How to get on the offshore industry job ladder

A career in the offshore industry can be a rewarding experience often involving international travel, exciting offshore placements and the thrill of playing a role in producing some of the world’s essential resources. Successful entry into the offshore industry depends on the candidate’s commitment to gaining a combination of the right qualifications and experience.

Opportunities

Those looking for job opportunities in specific regions may want to look to countries with the fastest economic growth, which is primarily happening in developing countries such as China, India, Malaysia and Indonesia. In addition, there are opportunities available in North American and several EU member states, where demand for earth scientists has always been strong. The outlook for job opportunities in general in the industry is safe – as fossil fuels will continue to supply 60% of the world’s energy needs through to 2030. The urgent need for skilled oil and gas workers in the science and engineering disciplines is encouraging for graduates with related degrees.

Qualifications

Recruitment for offshore positions mostly focuses on science and engineering graduates, educated to either masters or PHD level, although there are programs in place available to bachelor (BA) degree holders in a variety of disciplines. Those with a BA degree may want to consider completing vocational postgradate certificate courses in petroleum geosciences, available at many leading universities. These courses last for 12 weeks and can provide BA graduates with the edge needed in what is a competitive recruitment process. Candidates with other qualifications, such as information technology, marketing or public relations are also sought after.

Competition for offshore science roles is traditionally high, however, as the current offshore workforce ages (an estimated 50 percent of workers are eligible for retirement in the next 13 years) and as skills shortages become more apparent, the race is on for recruiters to secure the next generation of geoscientists and engineers who will represent the industry’s future. There has never been a better time to impress offshore oil and gas employers with your solid science or engineering qualifications – they’re out there looking for you!

Graduate recruitment

Most oil and gas companies have policies and systems in place for recruiting graduates. These include BP, Shell, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Conocco Philips, Statoil, to list some of the larger organisations. This recruitment process usually begins up to a year before graduation, with applications and information available online through the company’s website.

Work experience

Work experience, internships and summer placements are also advantageous for candidates seeking first-time employment. Not only do such placements allow you to get a feel for the industry and gain insight into the areas you might prefer to work in, but they also give the company an opportunity to observe your performance and fit for the organisation, which if suitable, will put you in good stead for landing a graduate position with them. Work experience is also incredibly valuable for your CV, as it is indicative of self-motivation and a personal commitment to bettering your career.

Further training

Those who secure graduate positions can expect on-the-job training, which may begin with an initial two to three week course that introduces them to different sectors within the company, followed by an ongoing developmental program that is aligned with the employee’s own career interests and progression. Following your placement, you could find your career taking off in directions you never expected. Progression up the career ladder typically takes several years; however, the path upward may be accelerated if in a smaller organisation.

With this information and these suggestions in mind, your journey onto and up the career ladder in the offshore industry will likely be one that is successful, fulfilling and exciting.