cris83:


Indeed a harsh reality and I wonder how the young ones who are studying the same course @ the universities in this country feel that they will get a job in this same industry that has tons of graduates with different classes of degrees up to PhD level trying to break barriers to get in. I have @ some point considered academics but if you are referring to lecturing, it will require m going back for PhD in order to belong and move up the ladder. That will require more money which presently I'm lacking. If you are referring to being a class tutor, I haven't really given that some thought. I had dreams of being a top most geologist and making someone dear to m proud of what I have achieved in his place but this country killed that dream.

Do not be detered. Look beyond Nigeria. Most PhD abroad come with funding. Try New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Canada and possibly USA.

Luck will smile on you soonest. Goodluck.

cris83:


No I do not mind. I got my Msc in Ghana. As people rightly noted, to be a Geologist one has to be @ the top of ones game and for someone like m that graduated years ago plus msc that I obtained a couple of years back at well, I have lost that drive. I kissed asses as also mentioned in the oil industry but as stated, so few jobs due to the loss in value for oil and asuch I never made any headway neither did I get the pleasure of being called up for an interview or written tests. I have placed those degrees somewhere else and looking for something to do.

This is the harsh reality Geoscientists in Nigeria face. Have you considered academics?

Icon4s:


Sorry I am responding late to this mention. I saw it since early this morning but have been too busy.

Getting into the Oil industry is not as difficult as most peeps here term it. However it is about the most difficult of all the industries to break into. I am referring to comments like 'it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle.....' bla-bla-bla.

You have to make up your mind early enough. And go for it.

How?

It is very true that what worked for Mr A may not work out for Mr B but generally speaking there is a common story we Oil workers have. That is: I saw the advertisement, I applied, I knew nobody and I got the job. Sounds easy right? But not really that easy.

Remember I said make up your mind early. I had always wanted and dreamt of being an 'Oil worker'. I had this dream and actualised it but know also there so many, in fact most people that had that dream that never actualised it.

Success comes from God but you have to play your part. There is no easy way to success. In my graduating class(Geology) of about 60 only about 5 actually got to work in the Oil industry! Yes that is how slim it is.

It may also interest you to know that I spent the whole of my NYSC studying for aptitude tests. Apart from the Gmat and GRE books I inherited from my elder brother I bought GMAT booklet in NYSC camp. Not satisfied, I bought O level Physics test book(Nelkon) and Further maths test book(Godman). I acquired the physics and Further maths text books just to be able to compete with engineering graduates. I focused on the mechanics and Electricity parts of the test books. I like wahala right?

One thought got me going: 'I am the best' and so I deserve the best. I made up my mind early enough that I would work in the Oil industry. I developed so much interest in fields like Stratigraphy, Structural geology, petroleum geology, sedimentology, Petroleum Geochemistry, Geophysics and co.

My project was on biostratigraphy and Paleoenvironmental reconstruction of limestone facies in the Dahomey basin using Foraminifera and Ostracods.

Believe it or not, that project got me into the Oil industry.

How?

By the time I graduated from NYSC I had written NNPC, ELF and Shell tests. I was not successful in all 3 despite all my preparations. Post-NYSC while I was still looking for job. I saw an advertisement by an indigenous Oil servicing firm. They were looking for Biostratigraphers with a minimum of 2yrs industry experience. Initially I was discouraged but something just spurred me to apply. I was dragging my feet and finally submitted my application on the last day of submission.

Shortly after I got a contract job with Access bank. A one month contract. The next day after the contract expired I received a call from that Oil servicing firm for an aptitude test. We were also interviewed same day. All 50 of us that wrote the test were interviewed. At the interview I was asked what I did as my final year project. O they virtually begged me to stop talking paleontology.
They needed an experienced biostratigrapher but here they had a fresh graduate that knows so much about biostratigraphy. There and then they asked me how much they would pay me. We discussed that(negotiated). As I was leaving the interview room I heard a man telling the MD, who is a renowned and recognized biostratigrapher nation-wide, that ' this boy is trainable'.

Two weeks after I was called for another interview. This time just me alone. I was taken to the MD's office and there I saw forams slides, forams catalogues and a paleontological microscopes. In no time I was asked to analyze the slides. I did that and within 1 hour I was done. The MD checked my result and called the Head micropaleontological unit to assess it. He nodded in the affirmative.

