re: Oil and Gas Question. No experience. Entry level jobs.

I'm not the expert, but from word of mouth I think you pretty much need a degree to get into some of the entry-level training programs at the likes of Halliburton, Schlumberger, etc. Doesn't matter what the degree is in, or really even your grades sometimes.

quote:

---

entry-level training programs

---

Sorry I was a bit confusing. Some of the trainee level jobs I was referencing would be something like a technician trainee that would fix certain equipment or some trainee that would help move equipment to the site and help set it up. They didn't seem like they were a skilled trade or anything.

It seemed like very low level entry type positions for someone with no degree or experience, I just didn't know if you basically had to start at the very very bottom as a roustabout or if you could potentially start at something like that.

I want to bump this as I'm looking into this and if some one could provide feedback that would be swell.

About myself:

BS in Marketing
JD
Currently make ~80k a year

I am thinking about moving jobs (for various reasons, ability to move up/job security being some) from what I currently do as an attorney, and would like to get into the O&G field in Houston or N.O. Preference being N.O. in the short term (2/3 years) with moving to Houston not being a problem after that. I don't want to work for a firm, and may leave the legal profession altogether because outside my current job, it doesn't seem to fit me.

I've been trying to learn through my connections some of the jobs I would be good for. There are some in house "legal" jobs of various degrees that I think could be interesting, but most require 5 to 10 or more years specific O&G experience where I have two years experience in non-related field, and those jobs are very hard to get.

I've also seen some "Contracts Analysis" job posting that take the JD as a plus that were mentioned by my friends.

I'm open to various routes of getting into the industry, from going back to school for engineering, to parlaying my legal degree to perhaps not in house counsel, but somewhere they would like it, or some other part of the industry that suits my abilities.

Lastly, I've had trouble really determining what the entry salaries I would be looking at and career growth potential. I wouldn't mind perhaps going down to making in the 50k-60k range to work myself back up and surpass what I'm doing now. What's the general ceiling though? Are my basement salary requirements just ridiculous? What can I do to make myself a good candidate BEFORE getting O&G experience if anything?

Thanks

Thanks for the response. This might be a personal question, but what does the salary picture look like in 5 to 10 years? Assuming I'm not a terrible employee.

quote:

---

Again, it really depends on the company you land with. An E&P probably around $90-100K, Engineering company $70-85K, Fabricator/Service Company $40-60K.
Those are some rough guesses, but the wildcard is your legal background. An E&P company would probably appreciate that the most.

---

Appreciate it a lot

Bumping this to provide an update. I have obtained a TWIC card (bought a truck as well). I am interested in Safety Specialist'/Technicians' jobs. Does anyone know the types of certifications needed other than the STCW? What are some of other all-around good certifications to have?

Roughneck

If he doesn't want to go to college for a four year degree, don't make him. Let him know about PTECH programs at his local community college, construction management at LSU (a degree he may find more fun), or ABC school to become a licensed tradesman.