If you have tied up your laces to get your foot in the oil and gas career, a question must be striking in your mind, is oil & gas production a good career path for you?
Yes, oil & gas production is a good career path. The best thing that could ever happen to you is to find work and land a job in the oil and gas industry, both now and in the future.
Because:
The oil and gas industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, whether they are offshore or onshore, seismic shipyards, drilling rigs, shale oil exploration, or conventional office jobs.
Although you may have to deal with intense long shifts and harsh working conditions pursuing a career in an oil and gas industry, going the extra mile in this field is definitely rewarding, because the salaries are higher, typically above average.
On average, full-time employees in the oil & gas industry work 49.5 hours per week, while part-time employees work 20 hours per week.
For more specific information, keep reading.
Table of Contents
Is Oil & Gas Production a Good Career Path?
Both personally and professionally, a career in the oil and gas industry can be very rewarding. It is expanding quickly due to ongoing developments, so you should keep an eye on the most recent trends that are emerging.
Oil & gas jobs in transmission, refining, and distribution, as well as those for energy engineers and traders, are available due to the size and scope of the industry. Make sure to conduct thorough research on how to become an energy trader or engineer in order to comprehend the roles that are available, which one interests you the most, and what abilities and credentials are required to hold that position.
Numerous businesses host networking events, which are a fantastic way for college students and recent graduates to connect with industry experts and forge lasting connections.
Why Work In The Oil And Gas Sector?
The most common query should come first. Why bother with an industry that is already a big target of hatred and is likely to massively shrink in the future? Additionally, even if it still had a promising future, it’s not exactly the best field. It’s dirty work.
Oil rig work is not particularly enjoyable due to the long hours. You’ll be working in some of the most inaccessible (and hazardous) locations on Earth for months at a time. You’ll spend the day breathing dangerous chemicals even if nothing strange happens to you.
Here are some explanations as to why you should.
The Benefits Of Working In This Industry
Here are the main pros of working in the oil and gas industry:
- The money: It goes without saying that oil and gas companies frequently have very high profits. They have a large income, which frequently transfers to their staff. This industry is definitely worth taking into account if you’re looking for a high-paying job. The low number of applicants for jobs in this field is another factor contributing to their high pay. The supply outweighs the demand. This occurs because the work is frequently challenging, hazardous, and dirty.
- The skills: You can use the knowledge you gain working in the oil and gas industry in other fields. For instance, if you are a geologist, mining could benefit from your expertise. Engineers may find employment in manufacturing or construction. The point is that the knowledge you gain in this field is beneficial and can open doors for you in other fields.
- The adventure: Oil and gas is unquestionably the way to go if you’re looking for an exciting career. It’s a field with lots of opportunities for travel that moves quickly. In fact, it’s likely that you’ll cross the entire nation. You might end up working on oil rigs all over the world.
- The opportunities: The oil and gas sector is constantly evolving. This implies that there are lots of chances for professional advancement. You could advance quickly in the ranks if you’re willing to put in the effort.
Clearly, not everyone is suited for a career in these fields. Before making a choice, it’s crucial to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages. We’ll look at some of the disadvantages of working in this field in the following section.
The Disadvantages Of Working In This Industry
The oil and gas industry also has drawbacks. There is a shortage of workers in the field because, for the majority of people, these are not worthwhile efforts. Here are the main cons:
- Instability: Production of oil and gas is notoriously unstable, as we previously mentioned. Since the prices of these commodities are constantly changing, it can be challenging for businesses to make long-term plans. Job loss is a common consequence of this instability. Oil and gas companies start by laying off employees when prices fall. This could suddenly result in you losing your job, and if you don’t have any connections, it might be very challenging to find employment in this field.
- Challenging work: The actual work is very difficult. You’ll be working a lot of hours in challenging and hazardous circumstances, as we already mentioned. It can be challenging to adjust if you are not used to this type of work. Additionally, you’ll be away from home for months, which can be difficult on your personal life.
- Health hazards: The health risks of working in this field are another significant drawback. You’ll be exposed to dangerous chemicals, which could lead to respiratory issues or other health problems.
- Environmentally unfriendly: Not very environmentally friendly is the oil and gas sector. This industry might not be the best fit for you if you’re concerned about climate change. If you work in this field, you will undoubtedly be directly contributing to the issue. Governments may also terminate your employment by having you sign a document. Not exactly a pleasant prospect.
That is what it is, then. These are a few of the benefits and drawbacks of working in the oil and gas sector. Before making a choice regarding your career, it’s crucial to carefully weigh each of these aspects.
Editor’s note: we already had papers about how the oil & gas industry should restructure itself to remain competitive in 2010. These difficulties are now likely to get exponentially worse with the addition of new regulations and the elimination of subsidies. As we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, it’s likely that maintaining a job in the industry will get harder over time. If you want a long-term career path, this is crucial.
What kinds of jobs are available to you if you decide that this is the right career path for you? And how do you actually enter? See more about What Oil Does My Car Take?
