From the Battlefield to the Oilfield®: Careers for Veterans in the Oil & Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry is a global powerhouse employing hundreds of thousands worldwide, as well as generating hundreds of billions of dollars globally each year. While the oil and gas industry is always changing, a career in the industry is steady, since the need for oil is always present across a variety of industries. Oil is not just used in automobiles and airplanes, but in everyday items, such as plastic, cleaning supplies, medical supplies, and even clothing and cosmetics which contain oil compounds.

Because of the technical knowledge and intangible skills gained in the military, a career in oil and gas is a natural transition for veterans. “There are a lot of similarities between the military and the oil and gas industry,” explained Steve Casey, Vice President of Client Solutions at Orion Talent in a recent podcast. “Managers in this industry today are looking for disciplined, hard working, reliable, get-your-hands-dirty, technically capable, and trainable people who want to learn and grow. They’re looking for people who have no problem working in the field and handling tougher environments, and who don’t want to sit inside of an office all day,” he said.

There are many benefits to a career in the oil and gas industry. Compensation is historically higher than most other industries, with entry level Operator positions earning $70K-$80K+ in the first year, and Engineers earning well over $100K. There are also many opportunities for promotion and growth, with the option to move around all over the U.S. and internationally.

In addition to compensation, the oil and gas industry allows its employees the opportunity to work with some of the most advanced technology available today. “Many candidates don’t realize how high-tech the oil and gas industry is. Whenever I tour one of the facilities I am amazed by the technology,” said Casey.

Listen to the podcast to learn more

Earlier this month, Orion hosted a live #OrionChat on our Twitter with Schlumberger about veterans in the oil and gas industry. Steve Casey and Lee Temple, Sales Manager at Schlumberger, joined the chat to discuss opportunities for veterans in the oil and gas industry, how a military background can translate into a career in this industry, and many more. “We (Schlumberger) have seen many advantages that veterans have brought to our business. From a very personal perspective, I know for a fact that veterans have saved more than one life in my chain of command structure based on the medical training they brought to the job,” said Temple during the chat. Read the full #OrionChat here.

Search for jobs in Oil & Gas Industry Here.

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