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job vacancies in natural resources and the environment How to find a job?There is a constant demand for high-quality graduate applicants across the industries for the foreseeable future. A wide range of technical, commercial and support opportunities are available. Most employers have comprehensive graduate recruitment web pages containing a wealth of information about graduate opportunities. Employers visit universities to give presentations and attend careers fairs. Oil companies generally recruit internationally, so UK graduates are often in competition with those from the US and Europe. To find details of companies working in the North Sea, from engineering to specialist diving and drilling, see the Energy Institute website. Oil and Gas UK has a list of companies licensed by the government to explore for and produce oil and gas in UK waters. Ads by Google Most graduate training schemes are advertised during the autumn term for the following September start. In order to succeed and compete well, good preparation is essential for effective applications and job interviews. Find out more about applications, CVs and interviews. What skills do I need?This is a constantly changing sector shaped by advancements in working practices and technology. Flexibility and adaptability are essential, in addition to high levels of mathematical, scientific and technological skills. Health and safety awareness is desirable, although training is normally provided. This may be developed during work experience placements. Employers look for graduates who can manage technical challenges and work well in teams. Candidates need to demonstrate strong verbal and written communication, presentation skills, IT skills, analytical and problem solving skills. These skills can be developed throughout your studies and extracurricular activities. Where can I find work experience?A number of organisations now offer summer courses, one-year industry schemes and summer internships, enabling undergraduates to obtain a real insight into an industry that places high demands on its workers. - BP offers a range of opportunities, including eight to 13-week summer placements for penultimate-year students in technical and non-technical areas. They also offer industry internships, which last from 13 weeks to a year in technical and commercial areas. These start in July and applications are made online.
- ExxonMobil run one-year industrial placements in technical, commercial and public affairs roles starting in July, in addition to eight-week summer placements in technical and commercial roles for penultimate-year students. International opportunities for students may be found on the Global Careers website.
- National Grid Transco runs a one-year placement scheme in engineering, commerce, finance, IT, logistics, communications, and health and safety. They also run eight-week paid internships during the summer for students studying at partner universities.
- Shell offers internships for penultimate-year students, from eight weeks to a year, in technical and commercial areas.
- Schlumberger operates placements of three to six months in oilfield engineering, a visiting a variety of well sites as part of a crew, engineering, research and other areas.
- British Energy offers one-year industrial placements.
For environmental and related careers, StudentForce for Sustainability manage a graduate placement scheme across the UK, and the Environment Agency (EA) invites speculative applications to local offices. Also see the Environmental Placements and Internships information sheet at Environmental Careers. Apart from advertised work experience programmes and placements, work experience may be found by making direct speculative approaches and using contacts, alumni associations and past students. See the section on work experience for more information. Is postgraduate study useful?A postgraduate qualification is useful for technical roles, unless you are already studying for a 4-year MEng course, for example. This is partially because university education lasts longer outside the UK, and because higher degrees are the normal entry point to this career. Research postgraduate courses carefully. Check how many students obtain jobs at the end of the course. If the number is low, practical experience may be better. How can my career develop?Once you have found a job, most companies offer on-the-job training. Engineers are likely to pursue chartered status, and if you work in a commercial role you may be encouraged to gain relevant professional qualifications (e.g. accountancy, human resources). Continuing professional development (CPD) is crucial in such a fast-changing industry. For example, a learning log has been created by Cogent: The Sector Skills Council for Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Nuclear, Oil and Gas, Petroleum and Polymers so employees may take responsibility for managing their own career and personal development. |
