Career Guides
In-depth guides to help you navigate roles, regions, certifications, and career decisions in the oil and gas industry.
Getting Started
How to Break Into the Oil & Gas Industry
A complete roadmap for launching your career in oil and gas, from choosing a sector to landing your first role.
Offshore vs. Onshore Oil & Gas Careers
Compare offshore and onshore oil and gas careers side by side — pay, schedules, lifestyle, safety, and career growth.
Rig Life: What to Expect on Your First Hitch
Everything you need to know before your first day on an oil rig — daily schedule, living quarters, safety culture, and what to pack.
Essential Oil & Gas Certifications Guide
Complete guide to oil and gas industry certifications — what they cost, who needs them, where to get them, and how to maintain them.
Career Guides
Petroleum Engineer Career Guide
Everything you need to know about becoming a petroleum engineer — education, specializations, salary ranges, and career progression.
Drilling Engineer Career Guide
How to become a drilling engineer in oil and gas — responsibilities, education, certifications, salary, and career path.
Roughneck Career Guide: Starting Your Rig Career
How to become a roughneck in the oil and gas industry — no experience needed. Learn about pay, daily work, and advancement opportunities.
HSE Manager Career Guide for Oil & Gas
How to build a career in health, safety, and environment (HSE) management in the oil and gas industry.
MWD/LWD Operator Career Guide
How to become an MWD/LWD operator — one of the highest-paying field positions in oil and gas drilling operations.
Production Operator Career Guide
How to become a production operator in oil and gas — responsibilities, requirements, pay, and career advancement.
Regional Guides
Working in the Permian Basin: Jobs & Living Guide
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.
Working in the Gulf of Mexico: Offshore Jobs Guide
Guide to finding offshore oil and gas jobs in the Gulf of Mexico — major operators, platforms, pay, certifications, and what to expect.
Working in the Eagle Ford Shale: Jobs & Living Guide
Guide to oil and gas careers in South Texas's Eagle Ford Shale — employers, job market, pay, and living in the region.
Working in the Bakken: North Dakota Oil Jobs Guide
Guide to oil and gas jobs in North Dakota's Bakken formation — employers, salaries, housing, and surviving the winters.
Working in the Marcellus Shale: Natural Gas Jobs Guide
Guide to natural gas careers in the Marcellus Shale — Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio job markets, employers, and pay.
Job Search
Oil & Gas Resume Writing Guide
Write a resume that gets noticed by oil and gas hiring managers and passes applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Oil & Gas Interview Preparation Guide
Prepare for your oil and gas job interview — common questions, technical preparation, what to wear, and how to follow up.
Energy Transition: Careers for Oil & Gas Professionals
How oil and gas professionals can leverage their skills for careers in renewable energy, carbon capture, hydrogen, and geothermal.
Relocating for an Oil & Gas Job: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about relocating for an oil and gas career — choosing a location, housing, costs, and family considerations.