Job Functions

Any individual interested in developing a career in energy should take some time first to decide which role or which job function he/she wishes to take in this challenging industry. Although many people think that only engineers and specialists in geology and other hard sciences can pursue a successful career in energy, in reality there are a wide variety of functions and professional profiles that can be pursued in this sector.

Amongst the business jobs that can be performed in a company related to oil and gas exploitation, distribution and selling, or to electricity, the following are included: corporate finance, asset development, marketing, risk management, consulting, business development, economic analysis, banking, strategic planning and policy analysis.

Different companies may assign different labels to these business roles; it is a good idea to read the description and role that each organization gives to the various jobs in a career in energy, to ensure that you are applying to the right position. In addition, an individual interested in pursuing a career in energy should be wise enough to keep an open mind and remember that the major oil companies are not the only firms that can provide them with a position in this interesting economic sector.

There are many other equipment manufacturers and servicing companies that operate as direct or indirect satellites to the energy sector and who are also interested and willing to hire enthusiastic young professionals that wish to be members of this niche.

For instance, there are government agencies, non profit organizations, pipeline operation companies, investment funds, banks, consulting firms, equipment manufacturers, transmission grid operators and utility companies that also hire a lot of people in the energy field.

By bearing this in mind, it will become much easier to develop a career in energy as each particular sub-sector requires a certain academic and professional background, skills and abilities that help you to analyze your strengths and weaknesses and determine the jobs to which you are most suited. In addition, most job functions allow those looking forward to pursuing a career in energy to work across different companies within the same sector.

For instance, anyone with an accounting degree can be part of an investment fund company, a bank offering loans and credits to the major oil organizations, or be a member of the accounting team within an oil company. Similarly, a geologist can work in the drilling and exploitation area of any major oil company, or become an employee of a consulting firm offering technical services to pipeline businesses.