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How do I start in the oil & energy business?

Veteran

LETICIA MALDONADO San Antonio, TX

With no experience in this industry, it's hard to get a position in those companies. Most entry level positions are posted and gone quickly. Certifications are another issue. Most companies want people with certain certifications and I don't know what certs I am suppose to have before applying.

29 May 2019 3 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

Anthony Puente Hammond, IN

I work for BP at the Whiting, IN refinery. Most employees break in as operators or operations technicians. In order to become an operator technician, many companies now prefer either experience or a two year degree in some type of refinery operations course. In Indiana, I teach at a junior college called Ivy Tech and they offer a refining technology course where students earn a two year associates degree. Many of our students do get hired in the petrochemical industry, some with my company and some with other petroleum or chemical companies. Military people are disciplined and understand how to follow instructions and take orders. In addition, military folks know how to accept responsibility and provide leadership.

I see that you are located in Texas and thus, I'd look into some of the local colleges to see if they offer a refining operations course of some sort. This will put you on the road toward the petrochemical/energy industry.

Advisor

Jonathan Schneider Santa Fe, NM

Hi Letiticia,
While I might not have experience in the precise areas of the industry you are exploring, I’d be happy to have a conversation with you if you think this might be helpful and provide you some perspective and perhaps I can better understand your aspirations.
Best wishes,
Jon

Advisor

ACP AdvisorNet Staff New York, NY

Hi Letiticia,

Thank you for your service! ACP AdvisorNet has another tool that I think would be a great help to you as you explore the energy world.

In the “Community” tab, you can search for advisors who work in the “Science and Energy” industry by selecting that topic in the expertise section. Then you can search through the advisors and message them directly to connect for advice.

I hope that helps! Wishing you the best.

Best,
Megan

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