Essential Things To Consider In The Oil And Gas Industry
No industry is perfect because it has both benefits and drawbacks. So here are the important things to consider in the oil and gas industry:
Workplace Safety
Safety at work has always been a top priority for the oil and gas sector. Due to lax safety procedures and uncertain worker safety, many people decided against careers in the oil industry.
But:
No longer must you be concerned.
Because:
The industry has recently prioritized workplace safety and implemented new safety protocols. Employees in the natural gas and oil industries now experience injuries and illnesses at significantly lower rates thanks to a high level of commitment to new protocols and industry best practices.
For anyone considering a career in the oil and gas industry, the updated safety standards are a welcome change.
Working Conditions
In an oil and gas industry, you can be:
Sitting in a furnished, air-conditioned, comfortable office,
OR
working in difficult, challenging circumstances.
The location and job position determine the working conditions in the oil and gas industry. Like, the hardest working conditions are on offshore rigs.
This is a crucial fact that you should be aware of. Because some people enjoy taking on a challenge and moving forward, while others avoid working hard in difficult circumstances
What do you think about that, then?
What Types Of Career Paths Are Available In The Oil And Gas Sector?
There are numerous career paths available in the oil and gas sector. Choose the option that best fits your interests and qualifications. These include:
Mining Engineer
An underground and surface mine’s development is efficiently overseen by a mining engineer. The mining project involves them at every stage.
They evaluate a site’s viability prior to development, keep an eye on the mining production procedures, and participate in the final closure and rehabilitation procedures.
The average salary of a Mining Engineer is estimated at $54,218 – $119,797 per year.
Mudlogger
The drilling process is tracked by a mudlogger. Additionally, he must keep track of data regarding the well’s condition while oil or gas is being extracted.
The average salary of a Mudlogger is estimated at $21,929 – $68,426 per year.
Marketing Coordinator
The supply and marketing departments are managed by the marketing coordinator. For the supply chain to run smoothly, they must collaborate closely with customer services. They must also write reports on the supply and sale of goods.
The average salary of a Marketing Coordinator is estimated at $76,375 per year.
Commercial Analyst
The commercial analyst creates a business plan for development and makes sure that all of the activities are compliant with the new rules. They organize meetings and set the agendas so that their products can be marketed internationally.
The average salary of a Commercial Analyst is estimated at $59,081 per year.
Petroleum Engineer
The evaluation, development, and production of an oil and gas field involve almost all aspects of petroleum engineering.
Petroleum geologists examine subsurface structures in search of hydrocarbons. Reservoir engineers also support risk evaluation. As a petroleum engineer, you can choose from a variety of career paths.
The average salary of a Petroleum Engineer is estimated at $96,374 per year.
Energy Engineer
An energy engineer works to produce energy from renewable sources like biofuels, hydro, wind, and solar energy as well as from natural resources like the extraction of oil and gas.
They are responsible for conducting site inspections and energy surveys.
The average salary of an Energy Engineer is estimated at $80,600 per year.
Geoscientist
In order to develop models for finding commercially viable reserves of natural resources, such as oil, gas, minerals, and water, a geoscientist (geophysicist, geologist, geochemist, hydrogeologist, or sedimentologist) is employed.
The average salary of a Geoscientist is estimated at $62,000 – $150,000 per year.
Engineering Geologist
A geologist who works in engineering must evaluate environmental factors like geological risks. They deal with elements that may interfere with engineering procedures.
The average salary of an Engineering Geologist is estimated at $48,487 per year.
Hydrographic Surveyor
For measuring and mapping underwater surfaces and researching the morphology of the seabed, hydrographic surveyors typically work aboard survey ships and platforms.
Additionally, they carry out studies that aid in the study of ocean currents, as well as the effects of industrialization and climate change on the marine environment.
The average salary of a Hydrographic Surveyor is estimated at $49,397 per year.
The Future Of The Oil & Gas Industry
It sounds risky to enter the oil and gas sector. After all, we are more concerned about the climate now than at any other time in history. Thus, the oil and gas sector is in decline. In favor of renewable energy sources, we are gradually moving away from fossil fuels.
Is it a good idea to enter the industry now, given how uncertain the future looks? It depends, is the answer.
The oil and gas sector is a good choice if you’re looking for a well-paying job with a secure job future. For instance, even as the industry declines, demand for jobs like petroleum engineer and rotary drill operator will likely never go away. You can always change your field, such as from mining to oil and gas. The exploitation of the earth’s resources will never end.
Another circumstance where entering this field makes sense is if you’re only looking for a short-term job to earn some money before moving on. For instance, the oil and gas industry is a good choice if you’re just out of college and looking for a job that will help you pay off your student loans. Just be aware that the industry is unstable and that you’ll need to have a plan for your future.
Conclusion
This is all we had to talk about is oil & gas production a good career path or not. We sincerely hope that you will learn something useful and prepare your mind for a career in the oil and gas sector. Contact us via the comment section if you have anything else you would like to add.
Regarding your reading, I thank you.