I was asked to resume in two weeks.

So that is how I entered the industry.

Though I spent just 1 yr and 2months there before I made a bigger move but the experience I acquired withing that period is invaluable.

I hope my story will inspire you and other young geoscientists.

Thank you for making out time to contribute to this thread. I sure have take away from your story.

If I may ask, do you have MSc? If yes, Nigerian or overseas.

Thanks once again.

kay9:
OP,
Saw your topic earlier, decided to sit back a little and see what kind of comments come in... and I'm not surprised in the least.

I understand your request for info from fellow geoscientists who managed to get into well paying positions in IOCs, but the truth is very few, if any, would want their online identities associated with such lucrative stories. It's not the sharing of information that is the problem, its the risk of having your I.D hacked, personal info retrieved, and then some not-so-nice gentlemen paying you a visit later in the evening. Sad, but its the reality. IOC-employed geos are extremely well paid and in a country as insecure as Nigeria, disclosing that you are one may not be such a good idea.

Luckily though, i am not one. ... but i know a few. I studied geophysics, graduated some donkey years ago and had a shot with SPDC's SITP program. Passed all the tests and interviews like no man's biz, and got invited for medicals... and that was it. They kept me waiting for almost 18months and then one morning like that, i got a mail that Shell was no longer interested in continuing my employment process. Sh!t like that can devastate a young man; i know it devastated me... But hey, I've since moved on.

Ok, that was my story. But you're not interested in that; what you want is how you can succeed where i failed. No problem, I'll tell you.

1) A Masters degree
2) Some experience, the closer to your desired job role, the better. That's how most OND holders get in: they've got experience while all you have is a piece of paper.
3) Network. If you have any relative or friend already employed there, better start kissing his or her ass now.
4) Luck. That's right, pure dumb luck... a lots of it.
5) Perseverance. The fanatic kind... cos that's the only way you'll dedicate 10yrs of your life just to get an employment offer from Exxon.

Finally, a word of advice: Geoscience is a very dry field right now; new drilling contracts are virtually nonexistent worldwide, so you need to decide if that's a field you want to go into. Learn an alternative skill; if it can also be applied to you chosen geo-career, even better. But whatever you do, don't spend your youth waiting for a job offer that may never come.

Cheers.

I'm impressed by your story, and I won't mind having the full gist offline. I can only imagine how devasted you were when the said Shell mail rolled in on that faithful day. Your contribution shows your comprehension and attention to details skills are top notch.

You have stated the obvious as it is without mincing words. Are you still in the Geoscience circle?

Thanks for your contribution.

So far, no one has shared his/her story. Does it mean no one has a story to tell here.

BroZuma:


We are currently looking for experienced Geomatics/Survey Engineers

Do well by posting the link so that qualIfied people will apply.

ayamAgenius:
By making the right choices at the right time.

You can start off looking at small oil and gas indigenous companies. Most of these companies service oil fields of several Big E & P companies. What does it do for you? It keeps you busy and increases your wealth of knowledge and handson experience. Sadly, most of these companies will pay you a pittance. While at it, get a masters degree. Once you have gathered some pretty good experiences + a completed advance degree or one in-view, send unsolicited emails to E & P companies or fill out the career section in their website. They'll find you interesting. Some of these companies will be interested in the knowledge you have acquired in a field adjacent to theirs, which they may have spotted in your resume. Goodluck

Nice contribution. You sure have great ideas in stock. Kudos.

BroZuma:
Op leave the big names and start with an oil servicing company to get at least two years working experience before focusing your attention on the big names...

My target is Shell and I'm almost there.

I won't mind if you can provide links here on how to join the servicing companies you talking about. If you read through my post, you will see where I said you can post openings wether permanent, temporary or internship in your work place or sister companies.

vingeophysicist:
op you ask a very good question .i am a geophysicist ,a fresh graduate though ,really entering the industry is almost impossible but it takes determination and willingness.i am saying these not because am in the industry but because i have two close pal in the industry.The first one is in TOTAL and he is an exploration engineer but he got it the normal way we know. (summiting an exquisite CV,performing well in aptitude test and also the interview and mind you he was an OND holder before he was employed ).All of them where trained in china after the employment.OP my advice is these dont wait for employment in the industry ,start doing something because there is no time .I too love the industry but i indulge myself in something else (cisco networking and web developing).GOD we see us through .

