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Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry - Career - Nairaland

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Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by xfire: 10:15pm On Aug 23, 2014
This is meant for those who desire a career in the oil and gas industry, especially for graduates and undergraduates who may want to be informed.

It's ironical that despite the high graduate unemployment rate and imminent glut in oil supply due increase production worldwide, there is actually a shortage of skilled and specialized labour in the global oil and gas industry. Unfortunately, the most in-demand occupations require specific skills that can only be acquired through experience.

As an oil and gas professional, I have followed the trend and revolution in the industry globally over the past few years. I also follow technological breakthroughs (especially the fracking technology in the US that is redefining the dynamics of the industry worldwide), oil discoveries and hiring patterns all over the world. Based on these trends and statistics, I have come up with a compilation of the top 10 in-demand occupations in the oil and gas industry. This is not limited to the to the industry in Nigeria. This is based on global demand.
I can guarantee that you will always get a quality job (somewhere around the world) if you have at least 5 years experience in the fields. If after gaining five years experience in any of the top 10 fields mentioned below, you lack a well-paying job for more than 6 months, you better go and see your pastor or imam for deliverance. Maybe na from village.

So, for your graduates desiring a lasting career in the oil and gas industry, you may consider these specialized fields. Just work on getting basic experience and you will become indispensable:

1) Geoscientists
2) drilling engineers/ drilling supervisors/driller


No (1) & (2) With recent oil and gas discoveries all around the world including Africa (East Africa and the Gulf of Guinea) and the aggressive exploration for oil all over the world, there is a very high demand for geoscientists (geologists and geophysicists). Geoscientists are involved in the exploration for oil and also in the initial stages after oil discovery. Drilling engineers/ drilling supervisors /drillers are involved in drilling operations (both for exploration and production). There is an shortage of experienced drilling engineers worldwide. A colleague of mine who is drilling engineer told me that he has already received two good offers via linkedIn (even without applying!). And he barely has 3 years experience!

3) subsea engineers
4) subsurface and completions engineers
5) pipeline and piping engineers


No (3) - (5) With oil companies going into the more uncertain but rewarding deepwater operations, there is a high demand for individuals with deepwater experience. Subsea engineers design, implement and maintain structures, tools and equipment used in underwater components of offshore oil and gas production. Pipeline engineers design and maintain subsea pipeline in offshore fields. You can't ignore subsurface/completions (well) engineers who ensure oil is produced at optimum level from oil wells.

6) Marine specialists / engineers
Marine specialists are very critical in oil and gas industry. You need marine professionals in offshore oil and gas operations. This is because of the constant use of marine vessels and boats for supply and transportation of crude oil, liquefied gas, food, equipment, etc. Besides, the increase in FPSO's (floating vessels for oil production in deepwater fields) all around the world requires the specialized skill of marine professionals to maintain vessel stability on the sea.
Believe me, marine specialists are on top of their world. I know a marine specialist that has worked for 3 major oil companies in Nigeria in the last 8 years.

7) Offshore maintenance technicians
These are the mechanical, electrical and instrumentation technicians working in rigs and production platforms both onshore and offshore. There is a high demand for them globally. And the minimum requirement to become one is just an OND.

(cool Truck drivers and crane operators
Yes, you read right! There is a high degree of lifting operations in the oil and gas industry and certified crane operators are in demand. Believe me, they earn well.
Truck drivers are in great demand too, especially in US and Canada where there is a significant onshore oil production. Truck are needed to move rigs and equipment, haul oil, water and sand away. The new fracking technology that has made USA self-sufficient in oil production requires constant evacuation of sand from drilling sites. The drivers are also expected to be mechanics, able to fix to fix their large trucks. With USA set to be a net exporter of oil to the global community (competing with the likes of Nigeria for markets), there is currently a shortage of truck drivers to meet her goal.

9) Tax accountant
The oil and gas industry is technology driven, thus the technical professionals are the most demanded. However, the only non-technical profession to break into the top 10 is accounting. With oil and gas companies always the easy targets for governments and public ministries in areas of tariffs, royalties, taxes and other deductions, the role of experienced oil and gas accountants become critical. There is a crying need for accountants (especially tax accountants), who can balance the books and ensure sustained profit.

