Changing Careers ñ Making A Transfer Into A Profession In The Oil Industry

What if Ozzy Osbourne had never left his early profession as a morticianís assistant to pursue a career in the rock industry? If Alfred Hitchcock had continued his draughtsman apprenticeship famous films such as ìPsychoî would never have been made. Would Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon be a lawyer rather than ìLegally Blondeî if she had forgone her acting career for role in the court room? Or imagine that Johnny Cash had made the decision to continue his work decoding Russian communications for the Air Force, instead of picking up a guitar.

Far from solely the territory of celebrities, taking a leap of faith into the unknown when it comes to your career, can often prove the most rewarding of challenges. True to the nature of modern society changing your job at some point during your working life has become increasingly popular. If you were to enquire as to where someone started their career, it is highly likely that they will give an answer which is far removed from their current occupation. In a society where increased opportunities are available and diversifying your occupational field is encouraged, changing your job during your career path is almost inevitable.

Transferable skills are of key importance when considering a move into the oil and gas industry, as John Deas, UK Director with Aberdeen based Offshore Marine Services advises: ìThe oil and gas market presents an extremely attractive proposition for those looking to experience a change in career. Excellent rates combined with the prospect of significant career progression and enviable travel prospects are certainly appealing.

ìAs an international company the core activity of Offshore Marine Services is the recruitment and provision of experienced personnel to the offshore drilling and marine industries. Therefore understandably we are always keen to assist candidates with strong transferable skills who can adapt and apply their previous knowledge and abilities to a given job within the sector.

Over the last couple of decades a significant shift in attitude can be charted in terms of the number of people who enjoy a ìcareer for lifeî. Rather than seeing change as a negative force, both employees and employers are acknowledging that having a varied background of experience can prove hugely beneficial.

John continues: ìWe are undoubtedly seeing people of any age from a broad range of sectors including farming, fishing, mechanics, manufacturing, building, and the armed forces, choosing to make that step into the oil and gas market.î

John offers his tips on the main factors to remember when looking to diversify into a career in the oil and gas industry:

Think laterally!
Never underestimate yourself and your abilities. It is vital when you are thinking of undertaking a new career that you look at your CV with an open mind. The oil and gas industry is broad with a diverse range of occupational fields which each require a different set of skills. Being critical of your past experience and understanding how some of the skills you have gained in previous employment can be applicable to a new role, is the crucial starting point.

Broaden your horizons
Itís important to think outside of the box when you are looking at starting a profession within the oil and gas market. Very often it is easy to have a stereotypical idea of what a job will be like before fully researching the relevant information. From electricians and roustabouts to machine operators and section managers, there are an array of possible avenues and it is therefore essential that you find out as much background information as possible to allow you to make the correct decision.

Training
New entrants to the sector may require comprehensive training to supplement the skills and experience gained onshore. This will often involve a combination of classroom and practical learning to ensure candidates are provided with the fundamental knowledge to allow them to undertake their new offshore career. Indeed, ongoing training and development is part and parcel of the offshore life. If you have spent some time away from education returning to training and being faced with the concept of learning can prove difficult. Often people can feel that they are taking a step back on the career ladder, and sometimes this can be the case. However, it is important to remember that putting in the groundwork in terms of learning, and tackling the challenge of learning new skills head on, may reap huge rewards in the future.

Confidence is key
The idea of learning an entirely new occupation from scratch can be an extremely daunting prospect. During training there is a definite period of adapting, and it is highly likely that there will be many hurdles which need to be overcome. It is crucial not to feel overwhelmed by this and maintain a focus as to why you chose to pursue this career change in the first place. Remaining resolute in your decision is vital.

The right attitude
In a work environment having the right attitude often counts above all else. Showing enthusiasm, a willingness to work safely as a team player, and dedication in facing new challenges are strong qualities for a candidate to display and these merits can mark the difference between staying on the bottom rung of the ladder and making swift career progression.

Look to the future
Once you have made that initial step, a career in the oil and gas industry can prove extremely prosperous for those willing to display diligence, enthusiasm and a positive work ethic. The opportunities for development and career progression are near limitless and there is very often the chance to move between individual sectors of the industry.

The Offshore Marine Services group offers a global solution to the industry's manning and marine requirements. Core activities are the worldwide recruitment and supply of competent personnel to the offshore drilling and marine industries, this includes offshore support vessel crewing, manning and management. The company also owns and operates its own fleet of offshore supply and FPSO off-take vessels.