Top In-Demand Jobs in Energy & Petroleum Sector: Skills and Qualifications

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and shifting global priorities, the energy and petroleum sector emerges as a dynamic arena ripe with opportunity. Dr. Ram Sharma, Vice Chancellor UPES delves into the landscape of top in-demand jobs within this pivotal industry. As the sector undergoes transformative changes, the key to unlocking a successful professional journey lies in acquiring the requisite skills and qualifications. Join us as we explore the evolving demands, essential competencies, and pathways to thriving careers in the energy and petroleum domain.

The energy and petroleum sector is standing at the cusp of a revolution and by earning the desired skills and qualifications, aspirants can carve a successful professional career in the industry.

With industrialisation spreading rapidly across the globe, the energy and petroleum sector is becoming a segment of strategic importance. Consequently, the demand for professionals in the segment is reaching new heights with each passing day. From exploring reserves and producing power to storing energy and transporting oil, opportunities are emerging throughout the value chain of the energy and petroleum sector. However, aspirants must excel in relevant skills and focus on acquiring key qualifications to capitalise on these emerging opportunities. To that end, this article explains jobs that are likely to remain in the top focus going forward and here’s the complete lowdown:

Petroleum Engineers: Primarily tasked with the responsibility of extracting petrochemicals, petroleum engineers are likely to remain at the core of emerging opportunities in the energy and petroleum sector. The demand for discipline is likely to remain elevated given the high reliance of global demand on fossil fuels. The key skills that aspirants must excel in include reservoir modelling, equipment maintenance, drilling operations, and production optimisation among others.

Geologists and Geophysicists: Often termed detectives of the industry, geologists and geophysicists identify potential areas likely to have reserves of oil and gas. The primary responsibilities of these researchers include analysing geological formations, evaluating seismic data, and identifying drilling sites for exploring reserves of energy. To fulfil these responsibilities efficiently, aspirants need to acquire skills in data collection, mapping, and analysis besides excelling in geological knowledge, field tests, and teamwork.

Data Analysts: Amidst the ongoing wave of digital transformations, many opportunities are available in the data analysis segment of the energy and petroleum sector. In addition, the shortage of software engineers, IT professionals, and programmers is also being felt in the industry. To fill the gap, aspirants should have a technology background with proficiency in coding, programming, and testing operations. In addition, knowledge of AI-specific modules including subjects on how to handle digital processes, technology integrations, and system automation can also prove to be of great help to aspiring professionals.

Marketing, Sales, and Supply Chain Executives: As the energy and petroleum sector is one of the widest in its global operations, the need for executives in the field of marketing, sales, and business development is likely to intensify in the coming years. Further, the expanding storage, transportation, and distribution operations will compound the need for a skilled workforce in the industry in the medium to long-term future. Accordingly, the executive programs in all major disciplines of management including masters in oil and petroleum will continue to remain in high demand. Aspirants willing to make a career in these fields should focus on acquiring interpersonal, organisational, and coordination skills along with sharpening their communication and people management skills.

Regulatory Compliance Officers: Given the strategic importance of the energy and petroleum sector, it’s of no surprise that the industry is governed by comprehensive regulatory compliances globally. Fulfilling these statutory requirements is of utmost importance as even the slightest deviation can lead to significant business as well as reputational losses to the firms. No wonder, the demand for regulatory compliance officers is on the rise in the energy and petroleum sector. To fulfil these positions, aspirants should have a deep understanding of statutory compliances, environmental laws, and health-safety standards among others. Further, executives must also have a strong grip on both global and national regulations as there might be variations between the two depending upon the specific requirements of specific countries.

The lucrative opportunities in the energy and petroleum sector are likely to attract millions of aspirants in the coming years. By excelling in the jobs mentioned above and honing the specified skills, contenders can ride the growth wave and carve a successful career for themselves in the industry. The need of the hour is to focus on key skills pertinent to the energy and petroleum sector and earn the right credentials that will help seekers get jobs aligned with their career paths and professional aspirations.   

Authored by: Dr. Ram Sharma, Vice Chancellor, UPES