10) Reservoir Engineers
Eventhough this list is in no particular order, I think reservoir engineers are actually No. 10 on the list. The reservoir engineers play a significant role in the oil and gas industry. Their job is identify oil and gas reserves and develop strategies to maximize recovery and conducting simulation studies to ensure the optimum recovery.

Other in-demand professions that did not make the top 10 list include technical safety engineers, environmental specialists, welding technicians, process engineers and machinery (mechanical) engineers

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Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Nobody: 11:10pm On Aug 23, 2014
Graet list. Though I think petroleum economists shand safety officers should have been in the top 10. See no reason why you have accountants in that list.

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Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Mixty: 11:21pm On Aug 23, 2014
Oga xfire. The real question is that how does one get the first 5 years experience that you mentioned.

Any ideas?

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Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by temi4fash(m): 11:21pm On Aug 23, 2014
So electrical electronics Engr no get work for here... Una mehn...

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Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Nobody: 11:26pm On Aug 23, 2014
temi4fash: So electrical electronics Engr no get work for here... Una mehn...
I work in an oil servicing firm though as an analyst. The most important thing is that you have an engineering degree. With that, you can hold any engineering role. In the company I work, most of the drilling engineers are mechanical and electrical engineers.

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Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by temi4fash(m): 11:47pm On Aug 23, 2014
gudrated:
I work in an oil servicing firm though as an analyst. The most important thing is that you have an engineering degree. With that, you can hold any engineering role. In the company I work, most of the drilling engineers are mechanical and electrical engineers.
oh I c... Can I PM u
Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Nobody: 6:52am On Aug 24, 2014
temi4fash: oh I c... Can I PM u
Yes, but I don't work as an engineer o. I guess you are an elect/elect engineer
Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by xfire: 8:08am On Aug 24, 2014
gudrated: Graet list. Though I think petroleum economists shand safety officers should have been in the top 10. See no reason why you have accountants in that list.
There are simply too many safety professionals itching to join the oil industry. When supply is higher than number required, then you really do not have much demand. Many see safety as one of the easiest way to break into the industry, thus there is abundance of professionals with valid safety certifications. Besides, any experienced oil and gas worker can easily move to safety.

Petroleum economist is not a highly demanded role to the best of my knowledge. I wouldn't advise anyone to go for it cos it doesn't offer any specialized and unique skill. With sufficient experience, a petroleum engineer can easily be a petroleum economist.

Accountants are in hot demand all over the world, particularly tax professionals.

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Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Nobody: 8:18am On Aug 24, 2014
xfire:
There are simply too many safety professionals itching to join the oil industry. When supply is higher than number required, then you really do not have much demand. Many see safety as one of the easiest way to break into the industry, thus there is abundance of professionals with valid safety certifications. Besides, any experienced oil and gas worker can easily move to safety.

Petroleum economist is not a highly demanded role to the best of my knowledge. I wouldn't advise anyone to go for it cos it doesn't offer any specialized and unique skill. With sufficient experience, a petroleum engineer can easily be a petroleum economist.

Accountants are in hot demand all over the world, particularly tax professionals.

Chief, good one, though I expected to see technical safety engineers on your list, as this is a quickly emerging area which is in hot demand since the piper alpha case.

Also are Gas Engineering specialist, correct me if I'm wrong sir.

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Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by xfire: 8:42am On Aug 24, 2014
Mixty: Oga xfire. The real question is that how does one get the first 5 years experience that you mentioned.

Any ideas?
Well, like I mentioned, the demands are for experienced professionals. This is just to provide a guide for people that intend to delve into the sector in the foreseeable future. In many cases, the most important thing is to gain experience, even if it is in small oil firms. It doesn't always matter which role you start with. You can always switch once you are in the industry.

It is also to guide students who may be seeking to further their studies in an oil and gas relevant course

3 Likes

Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by xfire: 8:50am On Aug 24, 2014
Three7Ty9:

Chief, good one, though I expected to see technical safety engineers on your list, as this is a quickly emerging area which is in hot demand since the piper alpha case.

