Project engineering in oil and gas
Discussion
Hello all,
Currently a project engineer working in the Nuclear sector (1.5 years in the industry at the moment), I have been looking at Oil and Gas project engineer roles but they all seem to want a crazy amount of experience, which of course they are completely entitled to ask for.
Just wondered if there are any project engineers here on the forum and how they got into it. If it makes any difference I have a physics degree and most adverts want a construction/engineering degree...so am I chasing a total lost cause??
Currently a project engineer working in the Nuclear sector (1.5 years in the industry at the moment), I have been looking at Oil and Gas project engineer roles but they all seem to want a crazy amount of experience, which of course they are completely entitled to ask for.
Just wondered if there are any project engineers here on the forum and how they got into it. If it makes any difference I have a physics degree and most adverts want a construction/engineering degree...so am I chasing a total lost cause??
In oil & gas there are project engineers & project engineers. Different companies use the title for what are effectively completely different jobs. Understanding this will help you focus your job search. In some companies it is a relatively senior role in others it's more junior. For most operating companies it is relatively senior. In the contractors it varies. At KBR or Foster Wheeler, it is relatively junior. At Fluor somewhere between, at Bechtel relatively senior.
As said above, all depends on what sector within oil and gas you want to work, and what your experience is (background), I know the company I work for are seeking Project engineers, but our previous engineers Generally have a background within the sector, Electrical, mechanical, and fabrication ( We build Offshore Structures for the Oil and Gas / Renewable sector)
A degree in the relevant subject area is a must, unless you have masses of previous experience in the area you want to work in
A degree in the relevant subject area is a must, unless you have masses of previous experience in the area you want to work in
I'm a project engineer for an oil company - have done similar for some of the big contractors too (KBR / Foster Wheeler etc)
Basically you need a good discipline background - process / mechanical etc - so you have at least a vague clue what at least some of the guys are doing some of the time!!
I did 6/7 years mech eng and then sort of gradually moved across into this.
Experience wise all job adds in oil and gas want a trillion years experience, from the age profile of the industry they used to be able to get it - but as more people retire / die then its becoming more of an ask........ that said 1.5 years isn't really going to get you very far i'm afraid - i'm presuming 1.5 years out of university? If I were you i'd focus on getting into a contractor at the discipline level, doing a few years updating datasheets and generally being as useful as possible and learning as much as you can.......
Basically you need a good discipline background - process / mechanical etc - so you have at least a vague clue what at least some of the guys are doing some of the time!!
I did 6/7 years mech eng and then sort of gradually moved across into this.
Experience wise all job adds in oil and gas want a trillion years experience, from the age profile of the industry they used to be able to get it - but as more people retire / die then its becoming more of an ask........ that said 1.5 years isn't really going to get you very far i'm afraid - i'm presuming 1.5 years out of university? If I were you i'd focus on getting into a contractor at the discipline level, doing a few years updating datasheets and generally being as useful as possible and learning as much as you can.......
doogz said:
If you need to ask someone to do something for you that you not only can't do yourself, but you don't even understand you're more than likely not their boss.
I haven't got a clue what most of the people working for me do. I tend to find shouting & swearing more than makes up for a lack of knowledge 
doogz said:
If you need to ask someone to do something for you that you not only can't do yourself, but you don't even understand you're more than likely not their boss.
Nonsense (across the board, but especially in oil and gas where lots of experts will be working together with no real idea of how the others are doing their job - look at the crew on a rig during drilling - a geologist will have no idea how to make up cement and the cementer will have no idea how to drive an ROV and the ROV operator won't know what an LWD tool does...)When I was working offshore I knew loads of stuff about what I did that a company man wouldn't understand, but he would most certainly be the boss.
Are you saying the CEO of BP should know more about a speciallist in a specific subject area?
I agree with above that the PE in O&G can mean a lot of things. At my place they are geared more towards a project management side of things and are quite senior. Where my GF works they are recruited as PEs straight out of uni and do a lot more engineery stuff.
