You’re either a recent graduate, skilled technician or professional who wants to get into the oil and natural gas industry. It is possible to get a job within this industry. The oil and gas industry still hires on a regular basis. Due to the variety of activities involved in its operations, engineers, marketers, and even medical personnel are often engaged in meaningful work that is well-paid.
As in any other industry, you will need the skills and qualifications as well as the right personality to make it big.
Employers only want workers they can trust and who are willing to invest long-term. You will be granted your break if you have all three of these things: skills, qualifications, and a charming personality.
But I DO NOT HAVE CONNECTIONS
It is a fact that those who have connections with powerful people will always be ahead in job searches. This rule is hard for the average person.
There are two consequences to this:
Implication 1: Networking is not necessary to win.
Although this option is more difficult, it is possible. This option is not for everyone. You must be brilliant and be able wow interviewers.
You must be able to pass the difficult interview process for most oil & gas jobs without any external or powerful references.
This could work in your favor if your interviewing skills and academic background are outstanding.
Implication 2: Networking better can help you win.
This means that if you are referred by a junior manager to a job candidate, you must get yours from the senior manager.
Many people mistakenly consider networking cheating. It’s not. It’s smart networking if you are a qualified job seeker and willing to learn.
Here are some reasons why networking is so important:
Not all jobs within the oil and natural gas industry are advertised. You might be able to find a job opening if you know someone in the industry. These jobs are more competitive, naturally.
When applying for a job, you can ask for references from industry professionals. This will help you stand out on your resume.
Mentors can be found in your network.
Effective networking starts with a positive mindset. It takes time to build trusting relationships with helpful, willing professionals. It is possible to not see results within three to six months. This is normal.
Your network will help you all your life if you keep at it for long enough.
How to network properly
Find the right networking style for you. Do you prefer to be an introvert or an extravert?
Professionalism is key. Do not ask for a job or interview the first time you meet. Show genuine concern for their work. Demonstrate enthusiasm and a constant desire to learn.
Make smart use of social media and the internet. Follow industry pages, threads, or groups. Get involved. Tell your contacts that you are looking for work in the oil and natural gas sector, but don’t force it on them.
Your network is growing. Be kind and helpful. Show your care by doing small acts of kindness. Get involved in non-profits that support the Nigerian oil & gas industry. Tell your friends about it.
Be patient and consistent. The majority of people you want to reach will not be available. People who appreciate your efforts might not be in a position to respond quickly.
Finally, be realistic when creating your contact list. If you are looking for a job as an intern, it is possible to reach out to the CEO at a multinational oil-and-gas company. Instead, connect to other interns or entry-level staff. Network with other interns if you are looking for a job.
But I don’t have the skills/ I didn’t study engineering or any other related course in the university.
To work in this sector, you don’t have to hold an engineering or science-related degree. Oil and gas workers come from many disciplines, including law, medicine, accounting, communications, engineering, geology, communication, and so on.
Three reasons make this possible:
- 1. Diverse roles
- 2. Different job requirements require different skills.
- 3. Oil and Gas Training Courses offered by Training Providers
Diverse occupations are required.
For example, offshore projects require workers from many disciplines to ensure efficiency. Graduates from arts and sciences may fill administrative roles. To ensure that workers are healthy and well-fed, medical staff and kitchen staff are also needed.
This is just a small sample of the many opportunities available in the offshore segment.
Each stage of the oil and natural gas supply chain, upstream, downstream and midstream, is populated by professionals from various disciplines.
It doesn’t matter if you are a University graduate.
Public perception is that it is difficult to get into oil and gas jobs in Nigeria. However, not all roles in the industry require a straight-A student at a respected university. You can find jobs that require lower entry requirements.
These jobs are not rewarded with huge fat checks. However, these jobs are well-paying if you have enough experience and study hard.
A Foreman can be a highly skilled roustabout who has years of experience and eventually earns a larger paycheck.
You can enroll in good Oil and Gas Training programs.
Globat recommends training programs as a way to break into the industry.
A quality training program will help you understand the realities of oil and gas work and give you the skills you need from oil and gas professionals who may even be mentors.
How can you find the best training programs for Nigerians?
These are the features that make training programs great:
Highly qualified trainers from some of the most respected exploration and production companies in the world.
Certificate from the Nigerian Department of Petroleum Resources.
Flexible program structure that is tailored to your specific needs.
Training sessions that are both hands-on and rigorous.
Nigeria’s major oil and natural gas companies are within easy reach.
Interactive training sessions are made possible by state-of-the art audio/visual equipment.
I DON’T KNOW HOW TO START.
These tips will help you get started in your search for a job in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Get involved in a quality oil and gas training program. Ask your trainers for their top tips on job hunting success and then follow their guidance. Ask them to refer to industry professionals.
Meet other workers in the sector to learn from them. Engage with them passionately, be enthusiastic, and remain persistent.
Make sure you are correct in your CV.
If you are a recent graduate, or about to join the National Youth Service Corps Program, you can get an internship at a company.
Combining your information sources for job openings: Use online job boards, your network and newspapers, trade journals, social media, and even your network.
Reputable oil and gas recruiting agencies can be hired.
Finally, you can get a temporary job to help pay your current expenses while you are trying to get into the industry.
