olabs201:
@xfire and others.. U people are doing a great job here. I prayed as u contribute one way or the other to the life of young Nigerian God will be ur guide in all ur doings.
Am a graduate of mechanical engineering from one the second generation university in the south west, with a 6month industrial trading in th oil and gas sector. But I love and passionate being a drilling engineer. Pls how can I accomplish it. Which professional training can be of benefit or do u advice to go for Msc. Am in the first done with the first stage of my service year. Thanks

What do you mean by you are in the first? How many stages does the NYSC scheme have? Do you mean you are done with the camp activities?
Anyway, certifications would hardly be of any help in realizing your dream to be a drilling engineer. There are some drilling certifications if you check online. There is even a drilling school in Aberdeen (I think, not sure of the location but it's somewhere in UK) but I am not sure how useful that will be for a Nigerian graduate.

Have it in mind first of all that ending up as a drilling engineer in Nigeria is more of luck than strategy for the following reasons:
(1) Most of the oil majors that hire young, fresh engineers do so via their standard recruitment programmes (e.g. Shell Recruitment Day) and now assign them different roles based on business needs. Though you may be asked to choose your preference, ultimately it is the firm that decides what you will be. They will train you to be what they want you to be.
(2) Same strategy is applicable in the major oil servicing companies like Baker Hughes and Schlumberger. Graduates are mostly recruited as outfield engineers but are then assigned roles based on their degrees, preferences and most importantly, company need.
(3) Drilling is a very capital intensive and specialised aspect of the oil and gas industry. Drilling is mainly important when you are exploring for oil or increasing production. Drilling activities have ebbed due to the low oil regime as most firms are no longer exploring but are instead holding on to current production levels. Thus, mamy drillers are lying idle and getting laid off, except maybe in US. In times of high oil prices, drillers are in hot demand.
(4) The smaller or marginal field operators would rather go for the experienced hires than waste time and money training new hires.

With the the above points in mind, here is how I think you can go about achieving your dream:
1. Apply for any drilling job vacancies you see online. I won't advise you to restrict your job search to drilling. As a matter of fact, apply to any oil and gas vacancy for graduates. If you end up in any of the majors, you can make know your preference for drilling. Do not despise the smaller oil firms too.
2. Consider furthering your studies abroad. Canada, US or the Middle East (S/Arabia in particular) will be good choices. You will most likely not see an MSc in drilling engineering. But you can go for petroleum engineering. With a BSc in mechanical engineering and an MSc in petroleum engineering, you are closer to drilling than you can ever think. US is one of the few countries that is still highly involved in drilling activities despite the low oil prices because of the breakthrough in fracking technology that relies heavily on drilling. So you may consider schooling and getting work permit over there. But like I said, there is no guarantee you will end up being a drilling engineer.
3. If you are lucky to get a drilling job even in a small firm, hold on to it and acquire at least 5 years experience before you consider going for a MSc. Drilling relies more on experience than degrees. With a drilling job at hand, you can enhance your skillls with short training courses and certifications.

IHate9ja1:

Thank you sir for the directions,I have concluded my findings.
The HUET is a 2 day training @ charkin group- N67500.
Both general H.SE and level 3 @ ispon would cost N70000.
God bless us.

what's the duration for HUET. i.e how long does it take this certificate to expire for renewal?
thanks

petengine:

what's the duration for HUET. i.e how long does it take this certificate to expire for renewal?
thanks

Its a 2days training,as for its validity period I can't say for now as am just in the process of do my own training.

petengine:

what's the duration for HUET. i.e how long does it take this certificate to expire for renewal?
thanks

4years!

IHate9ja1:
4years!

Thank u

Mr xfire , am so greatful for the reply may God continue to be with you and guide you in all ur doings. I found ur advice very useful and i will surely follow it.
pls i will like you to review my CV for me. I will be glad. thanks

Mr xfire , am so grateful for the reply may God continue to be with you and guide you in all ur doings. I found your advice very useful and i will surely follow it.
Please i will like you to review my CV for me. I will be glad. thanks

@xfire......please i want to know weather someone that studied Geography/Remote sensing can fit in an oil and gas sector?

pls guys, which of the ndt certification is more lucrative ? and where can I get a good training?

Good day Mr xfire, I'm a final year student of mechanical engineering in a Nigerian university. My dream is to get a job with one of the oil majors and due to this I'm planning on enrolling for an Msc in petroleum engineering in Canada. But due to the low oil price and not wanting to restrict myself to petroleum engineering in case oil price stay down for a very long time, will an Msc in engineering management be a choice with the aim of still landing an oil job. Thanks

petroleum eng all d way.......go heaven come back....... A pet eng..... Will always be the highest paying job in nigeria..... As far as nigeria is concerned...

ebyculate:
petroleum eng all d way.......go heaven come back....... A pet eng..... Will always be the highest paying job in nigeria..... As far as nigeria is concerned...

Wake up from the dream!

xfire:
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.