Project Eng does mean a lot of things throughout the industry and, as has been said, Project Engineer in a typical facilities development project environment will be expected to be a time served discipline engineer that understands the natural order of precedence of deliverables through the typical project stages. e.g. heat and material balance, process flow diagrams equipment list, hydraulics calcs, P&IDs etc, etc. And also the pre-cursor and successor activities that each discipline is responsible for at what times and what level of maturity and definition they should be at. You only get that knowledge by turning over a few projects at different experience levels as a discipline engineer and then moving into a project engineers role.
The crux of this though is the end game - what is it you want to be/do? Then map how to get there. Project engineer can be a fast road to senior project management. It can more easily be a career cul-de-sac for someone who never quite cut it as a discipline engineer and will never make PM. Plenty of those around I can tell you. The upside is that even then you can earn a good screw.
Tell us where you want to go and what area of oil and gas you think you like and why - then we might be able to give you a more informed steer.
The crux of this though is the end game - what is it you want to be/do? Then map how to get there. Project engineer can be a fast road to senior project management. It can more easily be a career cul-de-sac for someone who never quite cut it as a discipline engineer and will never make PM. Plenty of those around I can tell you. The upside is that even then you can earn a good screw.
Tell us where you want to go and what area of oil and gas you think you like and why - then we might be able to give you a more informed steer.
Edited by Olf on Thursday 3rd January 23:38
See this is the issue I believe. What is the end game?? I am not entirely sure, I know that with the small time I have spent doing some engineering I would like to go bigger and work on bigger projects/ bigger machines/bigger processes…but there seems to be so much variation of things in the oil and gas sectors and with my experience I struggle to see what roles of any kind I could begin to get my teeth into.
Where I am a project engineer is the bottom rung basically (which I think has gotten me rather confused when looking at other roles), I act as a junior project manager more than not and basically do a bit of everything project management wise (and I mean pretty much everything from design through to delivery as well as accounting, export, imports and everything else you can think of), a kind of jack of all trades but master of none (apart from purchasing for which I have built up a supplier network for the company which I am a little proud of ) .
Thanks everyone with the help I am just feeling a little lost of how to progress myself and career.
Where I am a project engineer is the bottom rung basically (which I think has gotten me rather confused when looking at other roles), I act as a junior project manager more than not and basically do a bit of everything project management wise (and I mean pretty much everything from design through to delivery as well as accounting, export, imports and everything else you can think of), a kind of jack of all trades but master of none (apart from purchasing for which I have built up a supplier network for the company which I am a little proud of ) .
Thanks everyone with the help I am just feeling a little lost of how to progress myself and career.
Hello All,
I am a long time lurker but posting for the first time on here so go easy
. I've been following the employment threads for some time now and have found the advice here very valuable. I understand this is an old thread but felt appropriate to resurrect it.
To give you all a bit of info on myself, I am a 30 year old mechanical project engineer and have got a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. I have got over 6 years industrial experience of working as a mechanical project engineer. My first job was a CAPEX project engineer on a big cement site with a huge player in the cement market. Due to the recession in 2008, the site was mothballed but the company retained me and created a position for me on another site of theirs. However, due to the uncertainty in the construction industry and reduction in the capital budget, I started looking elsewhere and was once again lucky to find another job in the same capacity with a big food manufacturer. This is when I first made my transition from cement/construction industry into food/FMCG- completely different sector but I made it and I would like to think I have done well so far.
Without going too much into technical details of my job, my duties include everything from carrying out the conceptual design to project handover to the internal client. I have managed numerous mechanical, civil and structural installations, all with electrical and control elements, on which I was supported by the electrical engineers. I am aware of CDM, ATEX/DSEAR, LOLER, PUWER, PED (basic understanding) regs and have got experience of installing kit in explosive/hazardous environments. I also have experience of HAZOP studies and design risk assessments. There is lot more to add here but I don’t want to bore you all with it. One thing I might add is that due to the nature of my job I don’t do great deal of detail design. That is generally left out for the contractor as part of the design stage. However, I am good with AutoCAD LT if needed, and also did extensive 3D modelling on Pro-E and Solid Edge at university level.
