Career Guides

In-depth guides to help you navigate roles, regions, certifications, and career decisions in the oil and gas industry.

Getting Started

A complete roadmap for launching your career in oil and gas, from choosing a sector to landing your first role.

Compare offshore and onshore oil and gas careers side by side — pay, schedules, lifestyle, safety, and career growth.

Everything you need to know before your first day on an oil rig — daily schedule, living quarters, safety culture, and what to pack.

Complete guide to oil and gas industry certifications — what they cost, who needs them, where to get them, and how to maintain them.

Everything you need to know about becoming a petroleum engineer — education, specializations, salary ranges, and career progression.

How to become a drilling engineer in oil and gas — responsibilities, education, certifications, salary, and career path.

How to become a roughneck in the oil and gas industry — no experience needed. Learn about pay, daily work, and advancement opportunities.

How to build a career in health, safety, and environment (HSE) management in the oil and gas industry.

How to become an MWD/LWD operator — one of the highest-paying field positions in oil and gas drilling operations.

How to become a production operator in oil and gas — responsibilities, requirements, pay, and career advancement.

Complete guide to finding oil and gas jobs in the Permian Basin — top employers, salary data, cost of living, and what life is like in West Texas.

Guide to finding offshore oil and gas jobs in the Gulf of Mexico — major operators, platforms, pay, certifications, and what to expect.

Guide to oil and gas careers in South Texas's Eagle Ford Shale — employers, job market, pay, and living in the region.

Guide to oil and gas jobs in North Dakota's Bakken formation — employers, salaries, housing, and surviving the winters.

Guide to natural gas careers in the Marcellus Shale — Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio job markets, employers, and pay.

Write a resume that gets noticed by oil and gas hiring managers and passes applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Prepare for your oil and gas job interview — common questions, technical preparation, what to wear, and how to follow up.

How oil and gas professionals can leverage their skills for careers in renewable energy, carbon capture, hydrogen, and geothermal.

Everything you need to know about relocating for an oil and gas career — choosing a location, housing, costs, and family considerations.