( 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

Good day Xfire. I really appreciate your work here. Please I have a personal career question I need to ask you concerning the. Oil and gas industry and I just sent you a pm. Its very urgent,thanks

Hello guys


Free NDT/Pipeline maintenance and inspection training for engineers and scientist please us send email containing your name,phone no and course of study to ndt4africa@gmail.com class of 20 only.

Call for your NDT training free for engineers and scientist send us mail to ndt4frica@gmail.com Hitechndt india in Partnership with NDT4AFRICA is an indigenous company specialized in training and certification in Non Destructive Testing (NDT) in Nigeria using the American Society of Non Destructive Testing (ASNT) standards in line with requirements of SNT-TC-1A 2011 EDITION. We would like to invite you to be a part of our training and certification in Port Harcourt.

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.

Wow! I am an industrial chemist. Can i PM you for help?

imag5:
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

Just saw this. Pls am a willing volunteer. 6months even without pay just undiluted experience on d job. Wd appreciate if u csn b of help or recommend places i cd get such opportunities. A mechanical and production engineering graduate.

I am fresh graduate of applied chemistry with strong 2:1 how can I break into oil and gas industry.? considering my age i'm 22 som 1 advice to go abroad and pursuit MSC in geoscience... pls I need more contributions

xfire:
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.

( 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

Hi Xfire,
Thanks for your great sharing! Do you have some evaluations on this current situation of oil industry, especially on recruitment?

hello all.
I'v learnt a lot from this thread.
But I also want to ask. Do electrical/electronics engineers get to be subsea engineers? and what exactly do they do?.
Many thanks as I expect your detailed responses.

What certification course, can a fresh graduate of civil engineering, partake in to increase his chances of being employed in the E n P sector of the oil industry

xfire:
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.

( 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

Kaycee625:
What certification course, can a fresh graduate of civil engineering, partake in to increase his chances of being employed in the E n P sector of the oil industry

Well....
First of all, I will strongly advise you to keep your options wide open and not restrict yourself to the oil industry.
The oil industry, especially in Nigeria is currently in a lull due to prevailing low oil prices (which many predict will last for quite a while), poor government funding and the renewed activities of ND militants. Thus, many oil firms are shedding redundant staff or aggressively looking for opportunities to minimize cost.
That being said, there are numerous opportunities for civil engineers particularly in the upstream industry. A civil engineer can work as a structural engineer (constructing/maintaining concrete and steel structures), environmental engineer, project engineer, etc. As a matter of fact, the basic requirement to work for an IOC is a good grade in any relevant engineering discipline. You can be deployed to work in any vacant engineering position. You will be trained on the job. I know civil engineers that ended up being drilling and even reservoir engineers.
For a fresh engineer, acquiring further degrees is usually preferable to certification. A Masters in structural, petroleum or environmental engineering will be good.
For certification, I will say go for Project Management or Safety (NEBOSH). In addition, try to join NSE as a graduate member.

xfire:

Well....
First of all, I will strongly advise you to keep your options wide open and not restrict yourself to the oil industry.
The oil industry, especially in Nigeria is currently in a lull due to prevailing low oil prices (which many predict will last for quite a while), poor government funding and the renewed activities of ND militants. Thus, many oil firms are shedding redundant staff or aggressively looking for opportunities to minimize cost.
That being said, there are numerous opportunities for civil engineers particularly in the upstream industry. A civil engineer can work as a structural engineer (constructing/maintaining concrete and steel structures), environmental engineer, project engineer, etc. As a matter of fact, the basic requirement to work for an IOC is a good grade in any relevant engineering discipline. You can be deployed to work in any vacant engineering position. You will be trained on the job. I know civil engineers that ended up being drilling and even reservoir engineers.
For a fresh engineer, acquiring further degrees is usually preferable to certification. A Masters in structural, petroleum or environmental engineering will be good.
For certification, I will say go for Project Management or Safety (NEBOSH). In addition, try to join NSE as a graduate member.

Thanks alot boss, for taking out time to reply, you are really one of a kind.
Currently am trying to apply for a suitable masters program, would have gone for the shell sponsored masters program in petroleum related courses, but unfortunately my cgpa is 3.98 and not up to 4.0, which is the minimum cgpa, required to apply for the scholarship program.
So i might probably settle for a master's in structural engineering, that way if the petroleum sector doesn't work out for me, i can manage with the construction industry. Thanks and God bless

Kaycee625:

Thanks alot boss, for taking out time to reply, you are really one of a kind.
Currently am trying to apply for a suitable masters program, would have gone for the shell sponsored masters program in petroleum related courses, but unfortunately my cgpa is 3.98 and not up to 4.0, which is the minimum cgpa, required to apply for the scholarship program.
So i might probably settle for a master's in structural engineering, that way if the petroleum sector doesn't work out for me, i can manage with the construction industry. Thanks and God bless

Good evening, please how did u apply for the shell sponsored masters program

IHate9ja1:

Its a 2days training,as for its validity period I can't say for now as am just in the process of do my own training.

please wat should one expect for interview test as a business analyst in Exxon mobil

[color=#000099][/color]

tilope1991:


please wat should one expect for interview test as a business analyst in Exxon mobil

ii have no idea

tilope1991:


please wat should one expect for interview test as a business analyst in Exxon mobil

Do you have an interview with ExxonMobil? It depends on the number of years of experience you have got. Exxon mainly uses tray exercises and personality kind of questions where you will apply the STAR technique.