Fast forward three years and things have been going pretty well, and except for the pay (31k + bonus), there aren't many things to complain about and generally it’s good company to work for. I would have been happy with the things if I didn't have a big(ish) student loan to pay off for going to university twice, and that I hadn’t come across this forum discussing the rewards of working in O&G sector !!
The question that remains to be answered is how to get that elusive “foot in the O&G door”? Going by couple of posts above, people with mechanical background have made the transition before, and given my background along with the formal qualifications I haven’t given up the hope yet. I am fully confident that I’ll come up to speed very quickly as my understanding of project engineering and management is strong, and I have already moved from one industry to another before. I am also fully flexible on relocating to the most remote of the country for a break! I am not mad about big money at this stage and quite happy to be onshore.
I was also at the job fair at Aberdeen couple of weeks ago (all the way from south of England!) though not much came out it. I have been contacted by couple of recruitment agents as well, but again it’s gone all quiet. I am on oilandgasjobsearch.com and oilcareers.com on pretty much hourly basis and have registered my CV so I think I am doing all I can. My next step is to send a speculative CV to an O&G related company where I know a project engineer has left for greener pastures.
If you’re still reading then many thanks, but can anyone from O&G please suggest what else I can do or if anyone has got any contacts that can help me get in? It’s quite frustrating when you hear about oil sector and industries around it complaining about skills shortage and yet be so reluctant to give qualified competent people a chance. I know it’s not going to be easy but I want to keep trying until I get through.
Cheers
PJGXSR
I am a long time lurker but posting for the first time on here so go easy
. I've been following the employment threads for some time now and have found the advice here very valuable. I understand this is an old thread but felt appropriate to resurrect it.To give you all a bit of info on myself, I am a 30 year old mechanical project engineer and have got a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. I have got over 6 years industrial experience of working as a mechanical project engineer. My first job was a CAPEX project engineer on a big cement site with a huge player in the cement market. Due to the recession in 2008, the site was mothballed but the company retained me and created a position for me on another site of theirs. However, due to the uncertainty in the construction industry and reduction in the capital budget, I started looking elsewhere and was once again lucky to find another job in the same capacity with a big food manufacturer. This is when I first made my transition from cement/construction industry into food/FMCG- completely different sector but I made it and I would like to think I have done well so far.
Without going too much into technical details of my job, my duties include everything from carrying out the conceptual design to project handover to the internal client. I have managed numerous mechanical, civil and structural installations, all with electrical and control elements, on which I was supported by the electrical engineers. I am aware of CDM, ATEX/DSEAR, LOLER, PUWER, PED (basic understanding) regs and have got experience of installing kit in explosive/hazardous environments. I also have experience of HAZOP studies and design risk assessments. There is lot more to add here but I don’t want to bore you all with it. One thing I might add is that due to the nature of my job I don’t do great deal of detail design. That is generally left out for the contractor as part of the design stage. However, I am good with AutoCAD LT if needed, and also did extensive 3D modelling on Pro-E and Solid Edge at university level.
Fast forward three years and things have been going pretty well, and except for the pay (31k + bonus), there aren't many things to complain about and generally it’s good company to work for. I would have been happy with the things if I didn't have a big(ish) student loan to pay off for going to university twice, and that I hadn’t come across this forum discussing the rewards of working in O&G sector
!!The question that remains to be answered is how to get that elusive “foot in the O&G door”? Going by couple of posts above, people with mechanical background have made the transition before, and given my background along with the formal qualifications I haven’t given up the hope yet. I am fully confident that I’ll come up to speed very quickly as my understanding of project engineering and management is strong, and I have already moved from one industry to another before. I am also fully flexible on relocating to the most remote of the country for a break! I am not mad about big money at this stage and quite happy to be onshore.
