualifications you need to secure the position.
Many companies within the energy sector organize networking events, this is a great way for students and graduates to meet with professionals in the field, and establish valuable networks with which to move forward.
In conclusion, it is left to you to make an informed choice of what career within the oil and gas industry is best for you, but only after doing the necessary research as mentioned earlier.