Mixty:


Do you have an interview with ExxonMobil? It depends on the number of years of experience you have got. Exxon mainly uses tray exercises and personality kind of questions where you will apply the STAR technique.

Good morning sir please sir i cant get your email, i will need to chat with you
please my email titilope_olamide@yahoo.com

tilope1991:


Good morning sir please sir i cant get your email, i will need to chat with you
please my email titilope_olamide@yahoo.com

Mixty007@gmail.com

Good day gabbros an obsidians! I'm really pleased to have come across this forum, and I've carefully read each comment and reply.

I graduated with a B.Sc. in Geology (2:1) from University of Calabar. Right from my 100 level I've been very passionate about geology, to the extent that despite reading about all the challenges and difficulties coupled with the little I've experienced, I do not regret reading geology because I can't think of any course that would have made me love academics this much. I'm also a beneficiary of the NNPC/Chevron scholarship.
I'm very goal oriented and self motivated, trying not to give room for discouragements career wise because like I tell myself there's also a frustrated engineer, lawyer, and even a doctor somewhere, but it's DAMN tough not to be discouraged at some point and just go full time into business.

I'm 22 years of age, and I wouldn't say I've seen disappointments like real disappointments relating to this geology as a career but I think I've had a taste. I'm currently serving in Ogun (Ota) state (Batch A 2017, Stream 1). It all started when I got posted to Ogun, I needed a PPA at Sango Ota because I stay at Lagos, brothers and sisters I combed the whole local government including the industrial estate with no hope. The three major replies I get are:
1. We need people who studied engineering (Whenever I heard this, I wish they rather told me just go I don't like your face)
2. You have to know someone at the top to give you are recommendation (this almost killed my zeal to check keep going to copanies, but I'll keep on trying so far transport dey)
3. "Who do you want to see" by the gate-man, and if you don't know anyone, you may as well get lost already

I've finally gotten myself at a PPA where I go just twice a week (I spend the two days reading my sedimentology, stratigraphy and geophysics textbooks cause of idleness), and with the understanding of my boss, if I get an job or an internship I could come just once a week. This gives me 3 to 4 working days to add value to my life. I included this cause I believe I can still get help from someone in this forum.

I'm currently searching for an internship or any form of job related to geology just to gain experience or as a last option a job of any kind so I can saffe up money to write the IELTS exam. I've even gone begged to companies to take me as a volunteer worker, with no pay or stipend of any kind yet still, they bluntly refused saying there's no space for that.

Not withstanding, I'm still looking at the positive side. I'm also thinking critically about my future regarding M.Sc. which I would like to pursue immediately after my NSC God willing. I have 3 choices (Petroleum Geoscience, Applied Geophysics and Environmental Geology/Engineering which I'll expantiate on to enable everyone here to offer advice.

1. Petroleum Geoscience: Yes, it's lucrative, but if you were to look at my area of strength an pick a course for me you'll pick same. I find myself doing very well in courses like Stratigraphy, Sedimentology, Petroleum Geology, Applied Geophysics, Economic geology etc (if I don't get an A, it's a B). I'm naturally interested in this course, maybe the fact that it's lucrative makes it easier for me to understand.
Most times I try to think of a case where there would be shortage of petroleum geoscientist since many people are talked out of streamlining their careers to study pet geo. Remember that, despite the oil troubles companies are still searching for reserves using advanced technologies.

2. Applied Geophysics: This is like the safest option, because not only can you work in the oil industry, but also in other aspects like solid mineral exploration etc. You can even run your own company and search for contracts. BUT I love to be realistic, I have a B.Sc in geology, not geophysics, maths, engineering or physics. Schooling in Nigeria is bad enough, I don't trust my maths and physics so well, I last offerred Advanced Maths in 200L which I passed with strive. I have doubts that I'll be able to cope well if I go outside the country to study Geophysics. Even if I somehow struggle to pull through, this world is too competitive to travel out to study only to be average in what you do, you must excel in your chosen field). I've read forums which say it's easier for a engineer or mathematician to study for an M.Sc. in Geophysics than a geologist. Otherwise, I'll Take this option over Petroleum Geoscience.

3. Environmental Geology/Engineering: Everyone talks about how important environmental geology is and is becoming. Yes, but looking at it critically, are the positions for an environmental geologist not also limited? How many will an oil company employ? How many will other companies and federal ministries employ? Also, looking at the future, I see a situation where environmentalist would be far higher than the available jobs, like very high, can't predict how soon though.


Everyone should please feel free to let me know if I'm wrong, it may help another person too.

xfire:
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.

( 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

The least you can do is give credit to the original authors of this work.