The oil and gas industry in North America is always looking for young professionals that are hoping to form a lifelong career. For those of you who may not know how to get started, it is easy to recognize that the oil and gas industry is much like any other profession. In fact, the industry maintains a culture of innovation that is constantly evolving with the changing times, just as the financial and technological fields progress.
For any young person looking to start a career, you will want to consider all of your options for understanding the industry in a way that makes you stand out from other job candidates. Spending additional time to truly learn about the oil and gas industry is crucial to your basis of knowledge and your introduction to networking. As you make your decision, it is crucial to keep in mind the details regarding student loan debt and the pressures that stem from repaying these allowances.
Thus, you should begin to consider the three main avenues that will lead to a career in the oil and gas industry, based on the type of job you seek and your financial situation.
Avenue #1: Entry-level or Technical Positions
Many people choose to enter the oil and gas industry by accepting an entry-level job or technical position. Some of these positions may require a college degree or the completion of certain college courses, but most do not. It may be useful, if you choose this avenue, to have trained as an electrician or construction worker, as the same skills will translate to oil and gas. However, these positions—which include opportunities like field hands, roustabouts, welders, drivers, radio operators and heavy machinery operators—oftentimes include on-site training.
Avenue #2: Technical College
Another avenue into the oil and gas industry is to receive a degree from a technical college. In fields like construction management, welding and engineering technology, some colleges will offer a two-year degree. Many technical colleges in the U.S. now partner with oil and gas industry leaders to set up rewarding apprenticeship programs that grant the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Receiving a degree or certification from a technical college can open up many doors in oil and gas and may be worth the investment of time and money.
Avenue #3: College or Graduate Degree
A third avenue is receiving a degree from a college or graduate program that specializes or focuses on oil and gas. Rather than taking an entry-level position, having a college or graduate degree will lead to opportunities for higher-level positions at the onset of your career. This obviously means that you will make more money from the start. In particular, a degree in Petroleum, Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering is sure to be in high demand in the industry for years to come.
No matter the avenue you choose, gaining as much experience and knowledge as you possibly can by any means will lead to your success and progress in the oil and gas industry in the future.
Photo by Eike Klingspohn on Unsplash
