After politicians in Nigeria, oil company workers are the next “big men.” Nigeria is globally renowned as one of the world’s highest oil producers, so this isn’t news. Consequently, working in an oil company is the dream of many Nigerians.
In this post, you’ll find tips on how to get a job in an oil company in Nigeria (it may be easier than you think).
1. Highlight Your Current Skills
Switching to the oil and gas industry doesn’t mean you have to give up your current skills. A wide variety of oil and gas jobs are available for engineers at all levels, from welding engineers for pipeline construction to talent acquisition managers for oil refinery turnarounds.
You can apply skills acquired in one field to another. Highlight your current skills to see if you can use them in your prospective job. In addition, be open to learning new things.
2. Know The Type of Job You Want
There is more to the petroleum industry than working on offshore rigs and drilling platforms. From initial concept development to project decommissioning and product refinement, the oil and gas industry requires a wide range of specialized skill sets.
Generally, oil companies all over Nigeria compete for the best personnel to staff their projects. You might be the perfect candidate to cover their skills gap if you apply for the right job.
3. Study Engineering (If You Still Have The Time)
Engineers, especially petroleum engineers, have a better chance of getting jobs in the oil industry. Therefore, study engineering if you can. There’s no problem if you’re already a graduate school or in-too-far as an undergraduate in a different course.
You may get a taste of working in the oil and gas industry by joining one of the many apprenticeship programs offered by companies like Shell, Chevron, BP, ExxonMobil, and Total. You don’t need to freak out if you didn’t take science, technology, engineering, and math classes in school. You can still grasp it.
4. Be Sure an Oil Company Job Is What You Want
Jobs in the offshore and oilfield sectors are dynamic, with their associated technical requirements evolving. As a career, it can take you to different countries and provide you with a never-ending series of technical problems to tackle. If you’re interested in seeing the world, oil and gas engineering is a great field to enter.
The oil and gas business does not disappoint when it comes to variety. You can pick from several specializations; you have the option of taking on either a contract or a permanent job. Potential earnings and perks from employment can be very high.
However, you must know the difficulties inherent in working as an engineer. Sometimes, you may go on contract outside the country. Being away from loved ones for extended periods, putting in long hours, juggling multiple projects at once, and adapting your schedule frequently can be challenging.
You need to be willing to put in the time and effort required to succeed in the field and obtain the experience necessary to advance your career; in return, you will get rewards with a challenging and rewarding position and a promising future.
5. Have A Good CV And Network
Every application is different, so each CV needs to be too. Having a good CV increases your chances of landing any job. Importantly, you should list your contact information, relevant skills and expertise, and a reverse chronological work and education history.
After finalizing your CV, it’s time to start making connections with people working in the oil and gas business, such as recruiters, talent acquisition managers, and active oil and gas engineers.
Keep up with industry news and influential figures; polish your profile; network actively; network on social media, especially LinkedIn, and gain a deeper understanding of the market.
6. Lookup Jobs Online
It’s not impossible to find oil company jobs online if you refine your search based on criteria such as location, amount of experience, desired compensation, and more. There are many oil companies in Nigeria, after all. You might have a higher chance of getting hired if you apply to jobs with independent contractors or smaller businesses. You can also attempt to contact the company by phone or email to show your interest in the position.
7. Be Certified
If you’re unaware, oil companies highly value certifications. Gaining professional qualifications might help you stand out to prospective employers and improve your chances of landing a job. You may become certified in oil rig work from the comfort of your home via online training programs. Employees with credentials such as the NEBOSH certificate, for example, demonstrate that they understand how to maintain a safe work environment in the oil and gas industry.
8. Undertake Training
Acquiring the necessary skills and experience through training will improve your employment prospects in the oil business. Possibly, you could work an entry-level job and pursue higher education simultaneously through online programs. Apprenticeships and internships can also be excellent ways to get experience in a field of interest. It’s possible that participating in such events might help you network with other professionals in your industry. Many people in the oil industry find work through personal connections.
In Conclusion
You have a higher chance of landing a job in the oil industry in Nigeria if you studied a related course, like Engineering. If you did not, you can still undertake training and earn relevant certifications and qualifications.