I was also at the job fair at Aberdeen couple of weeks ago (all the way from south of England!) though not much came out it. I have been contacted by couple of recruitment agents as well, but again it’s gone all quiet. I am on oilandgasjobsearch.com and oilcareers.com on pretty much hourly basis and have registered my CV so I think I am doing all I can. My next step is to send a speculative CV to an O&G related company where I know a project engineer has left for greener pastures.
If you’re still reading then many thanks, but can anyone from O&G please suggest what else I can do or if anyone has got any contacts that can help me get in? It’s quite frustrating when you hear about oil sector and industries around it complaining about skills shortage and yet be so reluctant to give qualified competent people a chance. I know it’s not going to be easy but I want to keep trying until I get through.
Cheers
PJGXSR
Edited by PJGSXR on Monday 20th May 22:29
PJGXSR, I too are on those websites and havnt got anything from them apart from speculative interest in a possible existing pipeline project.
Whereas you have the qualifications i dont to speak of but i have 25 years experience with the mil in downstream operations. I also know all about DSEAR, PUWER, ATEX etc etc. So i may not be able to produce a certificate, i can talk all day about Haz Zones, Risk Assesments and fuel operations from marine, aircraft and road going tankers. I can also spiel the filtration standards to allow aircraft refuelling and what regulatory checks are required for a road tanker. My CV is good, its been seen by some insiders but as of yet hasnt picked up online. But other day, attending one of the last meetings of my career in the Army (in fact i organised it) i had a civilian contractor rep approach me and ask me to send my CV in. A day later i get a job offer. Luckily its along the same lines as what im doing now. Although at the moment its not near where i live, there is talk of a shared apartment for the week then i travel home on the weekend, which is what ive been doing for past 8 years in the Army so no dramas for me there and im moving to the location of new work anyway so win win. Was it the CV that got me the job, well its cemented it but due to what ive done in the military in fuel operations in general, im quite well known hence the 1st approach. What i have found out is its all very remote doing applications online. You dont even get a confirmation email a lot of the time, but ive not been refused as yet for any jobs i gone for, i can only assume 1 to 2 weeks after the closing date im not getting it if i didnt hear anything.
But my foot is in the door so to speak and coming from the mil to civ work, thats the important bit. And the company.......KBR.
Whereas you have the qualifications i dont to speak of but i have 25 years experience with the mil in downstream operations. I also know all about DSEAR, PUWER, ATEX etc etc. So i may not be able to produce a certificate, i can talk all day about Haz Zones, Risk Assesments and fuel operations from marine, aircraft and road going tankers. I can also spiel the filtration standards to allow aircraft refuelling and what regulatory checks are required for a road tanker. My CV is good, its been seen by some insiders but as of yet hasnt picked up online. But other day, attending one of the last meetings of my career in the Army (in fact i organised it) i had a civilian contractor rep approach me and ask me to send my CV in. A day later i get a job offer. Luckily its along the same lines as what im doing now. Although at the moment its not near where i live, there is talk of a shared apartment for the week then i travel home on the weekend, which is what ive been doing for past 8 years in the Army so no dramas for me there and im moving to the location of new work anyway so win win. Was it the CV that got me the job, well its cemented it but due to what ive done in the military in fuel operations in general, im quite well known hence the 1st approach. What i have found out is its all very remote doing applications online. You dont even get a confirmation email a lot of the time, but ive not been refused as yet for any jobs i gone for, i can only assume 1 to 2 weeks after the closing date im not getting it if i didnt hear anything.
But my foot is in the door so to speak and coming from the mil to civ work, thats the important bit. And the company.......KBR.
