At a time when opportunties at a significant low and new projects have dropped it is difficult to consider progressing very far in the oil and gas industry. Competition for employment opportuntiies are at an all time high and more professionals are applying for opportunties that just a few years ago they may not necessarily have considered. Yet, many oil and gas professionals and associated experts have highlighted that the industry can offer opportunities for progression and through diversification can lead to progressing further in the industry.
The specialist energy jobboard, Energy Jobline has researched insight from its candidates and the current job market to determine what candidates can do to improve their chances of employment in the oil and gas industry.
For oil and gas workers it is very disruptive to suddenly lose the security of your position within the industry. For experienced workers who have worked years and years at a company it can really impact on the self esteem and confidence levels of an individual. The idea of retraining and job hunting can be extremely difficult for many individuals. An individual quickly forgets the situation of the industry, that their skills and experience is still highly valuable and most likely applicable to other industries. To not forget their value and realise their potential within other fields of the oil and gas industry or the wider energy market.
Having the flexibility to be open-minded to new opportunities and having the insight to see where your knowledge can be transferred to other markets is crucial. Being open to new locations will also increase your chances of employability but obviously this isnt always an option for many individuals.
Expanding your knowledge…
Many experienced oil and gas professionals have decided to study courses within the industry which has allowed them to reposition their careers in the oil and gas industry and re-gain their lost confidence. Management Courses such as MBA Energy Management Programme in Scotland has allowed experienced professionals People today are looking to diversify their skill sets and ensure they position their relevant skills to other sectors. Versailte people who have experitse in more than one area of the industry are highly valued. Understanding other key areas of the industry such as marketing, strategy, financial analysis, economics and assets which are all part of an MBA will dramatically increase your versatility within the industry.
Energy Jobline has also seen a dramatic increased interest and physcial transition of oil and gas workers towards the renewable energy industry. The continued success of the industry highlighted by multiple media channels is luring many oil and gas industry professionals towards working in renewable energy and many are finding their skill sets are both transitional and highly valued within the renewables industry.
Diversifying in the industry…
Being able to respond to change is a key asset within the oil and gas industry. Similar to a business responding to change, it is the ones capable of responding quickly to changes that will show success. Where there is change within the industry, there will be new opportunities and this process applies to candidates within the oil and gas industry. Many industry experts are conifdent the oil and gas sector will revive but admit there will be changes and there will be an emphasis on new fields within the industry. All companies are obviously pressureed to really focus on cost reduction strategies, improving efficiency whilst maintaining safety regulations and minimising their impact on the environment. These focus areas are not likely to decline, if anything will continue to become more important in an industry that is forcing companies to restructure and reduce their overall costs. Specialist areas within the industry such as Enhanced Recovery, Carbon Capturing Programmes and Decommissioning are also likely to become critical within the future of the oil and gas industry.
To summarise, the opportunities within the industry are still available and using the knowledge and resources around you to work smarter will give oil and gas professionals new opportuniteis within the industry. Diversifying the energy mix and being aware, of training and changes within the industry will dramatically improve your opportunties and changes of progression within the oil and gas industry.
Matt Cook is marketing director at Energy Jobline