Thank you for your input. You have only stated the obvious, but failed to understand my message. Read through the body of my topic again.

gbegudujo:
You can get involved in Geophysical surveys, soil tests in some Sedimentary region and borehole drilling in Basement complex areas start small and move up the ladder. You can be your own Boss.

How do you get involve? Didn't you see where I wrote even if It is doing so for free to get hands-on-experience.

I know how much I have networked with people both online and offline to get into the arena without pay. All to no avail. It is because of this that I started this thread.

seankay:
I'm a Geoscientist but my dream is to be my own boss.

Your dreams are valid. Different strokes for different folks. If I may ask, in what specialisation are you looking at becoming this 'boss' of yours?

UncleSnr:
Talk true, you are doing a survey to know if they really got the job on merit or via nepotism and other corrupt vices.

This can't be true. To a large extent, recruitment by IOCs are highly competitive and most often time driven by merit. I just want to know how they got in.

Aside from Exxonmobil and Shell that advertise for entry level position for geoscientists, I hardly see other companies do same. So I want to know how other companies get people into the arena.

The aim of this thread is for established geologists/geophysicists working in the Oil Industry to tell story of how they got into the Oil Industry. I believe sharing your stories here will inspire someone to get into the Industry in no distant time.

I will also appreciate if you can give an insight into your qualification(s), the category your work place falls under - wether operator, regulator or servicing company.

Your advice to people looking at starting a career in the industry. How best to get in.

It will also be of immense value if you can post vacancies (permanent, contract, and internship) in your work place or sister companies.

I believe a lot of people here, including yours truly won't mind doing placement without pay to have hands-on-experience.

I am looking forward to the contributions from the great geoscientists here.

Cc Icon4s

pglt:


but the none of the credible people i know belong to the guarantor list they mentioned, which are a Member of National Assembly, Chairman of the LGA, First class traditional ruler or High Court. can i use any neutral person who's not any of these titles. then maybe before then, i try to find someone under these categories to get a letter form. but that means it would no longer match the details filled now during this application

You can use your professor or any of your lecturer's contact for the application purpose, while you get the required one for interview purpose.

kantylever:

Pls how many admission letter did you upload?

Apply with one admission - the one you have preference for most.

happystep:
how long does it take before nddc releases sponsorship letter. if the selection process last longer than september will the admission still be valid or can it be use next year
who knows the likely shortlisting,interview and departure schedule date for 2017/2018. if you have experience from last years please tell us.
what are the likely questions and selection interview protocols.
if your course needs ATAS Certificate when is the write time to go for it.

If what happened last year is to hold, the test and interview held in June and award rolled out late September. Time frame between test and oral interview is usually 1-2 weeks. Test result is known on the spot after submission. Your performance will tell if you will get the oral interview call. State and LGA counts as some state have more quota than other state.

On validity of admission - admission is valid for the session it is/was addressed to. You will have to defer admission to January or September of 2018 should in case NDDC gives late response. Some school/courses don't have January start.

On ATAS, you should/can apply as soon as you get the scholarship award.

DeniseKendricks:
Please is the format for the NDDC test MCQs or Theory?

MCQs - Multiple choice Questions.

cwokodaniel:

thanks alot for the advice, i have finally done it. Please anyone with past questions?

Like I told someone here offline, don't pay anyone for past question(s). NDDC test format changes from time to time. Just ensure you read your undergraduate course properly. Applicants in both category (MSc and PhD) write the same exam, for the same specialisation.

Hello all, I have read so many queries here wanting to know about size of document, and how best to upload them in order to get shortlisted for the test. Follow the 50kb size requirement as requested. Don't bother if it is not as big or bold as you'll want it.

To the best of my knowledge, almost everyone who applied will get the test invitation, as long as you fulfil application requirements. Usually, applicants don't show documents during the Computer Based Test, but ensure you have all your documents handy if you scale through to the oral interview. Possession of all required documents place you at a vantage point during the interview; especially NYSC certificate and admission letter. In short endeavour to have every required documents.

I will stop here for now. I will add up about the test and interview later.