Also are Gas Engineering specialist, correct me if I'm wrong sir.
I quite agree with you. Experienced technical safety engineers are in hot demand. There is actually a shortage of technical safety/risk engineers worldwide. Many notable oil firms require them in large scale engineering projects. And it is one of the very few engineering positions in which you can work independently as a consultant. I know a man who is a technical safety engineering consultant. He makes over 500k for a 2-day consulting engagement. He is sought after all over Africa. I should add it.

I am not too sure about gas engineering specialists. A mechanical, process and facilities engineer can comfortable handle many gas projects

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Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Nobody: 9:21am On Aug 24, 2014
xfire:
There are simply too many safety professionals itching to join the oil industry. When supply is higher than number required, then you really do not have much demand. Many see safety as one of the easiest way to break into the industry, thus there is abundance of professionals with valid safety certifications. Besides, any experienced oil and gas worker can easily move to safety.
xfire:
I quite agree with you. Experienced technical safety engineers are in hot demand.
I actually meant safety engineers.

Certified welders are in demand in oil servicing firms. Many are on contract basis, though

1 Like

Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Nobody: 12:09pm On Aug 24, 2014
Yes!!!
These are the type of Threads that make me glued to NL. Good job @Op for sharing a little in your wealth of knowledge.
But like the second poster said, where are we to get the experience from? *sigh*

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Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Azijo: 12:13pm On Aug 24, 2014
I think Subsea Engineers are in dare need this days and their pay na die. My Cousin got a job in 2012 as Subsea Trainee Engr. and I sometimes feel like.....changing my.............,especially
when he shares his offshore experiences.

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Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Nobody: 12:14pm On Aug 24, 2014
Presently i'll pass for a Safety Engineer, a Welding Engineer and a Design Engineer but i have just 6Months experience(Industrial Training) sad... Rigorously SMH sad
What's the Way to Go?
What advice do you have for someone like me?

1 Like

Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Mannylex(m): 12:39pm On Aug 24, 2014
gudrated:
Yes, but I don't work as an engineer o. I guess you are an elect/elect engineer

sup man, how can a Computer Scientist break into the oil&gas sector? Or they aren't needed there?



@ Xfire, how about a computer scientist? Any possibilty of getting into the sector and how easy? Thanks
Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Nobody: 2:26pm On Aug 24, 2014
Mannylex:

sup man, how can a Computer Scientist break into the oil&gas sector? Or they aren't needed there?
Of course, computer scientists are employed as system analyst, IT security experts, network admin, application analyst, database admin, etc.
Think along that line

3 Likes

Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Mannylex(m): 2:50pm On Aug 24, 2014
gudrated:
Of course, computer scientists are employed as system analyst, IT security experts, network admin, application analyst, database admin, etc.
Think along that line


The thing is I know they are needed, but I hardly come across job openings that requires entry level. i have only seen few and its only for those with 2-5 years experience, itz just so painful! Can i take courses or any certification that can make me partake in offshore duties, fieldworke.t.c ?

1 Like

Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Nobody: 4:06pm On Aug 24, 2014
Mannylex:


The thing is I know they are needed, but I hardly come across job openings that requires entry level. i have only seen few and its only for those with 2-5 years experience, itz just so painful! Can i take courses or any certification that can make me partake in offshore duties, fieldworke.t.c ?
You don't have to necessarily get the required experience in an oil and gas firm. Remember that IT skills are applicable in any industry.
Why do you want to partake in offshore duties or field work as a computer scientist. It will be tough except you go for specialized training such as rope access technician (IRATA) - google it or you sit for City and Guilds exams

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Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Mannylex(m): 4:10pm On Aug 24, 2014
gudrated:
You don't have to necessarily get the required experience in an oil and gas firm. Remember that IT skills are applicable in any industry.
Why do you want to partake in offshore duties or field work as a computer scientist. It will be tough except you go for specialized training such as rope access technician (IRATA) - google it or you sit for City and Guilds exams


Thanks man, u've been helpful
Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by alentyno: 6:26pm On Aug 24, 2014
grin Nice
Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Nobody: 6:33pm On Aug 24, 2014
Are marine engineers many in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria
Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by xfire: 9:21pm On Aug 24, 2014
taiwolusol: Yes!!!
These are the type of Threads that make me glued to NL. Good job @Op for sharing a little in your wealth of knowledge.
But like the second poster said, where are we to get the experience from? *sigh*
You start by seeking entry level roles, even if it is for small firms. Most people usually don't start off in some of the fields mentioned above. They make the switch later on in their career. The list is to meant to guide young graduates in the right career path in the industry. I have worked in 2 different job roles since I started sojourn into the industry few years back. And I hope to gain experience in other job roles.