PJGSXR said:
Hello All,
I am a long time lurker but posting for the first time on here so go easy. I've been following the employment threads for some time now and have found the advice here very valuable. I understand this is an old thread but felt appropriate to resurrect it.
To give you all a bit of info on myself, I am a 30 year old mechanical project engineer and have got a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. I have got over 6 years industrial experience of working as a mechanical project engineer. My first job was a CAPEX project engineer on a big cement site with a huge player in the cement market. Due to the recession in 2008, the site was mothballed but the company retained me and created a position for me on another site of theirs. However, due to the uncertainty in the construction industry and reduction in the capital budget, I started looking elsewhere and was once again lucky to find another job in the same capacity with a big food manufacturer. This is when I first made my transition from cement/construction industry into food/FMCG- completely different sector but I made it and I would like to think I have done well so far.
Without going too much into technical details of my job, my duties include everything from carrying out the conceptual design to project handover to the internal client. I have managed numerous mechanical, civil and structural installations, all with electrical and control elements, on which I was supported by the electrical engineers. I am aware of CDM, ATEX/DSEAR, LOLER, PUWER, PED (basic understanding) regs and have got experience of installing kit in explosive/hazardous environments. I also have experience of HAZOP studies and design risk assessments. There is lot more to add here but I don’t want to bore you all with it. One thing I might add is that due to the nature of my job I don’t do great deal of detail design. That is generally left out for the contractor as part of the design stage. However, I am good with AutoCAD LT if needed, and also did extensive 3D modelling on Pro-E and Solid Edge at university level.
Fast forward three years and things have been going pretty well, and except for the pay (31k + bonus), there aren't many things to complain about and generally it’s good company to work for. I would have been happy with the things if I didn't have a big(ish) student loan to pay off for going to university twice, and that I hadn’t come across this forum discussing the rewards of working in O&G sector !!
The question that remains to be answered is how to get that elusive “foot in the O&G door”? Going by couple of posts above, people with mechanical background have made the transition before, and given my background along with the formal qualifications I haven’t given up the hope yet. I am fully confident that I’ll come up to speed very quickly as my understanding of project engineering and management is strong, and I have already moved from one industry to another before. I am also fully flexible on relocating to the most remote unwanted part of the country for a break! I am not mad about big money at this stage and quite happy to be onshore.
I was also at the job fair at Aberdeen couple of weeks ago (all the way from south of England!) though not much came out it. I have been contacted by couple of recruitment agents as well, but again it’s gone all quiet. I am on oilandgasjobsearch.com and oilcareers.com on pretty much hourly basis and have registered my CV so I think I am doing all I can. My next step is to send a speculative CV to an O&G related company where I know a project engineer has left for greener pastures.
If you’re still reading then many thanks, but can anyone from O&G please suggest what else I can do or if anyone has got any contacts that can help me get in? It’s quite frustrating when you hear about oil sector and industries around it complaining about skills shortage and yet be so reluctant to give qualified competent people a chance. I know it’s not going to be easy but I want to keep trying until I get through.
Cheers
PJGXSR
For a start remove your statement about "relocating to the most remote unwanted part of the country" because it is more than likely ou will be looking for advice from those who live in the "most remote unwanted part of the country"I am a long time lurker but posting for the first time on here so go easy
. I've been following the employment threads for some time now and have found the advice here very valuable. I understand this is an old thread but felt appropriate to resurrect it.To give you all a bit of info on myself, I am a 30 year old mechanical project engineer and have got a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. I have got over 6 years industrial experience of working as a mechanical project engineer. My first job was a CAPEX project engineer on a big cement site with a huge player in the cement market. Due to the recession in 2008, the site was mothballed but the company retained me and created a position for me on another site of theirs. However, due to the uncertainty in the construction industry and reduction in the capital budget, I started looking elsewhere and was once again lucky to find another job in the same capacity with a big food manufacturer. This is when I first made my transition from cement/construction industry into food/FMCG- completely different sector but I made it and I would like to think I have done well so far.
