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A career in oil and gas production is worth considering. But it is also a field which is impacted by rising environmental awareness and the unpredictable growth of the renewable energy sector around the globe.
Should You Pursue a Career in Oil and Gas Production?
Deciding whether to pursue a career in oil and gas production is a personal choice, but it is definitely a path worth exploring.
Despite the growing interest in environmentally friendly energy sources, the oil and gas industry remains a top source of energy jobs, especially in the middle East and United States.
Besides its steady growth, it is also one of the highest-paying sub-industries in energy, with various roles paying over six figures yearly. Of course, a high salary should not be the only reason you choose to pursue a career in oil and gas production, but it is indeed an attractive feature.
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Most In-Demand Careers in Oil and Gas Production
1: What is the primary purpose of a refinery in the oil and gas industry?
Securing a job in oil and gas industry may open the door to abundant opportunities. Here are some of the most in-demand career opportunities in oil and gas production.
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers are highly skilled professionals responsible for designing and implementing methods for extracting oil and gas from reservoirs under the earth’s surface. They play an essential role in optimizing extraction processes and ensuring efficient resource recovery while closely following the environmental standards. Petroleum engineers must have an engineering degree, preferably in petroleum engineering.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers in the oil and gas industry are mainly responsible for processing samples taken from the field, making sure that correct chemicals are used to transform crude oil into a usable form and proposing solutions to drilling-related environmental issues. Chemical engineers must have an engineering degree, preferably in chemical engineering.
Petroleum Geoscientist
Petroleum geoscientists are a type of geoscientist who search for oil and gas deposits suitable for commercial extraction. Some of their job duties involve visiting different locations across the world to collect samples, estimating the size of oil and gas deposits and developing extraction sites. They often work closely with petroleum engineers to find new sources of oil and gas. To become a petroleum geoscientist, you must have a bachelor’s degree in geoscience.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers in the oil and gas industry are responsible for reducing the environmental impact of extraction and processing activities. Using their expertise in environmental conservation, these engineers design systems to help prevent any hazards to the environment and minimize the carbon footprint of oil and gas industry.
Education Requirements for Oil and Gas Production Careers
Education requirements for careers in oil and gas production vary depending on the specific role.
Entry-level workers, such as field welders or truck drivers, typically require a high school diploma and on-job training. For more specialized roles, such as petroleum engineers, geoscientists or environmental engineers, you will require bachelor’s degree in engineering, geology or a related field. Some advanced positions, such as managerial or supervisory roles, may even require a master’s degree in a relevant discipline and previous industry experience.
It is definitely worth noting that most of the in-demand and top-paying jobs in this industry are often not entry-level and may require a four-year engineering degree , or even more.
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Pros and Cons of Careers in Oil and Gas Production
While careers in oil and gas production have their perks, they also come with a few downsides. Before diving into your job hunt, consider the pros and cons of the oil and gas sector to help you take the final decision.
Pros of Working in Oil and Gas Production
1) Career advancement opportunities – Many oil and gas companies are investing heavily in their workforce, often urging employees to learn and develop new skills in order to drive innovation across the entire sector.
2) High earning potential. Certain positions within the oil and gas industry, especially those requiring specialized skills such as petroleum engineers and geoscientists, offer attractive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages. If you are looking to break six figures early in your career, a job in the oil and gas sector could help you reach that goal.
3) Travel and international job opportunities. Since field roles such as petroleum geoscientists and drilling engineers have to extract oil and gas on-site, they often involve travel for work. If you are interested to travel and work on projects worldwide , gain exposure to different cultures, a career in the oil and gas industry could be a good fit. But if you prefer to stay in one location, constant travel can be a downside.
Cons of Working in Oil and Gas Production
1) Environmental concerns. Oil and gas extraction and processing activities can contribute to pollution, habitat disruption and greenhouse gas emissions. If you don’t want to struggle with the ethical and environmental implications of your work, you may want to look into greener subindustries within the energy field.
2) Risky work conditions. Oil and gas production jobs often involve working with heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals and extreme weather conditions. If not careful, workers could risk exposure to toxic substances and accidents on sites.
3) Lack of stability. The oil and gas industry is known for its cyclical nature, influenced by factors such as global economic conditions and fluctuations in oil prices, and could result in layoffs and cutbacks during industry downturns.
Tips for Pursuing a Career in Oil and Gas Production
1) Fulfill the basic education requirements.
Fulfilling the basic education requirements is the first step to pursuing a career in oil and gas production. For entry-level positions, a high school diploma may be enough. But if you are interested in more technical or specialized roles like petroleum geoscientist or chemical engineer, you will need at least an engineering degree.
2) Gain entry-level experience.
If you are in entry level, consider positions that can provide valuable opportunities and assist supervisors and gain practical experience, like assistants or technicians. You could also explore internship opportunities offered by oil and gas companies. This way, you could gain practical experience, and decide whether the industry is the right fit for you before pursuing it full-time.
3) Build your network.
“Networking is instrumental in any industry, and oil and gas are no exception,” said a career counselor, in an email. “By building a solid network, you open doors to mentorship, job opportunities and industry insights in the oil and gas production industry,” he added. To start making meaningful connections within the field, it is suggested that you participate in opportunities such as industry-related events, conferences and professional organizations.
Besides attending events and joining organizations, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals already established in the field can also be a great way to build your network. By proactively putting yourself out there – whether online or offline – and encouraging meaningful connections, you pave the way for a smoother and more successful career transition. In addition, taking advanced courses in Oil and gas industry will definitely be a value add in the competitive era. Enroll in Entri’s Oil and Gas course. Click the link below to enroll !
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Conclusion
“Technology has always been a driver in the industry. To future-proof your career and remain competitive in the ever-evolving oil and gas production sector, take the time to upskill yourself by gaining technical skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity and blockchain development. If your current employer already offers relevant upskilling programs, take advantage of them.
Remember, while the oil and gas industry is still booming today, it could look completely different by 2050. The same is true for most other sectors. So, if you have not already, now is the time to proactively position yourself for long-term career success.
