Career in Oil and Gas Industry: Steps to securing your first role

A career in oil and gas can be exciting, challenging, innovative, and highly promising. But breaking into the oil and gas industry can be daunting. In this case, staying well informed can work wonders. The objective of this article is to help you take your first steps towards a career in oil and gas industry.

(Suggested Read: Advice for Graduates seeking a career in Oil and Gas)

First Steps towards a Career in Oil and Gas Industry

Build A Strong Professional Network

The power of a strong professional network cannot be underestimated. If you have gathered the relevant information and the skills for your first role in oil and gas, you must start networking with oil and gas professionals and try to source as many opportunities as possible.

LinkedIn is a great place for professional networking. From technical experts to senior management, you can connect with a lot of people working in the oil and gas field.

However, understand that networking is not just adding people on LinkedIn or sending emails. It is also about promoting yourself. By developing a strong personal brand, you can talk about your potential and expertise. You can start doing this by participating in conversations, debates, or discussions around the oil and gas industry. Publishing your own articles on LinkedIn is also a good way to start and would act as an extension to your CV. The oil and gas professionals in your network will be able to notice that you are well informed about the developments within the industry.

(Must Read: Importance of Networking in Oil and Gas Industry)

Talk to an Expert

Oil and gas hiring experts have relevant experience in recruiting people across the industry. Owing to their interaction and experience with various oil and gas companies, these experts have the knowledge and experience to talk to you about the best employment opportunities that match your potential and skills.

The oil and gas industry has diverse verticals and offers various types of jobs. Regardless of your professional experience or academic background, you will be able to build a strong career in oil and gas. The experts can help you understand what it takes to get in the industry and how you can find your way.

(Must Read: What can a Career Coach do for you?)

Say Yes to every opportunity

There will be times when you would be assigned tasks not aligned with your inclinations. There will be unfamiliar locations and irregular working hours. It is recommended that you do not say no to any opportunity that arrives in the early stages of your career. For a successful career in oil and gas, you will have to take up some jobs that are physically or mentally grueling. You must prepare yourself for hard work and long hours.

Whenever you feel less motivated thinking that this is not for you, there’s always something new to learn from every experience. Look at the situation with a different view and think about what you could have done differently. With a positive approach, you will definitely be more confident and competent the next time.

Enhance Your Soft Skills

No matter which industry you are in or what is your job role, soft skills are more important than ever. In the oil and gas industry, with all its turmoil and challenges, soft skills are all the more important. Your technical expertise will earn you the interview with big oil and gas companies, but your selection will be decided on a lot of other variables such as leadership qualities, communication skills, or risk management.

Considering the fact that both the workforce and the workplace can be greatly diverse, soft skills are highly valued for a promising career in oil and gas.

(Must Read: Most Valued Soft Skills in the Oil and Gas Industry)

Diversify your Industry Knowledge

As an individual who is seeking a promising career in oil and gas industry, you must keep yourself updated with the industry insights. Reading oil and gas news and relevant insights would help you gain a perspective on the industry.

If any topic comes up during your interview, you will be able to engage in a constructive discussion. Diversify your industry knowledge, and try to pick up information about the oil and gas industry from credible sources.

(Must Read: Valuable Insights on Oil and Gas Industry)

Learn New Skills

The oil and gas industry is changing. It is embracing the digital revolution and the value of soft skills and emotional intelligence is increasing. Having technical expertise and conventional skills is not enough. You must make efforts towards enhancing and developing new skills – skills that can help you stand out from the crowd.

(Must Read: Learning New Ways of Skill Development for Digital Oil and Gas)

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Energy Dais.)