How to Kick-start a Career
in Oil & Gas

3 Steps to a Successful Entry-Level Career in Oil and Gas

When you’re a child and someone asks “What do you want to be when you grow up?” – answering that question is much easier than when you’re 18 years old and you’re grown up and need that decision to stick.

For many youth growing up in regions where oil rigging sites are close by – a career in oil and gas is a popular choice. That also means that the competition for the available roles increases tremendously. Not to mention that other youth in your age group are planning to relocate to your hometown to snag these entry-level jobs as well.

So what can you do to set yourself apart from the long list of recent graduates or students who are vying for the same job you want? Well it really comes down to three simple but important steps.
 

1.) Get Specialized 

Oil and Gas is an industry that you can get hired in right after completing your high school diploma, but if you want your career to excel past General Labourer positions, you need to get specialized. By applying for specialized programs at universities, colleges or institutes of technology, you will gain a skill that will not be found in every other applicant that you’re competing against.

Fulfilling a need in the market that is currently in-demand is the best idea. For example, become specialized in a trade skill. These are not only in demand within the oil and gas industry, but tradespeople are generally in-demand across any hands-on industries. By completing a hands-on program to complete your journeyman certification in a trade, you will immediately put yourself ahead of other entry-level applicants.
 

2.) Get Experience 

The best part of these hands-on academic programs is that they often include internships and apprenticeships where you receive hands-on experience working side-by-side with a professional in the industry. You will learn from them on a daily basis and also have a chance to network and build a relationship which could lead to your first job in a few short months.

When looking at academic programs, look into the curriculum to see if there is a mandated internship or apprenticeship that you must complete prior to graduating. This means that the academic institution will assist you in finding a placement and then it’s up to you to show your best work while you’re there to leave a lasting impression.
 

3.) Get Hired 

After gaining a specialized skill and building your experience, now you just need to get yourself into the job market. You’ve already established a small network of professionals that you can contact; now you just need a professional resume to send out to them.

Your resume needs to focus on all of the hands-on experience you gained throughout your academics and apprenticeships to show that you are qualified and capable to take on the role. This will be the defining edge that you have over your competition.