2 Likes

Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by xfire: 9:27pm On Aug 24, 2014
tensazangetsu: Are marine engineers many in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria
There are many marine specialists (marine advisor, marine maintenance supervisors, mooring masters, etc.) in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Most marine engineers serve in those capacities in Nigeria.

1 Like

Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by xfire: 9:30pm On Aug 24, 2014
taiwolusol: Presently i'll pass for a Safety Engineer, a Welding Engineer and a Design Engineer but i have just 6Months experience(Industrial Training) sad... Rigorously SMH sad
What's the Way to Go?
What advice do you have for someone like me?
You mean you acquired the skills of a safety engineer, welding engineer and design engineer in just 6 months student internship programme? shocked

It's good that you have internship experience in a notable oil firm. It places you at an advantage. You are starting well as a student.

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Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by waltrek: 10:23pm On Aug 24, 2014
Do Business Administrators have any chance in the oil and gas world.?
Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by profem1(m): 10:50pm On Aug 24, 2014
how does mathematics fit in here??
Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Nobody: 11:06pm On Aug 24, 2014
hmm it good to be here,that list above is cool but as for me electrical and electronics guys have been dominating oil and gas field they fit into anywhere subsea and other technical area,but you forgot to mention NDT technicians,those guys are in high demand like craze coded job cool cash,you work offshore inspecting drilling tools,pipeline,platform etc am a geophysicst but to tell you the truth geoscience no longer sells in nigeria like that simple reason is that most seismic survey as been carried out long ago..so was going on now is drilling and other engineering role ie production.where they recruit 5 geoscientist,50 engineers will be also be recruited you can see the ratio,i have been in the geo-science field but am currently into Asset integrity....via NDT,(am ASNT NDT CERTIFIED IN ET,UT,LPT,RFI,DPI,MT LEVEL 2) though am planing msc in exploration geophysics in uniport.as for experience you can get it anyday any time,you can decide to volunteer..for any small oil and gas coy.
less i forget corrossion engineering is another wicked area.

kudos xfire

imag5

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Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by addictiv(m): 11:28pm On Aug 24, 2014
inspiring thread op. i am a graduate of gas engineering currently planning on going for Msc in the US but am having difficulties in picking between Drilling, Subsea and Production engineering. i want to engage myself in facing the challenges in the industry as well as fix myself in an area that guarantees job security globally and attractive remuneration . i dont intend to spend more than 15 yrs in the industry before retiring to set up an O&G firm back home. advice pls

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Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Nobody: 12:14am On Aug 25, 2014
Sir xfire, can someone who studied Electrical/Electronics Engineering and did instrumentation and control in his finals work as an Instrumentation and control engineer in an oil and gas company?

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Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Nobody: 12:33am On Aug 25, 2014
Sir xfire, can someone who studied Electrical/Electronics Engineering and did Instrumentation and control in his finals work as an Instrumentation and control Engineer in an Oil and gas company?
Re: Top 10 Most Demanded Jobs In The Oil And Gas Industry by Nobody: 2:34am On Aug 25, 2014
xfire:
You mean you acquired the skills of a safety engineer, welding engineer and design engineer in just 6 months student internship programme? shocked

It's good that you have internship experience in a notable oil firm. It places you at an advantage. You are starting well as a student.
I didn't acquired the said skills in 6months. 6 months is too short a time.
I said I'll pass for a Welding Engineer because i partook in Hyundai Heavy Industries 3 Months Welding training where i was certified to 2F, 3F and 3G welding Standard, a Safety Engineer because i took some Safety courses with ISPON, and finally a Design Engineer because i am very good with AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor[ i am almost through learning PDMS]. And by the Grace of God capped all the above with a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering.

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