Wishing every applicant success.

Kanyekels:


I hope not adding my personal statement now doesn't affect my chances of getting the admission in Coventry uni? I will add it later.

Personal statement, transcript and reference letter are the most important documents in graduate admission overseas. Don't take the chance. Craft one that will portray you as someone who is fit for the course you are applying to.

blueyuchay:
Hello All, please i just applied and I wasn't able to print my registration slip or even copy out my ref number because of network connection. Please what should I do? Cos am really worried right now.

Did it show registration successful?

dedutchess89:


.

That press release was in March. Only 32 out of the 200 scholars awarded in 2016 have been paid so far.

Ruthese:

I have applied to them
But no response up till now
Please can someone tell me how to get this admission letter
I really need this scholarship
Please someone should help
Ogidiruth@gmail.com

Send a remainder to the schools informing them of the deadline of NDDC.

dedutchess89:


Hello, please is state of origin certificate the same thing as local government identification letter ? I went to delta state liaison office in Lagos and that's where I got the state of origin certificate even though it has my local government and hometown typed on it, kindly clarify. Thanks

Yes. It is prefarable you get the one issued directly by your LGA.

Fifthcolumnist:


Have u even bothered to ask if the funds were released by the Fed govt before blaming laying blame on NDDC?

Did you read the part where it was stated that 32 out of the 200 scholars were paid early April 2017 when this issue was first brought to the media? If the money wasn't released, how on earth did they get the money with which those 32 scholars were paid? I will leave you to your thought at this point. Shalom.

Jiang:


Oga find a diner close to you & get work as a cleaner or dish washer. they pay per hour, just reach an agreement in which it wont affect ur studies. A friend of mine did dsame, & he makes twice the amount his old men sends him monthly

Do you think the money he will be paid from such job will be enough to pay tuition? I doubt if you read the story before airing your view.

Hiccups:
Nigeria Media the most corrupt for not reporting this news that NDDC won't pay 2015 and 2016 scholars, but will get envelopes from NDDC and report thrash. Thisday, Punch, Vanguard, etc. We're quick to report early March that NDDC has ordered payment of scholars. Till date none of them even care to report that NDDC has not paid any scholar till date

Main stream media houses in Nigeria are generally controlled by the money bags. Thank God for the advent of social media and blogging; the poor won't have had any medium to tell her story to the world in Nigeria.

I know NDDC will come up with a press statement soonest to cover for their negligence and ineptitude. I can only hope this thread will spur them to action to effect payment.

It is unfortunate that NDDC has decided to treat her future leaders this way. The MD in his twitter frenzy in March 2017, said all payments will be made within one week. A committee was even constituted by the MD to look into this ugly incident, but nothing has changed ever since. This is May, and only 32 scholars have been paid so far out of 200 scholars awarded.

I know NDDC will issue a press statement any moment from now to protect their face. It is riduculous to know that fellow Niger Deltans treat their own with much disdain and neglect. The insensitivity of the NDDC management is disheartening. I wonder if all the '4 R' agenda being preached by the Nsima Ekere led NDDC is for the the media or for the people.

NDDC needs to wake up to her responsibility. I will suggest NDDC adopt the PTDF approach of running their own scholarship since the NDDC style has subjected her scholars to untold hardship over the years.

With this attitude of the NDDC, I'm no longer in doubt that gentlemanism doesn't pay in the Niger Delta region. Militants can't and won't be subjected to this type of treatment. Which way NDDC?

Lalasticla, please help give this thread the necessary publicity it deserves. Eight months after award of scholarship, no payment.

Mydn44; Seun; Justwise; front page, please!

DeniseKendricks:
Birmingham

Birmingham is a great school. Part of the Russel group. It is just expensive as a poster above has said. Ensure you apply to any available scholarship in the university to augment NDDC scholarship when you get it.

Due to benchmark of NDDC sum, you need relatively cheap tuition school, except you have personal fund to cover for the shortfall if there will be any.

Emeritusseun:


the oracle has spoken!.....ahah
wehdon sir...how life boss

Bros, this hype is much. I'm still learning the trade. Thank you all the same.

DeniseKendricks:


oh no, my preffered admission is out, its just in my portal not in pdf format

What school is that? You can preview it on the said portal and convert to pdf.