Examining oil and gas fields, extracting oil reserves, and refining to make them usable is one of the world’s largest industries – and also one of the most contentious due to its environmental impact.

Skill-Level Dependent Career Guide For the Oil and Gas Sector

Nonetheless, oil and gas are required for the production of a wide range of everyday items, as well as for the fueling of vehicles, the heating of buildings, and the generation of electricity. Furthermore, there are several job options available.

Choosing a career in the industry can get confusing. On one end you see the lucrative paycheck on a job you have no interest in, and on the other an okay paycheck on a job you have a passion for.

In the oil and gas industry, several jobs project this imbalance. However, this guide is here to expose you to the top career choices in the field, so you can make the best choice.

Entry-Level Jobs

Although recent graduates lack the necessary experience to work as drilling supervisors, there are numerous entry-level roles available in other occupations. Some of these jobs include;

• Water and Sewer Foreman/woman
• Petroleum Engineering Technologist
• Batching Chemical Process Operator
• Instrument Technician
• Quality Control Technician
• Geological Technician

However as you advance in experience level, the job description changes from technician to full-on job title.

In-Demand Occupations

In-demand job titles do vary from place to place, but a common grouping of these careers includes the following;

• Staff in the field, laborers, and operators
• Supervisors of drilling and operation
• Engineers in the fields of chemistry, mechanical engineering, and petroleum engineering
• Non-steam operators
• Operators for heavy machinery
• Operators for heavy machinery
• Drilling coordinators and primary development managers
• Drivers for commercial trucks
• Machinists and millwrights
• Geophysicists and geologists
• Operators that sell steam tickets

Did you know that in the petroleum industry, entry-level engineers are in high demand since businesses tend to train you on the job rather than readjust engineers from other industries?

That’s right. So, for new engineers, the fact that you don’t know anything is a big plus!

Petroleum engineers are naturally curious about how things work and have a knack for finding it out. Usually, these engineers specialize in oil and gas exploration, reservoir control, or production:

Reservoir Engineers

Reservoir engineers locate oil and gas reserves and build techniques to optimize recovery, which they do through simulation studies. Field improvements, improved oil recovery methods, and updated well placements are among the proposals they work on.

Production Engineers

Individual wells are analyzed, developed, and optimized by production engineers, who also design connections between the reservoir and the well.

They assess the efficacy of methods for increasing water, gas, and oil flow, as well as improve surface equipment systems to separate those substances.

Drilling Engineer

Drilling methods for all types of wells are planned, designed, and implemented by these engineers. They make certain that drilling is performed most safely and cost-effectively possible.

Geologist and Geophysicists

Geoscientists are the Earth whisperers of the industry, finding, studying, and ultimately assisting in the creation of mineral, geothermal, and oil and gas deposits.

Although geologists and geophysicists spend some time in the field, they spend the majority of their time in an office or laboratory, where they analyze samples and use computer models.

Skill Trades

Millwrights, machinists, steam-ticketed technicians, and power engineers have been the anchor that holds things together as the industry has become more dependent on modern, specialized technology.

They are the ones that build, repair, maintain, and restore all of the machines, equipment, and infrastructure used in oil and gas operations.

Entrepreneurial-Based Careers

Major oil and companies tend to outsource some of their most technical work, and this is where entrepreneurial minds tend to thrive. Some of the ways you can take advantage of this are by being in one of the following categories;

Oil and Gas Mediation

Oil and gas companies also do business with equipment and/or service providers, and with each effective transaction, the intermediary receives a lucrative fee.

Maintenance, and Servicing

Since oil and gas companies have the infrastructure, they will always have to repair and maintain them.

Human Resource

Oil and gas companies want to concentrate on their main business, which is why hiring a recruiting firm would save them time and effort when it comes to hiring employees.

Consulting

There is a need in the market for entrepreneurs who own or want to start a company in this sector to receive advice, help, and services.

Retail/Distribution

One of the most lucrative oil and gas market prospects is cooking gas or LPG distribution.  With proper licensing and enough capital, you’re good to go.

Build a Website

Study the oil and gas sector, conduct interviews, and create exclusive content. Advertisements, referrals, and affiliate programs may all be used to monetize the traffic.

Factory Equipment Distributors

Another flourishing and successful oil and a gas-related company that an investor considering starting a business in the industry should consider is the sale of oil and gas machines and equipment.

You can manufacture the equipment and sell them to these companies, or decide to specialize in buying valves(preferably the trunnion mounted ball valve), some pumps, casing, drilling equipment, etc. from manufacturers and selling them to companies at a profit.

Conclusion

Navigating the oil and gas industry will depend on your skill level mostly, however, with time you will advance to a more established career.

With the help of major and smaller companies, developing a career will take time but you will succeed in the end, just be patient. Also, you can try your hand at oil and gas entrepreneurship as previously discussed. Read the guide once more to find a role that suits you the best. Good Luck!

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