Energy and utilities : Opportunities abroad

The energy and utility sector is a global industry with opportunities in various professional and technical disciplines available across the world, particularly in the oil and gas industry. A lot of the energy and utility firms working in the UK will also have sites and offices across the world.

What are the chances of getting a job overseas?

The most likely opportunities for working abroad can come from working for large multinational companies, where there may be opportunities to work on an overseas project or be based abroad. If this is a long term goal, then it would be useful to be able to speak a second language to help secure overseas opportunities.

The following countries rank amongst the largest producers and exporters of oil and natural gas, offering a range of opportunities:

• Saudi Arabia;
• Russia;
• United States;
• Iran;
• China;
• Mexico;
• Norway;
• United Arab Emirates.

New oil fields have been discovered in Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

Will my qualifications be recognised?

While there are no specific Europe-wide qualifications, UK qualifications and membership of the leading institutions are widely accepted and respected by organisations throughout the world.

While overseas companies tend to favour experienced graduates, many multinational organisations will readily take on more recently qualified graduates. For skilled, technical or managerial positions, educational background is something that potential employers will consider, with a degree in a related subject improving your chances of landing a higher paying job abroad.

Where are the opportunities?

There are offshore opportunities throughout the world in places such as Asia, Australia, Gulf of Mexico and western Africa.

The largest wind turbine producers are the USA, Germany, Denmark and Spain. The USA and Spain are leading the field in the construction of huge solar farms with projects running to 2014 and beyond.
 
Many countries remain active in developing nuclear power, including China, India, Japan and Pakistan. All are actively constructing new plants and developing thermal technology, offering further opportunities for international employment.