The oil and gas industry is undoubtedly a sector every fresh graduate desires to get into. Even people who are employed in other sectors keep jostling for the few opportunities in the oil and gas sector. The reason for the stiff competition is not far-fetched. Everybody desires to be a partaker of the enormous benefits that comes with working in this sector.  From the numerous allowances, travels, networks and bogus financial rewards. This is indeed the happening industry in Nigeria.

Fresh graduates are often caught in the web of uncertainty when it comes to their chances of getting a foot in this global industry. This trend has been chiefly due to their inexperience. Given the level of experience needed in this sector it becomes somewhat difficult for fresh graduates to get jobs. Many don’t really know how to go about acquiring the experiences required by these companies.

Be that as it may, it is still very possible for fresh graduates to get their desired jobs in the industry in spite of the skill gab. In my interaction with HR mangers and to leaders of various companies I found out that the following things can guarantee fresh graduates a place

PRIORITIZE YOUR GRADUATION FROM THE OUTSET: If you know that you will be a graduate with interest in the oil and gas industry, it is important that you make your graduation a priority. For instance, there are specific entry requirements into most companies. Some insist that fresh graduates must possess the minimum of a second class upper degree, some want a first class. It is good that you understand the graduation and prerequisite requirements of the industry you desire to get into.

GET SKILLED: The oil and gas industry is a skill based industry. There are skills which the industry welcomes. According to a study by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) sponsored by BP – British oil giant, there have been 11 most valued skills for oil field workers. The results came from 773 oil and gas professionals in 24 countries.

As such, skills rated very important for successful careers in oil and gas industry by highest percentage of respondents are:

1. Ability to learn (69%)
2. Teamwork (61%)
3. Communication (60%)
4. Work ethic (58%)
5. Technical skills (57%)
6. Knowledge (53%)
7. Analytical skills (53%)
8. Initiative (49%)
9. Flexibility (41%)
10. Computer skills (34%)
11. Writing skills (26%)

Fresh graduates who desire to get into the industry must identify on time how and where to acquire some of these skills. Once you have the required skills the employment doors are open for you.

SEARCH FOR OPPORTUNITIES IN THE INDUSTRY: Do your own research to know about openings in the industry. Oilcareers.com is a global online platform that profiles different openings in various companies of the world in the oil and gas industry. There are other job sites like jobgurus, hotnigerianjobs.com, jobberman.com among others. It is also good to pay a visit to company websites as most companies advertise their openings on their website.

SET UP AND OPTIMIZE YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE:  LinkedIn is not just like any other social media platform. It is a professional network where you can connect and network with top leaders in the industry. It is important that you profile yourself professionally on LinkedIn. There are HR personnel from various firms who are looking out for fresh graduates to hire. You can start by talking about your seminars, field work, an excursion you attended, down to your final year projects. Some industry leaders might be interested in the recommendations from your project especially if it applies to their work.

ATTEND INDUSTRY EVENTS AND NETWORK: Fresh graduates get a chance to boost their career through effective networking and relationship building. You get a chance to meet industry leaders in seminars, Conferences, dinner, exhibitions, panel discussions, luncheons, and award nights among others. Such gatherings are always a privilege for you to pitch your idea, skills and competencies with a view to getting other appointments. Show some level of passion when you meet professionals in the industry. Go with your CV to such event because there might be instant openings.

GO FOR INTERNSHIPS: Some oil and gas firms may not have openings for full time roles. Internships are the best way to get into such firms. Besides, it is easier to transit from an intern to a full time member of staff than to come in straight away. Internships give you the opportunity to understand the industry better, build networks and get noticed. Many companies make provisions for interns. One of the best ways to get into those firms is to apply as an intern.

POLISH YOUR CV: A CV is a sales letter and a pitch. This is where most fresh graduates make the mistake. They don’t know how to sell themselves in their CV. The curriculum vitae is often the singular documents that gives you an opportunity to get to meet with the recruiter. Take time and write a good one. Hire a professional to help you with it if need be. There are also online platforms that can help with that. Endeavour to capture every skill and experience that will make you the preferred candidate. Sometimes all the recruiter wants to see on your CV is the fact that you were part of some volunteer group even as a student.

ACE THE INTERVIEW: Be on your mettle when you are invited for an interview. You don’t want to go unprepared. The oil and gas industry is a global industry that has ubiquitous standards. Do your research well. Know what the company is into and understand the nature of their engagements. Find out about their vision, mission and HR policies. You may be tested for both psychological, culture compliance and other aptitudes. Go prepared. Online platforms like glassdoor.com provide insights into job interviews.