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Who is responsible for getting oil out of the ground? Who decides where to build a new refinery? Who has the rewarding task of developing new, cleaner fuels? And who has the headache of making sure petrol stations and petrochemical plants get the right supplies to the right place at the right time?
The answer is: 'people like you and me'. Whatever subjects you are studying at school, you too could be part of the global and dynamic force that is the oil industry. There are careers in most branches of engineering, science, commerce and information technology. Locations throughout the world vary from city offices and high-tech laboratories to offshore platforms, deserts, the Arctic and the tropics. It's difficult to generalise about such a wide industry with such a wide variety of openings, but it's true to say that a 'frontier spirit' of innovation and discovery runs throughout it!
The activities of the oil industry can be roughly split into six main areas, each with a variety of career openings:
Most opportunities are for those who have studied engineering or sciences and can be found in four main groups of companies:
I've been building computer models of reservoirs to decide where to site wells for optimum recovery, and to predict their behaviour. Now I'm getting packed for a move to Oman - quite a cultural and climatic change from Aberdeen!
Reservoir Engineer (Exploration)
My main objective is to ensure the refinery units run at maximum profitability. It's a 24-hour-a-day operation, and problems can occur at any time. I frequently have to think on my feet.
Process Engineer (Refining and manufacturing)
I'm concerned mainly with ensuring that loading operations run smoothly and safely. With over 30 company drivers on any shift, and that number again picking up for other companies, it can be an awesome undertaking.
Shift Supervisor (Marketing and distribution)
They like you to have a fresh perspective - you're there to question. As well as basic research using molecular modelling, I'm working on fuel cold flow additives and I provide research support for our patents department.
Chemist (Research and development)
I'm now running a group of five accountants working on monthly profitability. You gain a tremendously broad base of knowledge. Our group has an overview of the entire business - retail, industrial and wholesale, supply, refining and lubricants.
Accountant (Commercial services)
| Openings for graduates are advertised through university careers services or the national press, whilst craft-level, technician-level and support staff vacancies will be advertised through Job Centres and local newspapers. |
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