Is Oil & Gas Production a Good Career Path?
Oil and gas production is a specialized field that requires a vast knowledge of drilling, engineering and operation processes when extracting hydrocarbons. With the uprising global demand of energy, the employment opportunities and salaries associated with this profession are increasing.
The Advantages
One of the most attractive features of this field is that career growth is almost guaranteed. The higher the level of responsibility, the better and higher paying the job. Here are a few of the advantages associated with oil and gas production jobs.
- Opportunities for advancement: This field offers great multiplier job roles and positions with built in bonuses for those who stay in it for a long time. These positions can lead to management roles, overseeing large production sites.
- High Salaries: The high demand for experts in this industry translates to higher salaries compared to other fields. As a result, those working in the industry can enjoy an above-average salary and standard of living.
- Global Mobility: Working in oil and gas production presents the opportunity to travel and work worldwide. Positions can take workers to different countries so they can gain valuable experience working in areas with different laws, cultures, and processes.
- Varied Job Roles: The industry has a wide range of disciplines and job roles available, meaning workers can develop skills in areas including engineering, monitoring, drilling, and other specializations.
The Challenges
The oil and gas industry can be unpredictable and the job roles are ever-changing thanks to the wave of transformation in the sector. With advancements in technology, the industry is now more highly regulated. Here are a few of the potential disadvantages associated with it.
- Morale: It can be difficult to maintain positive morale in this field due to the hard work and long hours associated with it. Also, depending on the company, the work environment may be less than satisfactory.
- High Pressure Environment: This profession has a steep learning curve, as workers need to stay updated on the newest industry developments. As with any highly regulated industry, the costs associated with errors can be hefty and can cause financial turmoil.
- Safety Risks: Working in this field brings along with it the inherent risk of environmental damage due to the harmful material the process might release. In areas such as fracking, workers may also be exposed to hazardous conditions.
Conclusion
All in all, oil and gas production is a great career field that offers considerable benefits, including steady salary increases and possible career expansion. However, it can also be accompanied by potential risks and challenges that must be considered. With the right set of skills and protection, workers in this field can enjoy a prosperous and rewarding career.