Without going too much into technical details of my job, my duties include everything from carrying out the conceptual design to project handover to the internal client. I have managed numerous mechanical, civil and structural installations, all with electrical and control elements, on which I was supported by the electrical engineers. I am aware of CDM, ATEX/DSEAR, LOLER, PUWER, PED (basic understanding) regs and have got experience of installing kit in explosive/hazardous environments. I also have experience of HAZOP studies and design risk assessments. There is lot more to add here but I don’t want to bore you all with it. One thing I might add is that due to the nature of my job I don’t do great deal of detail design. That is generally left out for the contractor as part of the design stage. However, I am good with AutoCAD LT if needed, and also did extensive 3D modelling on Pro-E and Solid Edge at university level.
Fast forward three years and things have been going pretty well, and except for the pay (31k + bonus), there aren't many things to complain about and generally it’s good company to work for. I would have been happy with the things if I didn't have a big(ish) student loan to pay off for going to university twice, and that I hadn’t come across this forum discussing the rewards of working in O&G sector
!!The question that remains to be answered is how to get that elusive “foot in the O&G door”? Going by couple of posts above, people with mechanical background have made the transition before, and given my background along with the formal qualifications I haven’t given up the hope yet. I am fully confident that I’ll come up to speed very quickly as my understanding of project engineering and management is strong, and I have already moved from one industry to another before. I am also fully flexible on relocating to the most remote unwanted part of the country for a break! I am not mad about big money at this stage and quite happy to be onshore.
I was also at the job fair at Aberdeen couple of weeks ago (all the way from south of England!) though not much came out it. I have been contacted by couple of recruitment agents as well, but again it’s gone all quiet. I am on oilandgasjobsearch.com and oilcareers.com on pretty much hourly basis and have registered my CV so I think I am doing all I can. My next step is to send a speculative CV to an O&G related company where I know a project engineer has left for greener pastures.
If you’re still reading then many thanks, but can anyone from O&G please suggest what else I can do or if anyone has got any contacts that can help me get in? It’s quite frustrating when you hear about oil sector and industries around it complaining about skills shortage and yet be so reluctant to give qualified competent people a chance. I know it’s not going to be easy but I want to keep trying until I get through.
Cheers
PJGXSR
There is life past the M25
tighnamara said:
For a start remove your statement about "relocating to the most remote unwanted part of the country" because it is more than likely ou will be looking for advice from those who live in the "most remote unwanted part of the country"
There is life past the M25
Hi tighnamara,There is life past the M25
I didn't mean it in any derogatory way, I do apologise if I came across like that. What I meant is that I am happy to take long term permanent work even if it's in relatively remote (better?
) part of the country, and that relocation is a non issue for me.Any helpful pointers now?
Cheers
PJGSXR
petop said:
PJGXSR, I too are on those websites and havnt got anything from them apart from speculative interest in a possible existing pipeline project.
Whereas you have the qualifications i dont to speak of but i have 25 years experience with the mil in downstream operations. I also know all about DSEAR, PUWER, ATEX etc etc. So i may not be able to produce a certificate, i can talk all day about Haz Zones, Risk Assesments and fuel operations from marine, aircraft and road going tankers. I can also spiel the filtration standards to allow aircraft refuelling and what regulatory checks are required for a road tanker. My CV is good, its been seen by some insiders but as of yet hasnt picked up online. But other day, attending one of the last meetings of my career in the Army (in fact i organised it) i had a civilian contractor rep approach me and ask me to send my CV in. A day later i get a job offer. Luckily its along the same lines as what im doing now. Although at the moment its not near where i live, there is talk of a shared apartment for the week then i travel home on the weekend, which is what ive been doing for past 8 years in the Army so no dramas for me there and im moving to the location of new work anyway so win win. Was it the CV that got me the job, well its cemented it but due to what ive done in the military in fuel operations in general, im quite well known hence the 1st approach. What i have found out is its all very remote doing applications online. You dont even get a confirmation email a lot of the time, but ive not been refused as yet for any jobs i gone for, i can only assume 1 to 2 weeks after the closing date im not getting it if i didnt hear anything.
But my foot is in the door so to speak and coming from the mil to civ work, thats the important bit. And the company.......KBR.
Good for you petop, and yes, I take your point. I do fear that my CV doesn't reach the technical corridors of an organization and probably goes in the bin pretty quickly as it lacks the venerable 'O&G' experience at this stage. As you said, networking and knowing someone in industry can go a long way. Unfortunately for me I do lack contacts in that sector.Whereas you have the qualifications i dont to speak of but i have 25 years experience with the mil in downstream operations. I also know all about DSEAR, PUWER, ATEX etc etc. So i may not be able to produce a certificate, i can talk all day about Haz Zones, Risk Assesments and fuel operations from marine, aircraft and road going tankers. I can also spiel the filtration standards to allow aircraft refuelling and what regulatory checks are required for a road tanker. My CV is good, its been seen by some insiders but as of yet hasnt picked up online. But other day, attending one of the last meetings of my career in the Army (in fact i organised it) i had a civilian contractor rep approach me and ask me to send my CV in. A day later i get a job offer. Luckily its along the same lines as what im doing now. Although at the moment its not near where i live, there is talk of a shared apartment for the week then i travel home on the weekend, which is what ive been doing for past 8 years in the Army so no dramas for me there and im moving to the location of new work anyway so win win. Was it the CV that got me the job, well its cemented it but due to what ive done in the military in fuel operations in general, im quite well known hence the 1st approach. What i have found out is its all very remote doing applications online. You dont even get a confirmation email a lot of the time, but ive not been refused as yet for any jobs i gone for, i can only assume 1 to 2 weeks after the closing date im not getting it if i didnt hear anything.
But my foot is in the door so to speak and coming from the mil to civ work, thats the important bit. And the company.......KBR.
Since you mentioned KBR I will send them a speculative CV anyway
.A) Move to Aberdeen
B) Know someone in a suitable company
If you can't answer yes to both of the above you have next to no chance of 'getting in'. I'm ex. Middlesbrough myself and while I got my first chance there (unfortunately the company is no longer there), I only progressed in Aberdeen. By 'project engineer' I'm assuming you are interested in the operations side, i.e. spending time in both the office and offshore? If you're not available for offshore time you will not get anywhere as a project engineer. If you are not interested in offshore, you need to refer to yourself as something other than 'project engineer' as that is implicit in the job description.
A lot of companies have graduate programs, which is where a non-industry engineer would invariably have to start. The alternative route is via someone you know getting your CV onto the right desk and putting his c*ck on the block by vouching for you.
The O&G game is exactly that, a game. You need to know how to play it otherwise you stand next to no chance. Oh, and forget agencies; they are of absolutely no use at your stage so don't waste your time with them.
B) Know someone in a suitable company
If you can't answer yes to both of the above you have next to no chance of 'getting in'. I'm ex. Middlesbrough myself and while I got my first chance there (unfortunately the company is no longer there), I only progressed in Aberdeen. By 'project engineer' I'm assuming you are interested in the operations side, i.e. spending time in both the office and offshore? If you're not available for offshore time you will not get anywhere as a project engineer. If you are not interested in offshore, you need to refer to yourself as something other than 'project engineer' as that is implicit in the job description.
A lot of companies have graduate programs, which is where a non-industry engineer would invariably have to start. The alternative route is via someone you know getting your CV onto the right desk and putting his c*ck on the block by vouching for you.
The O&G game is exactly that, a game. You need to know how to play it otherwise you stand next to no chance. Oh, and forget agencies; they are of absolutely no use at your stage so don't waste your time with them.
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