Riding the Oil Wave

by Masami Mustaza

Despite the global economic slowdown, the oil and gas industry will continue to be an engine of growth and is always on the look-out for talented engineers. Masami Mustaza writes.

Petroleum is a bit of a dirty word these days. Prices of this natural resource – which keeps vehicles on the road, cooking stoves burning and helps churn out conveyor belt after conveyor belt of products in factories – spiralled to record heights in 2008 before coming down. But the long-term trend is one of upward movement as demand rises and reserves are depleted. The most pressing question today – aside from price – is: what will we do when we run out of oil and gas?

Despite such concerns, experts believe the oil and gas (O&G) industry will be around for a long time to come. Yes, motorists will still be pulling up at petrol stations for the next 20 to 50 years at the very least.

General Manager-Technip Asia Pacific & Managing Director-Technip Malaysia Edgar Pushparatnam readily agrees. “There is a focus on more exploration, determining how much O&G reserves there are and finding sufficient reservoirs to keep us going. So, the industry is not in danger of disappearing in the next few years. The shallow waters have been wellexplored and we are moving into deeper waters in search of more petroleum and gas.

“However, the industry is also going through a period of change and is exploring new forms of energy to reduce our dependency on petroleum. Technip is moving in the same direction.”

Describing the oil and gas industry as resilient, Edgar reminds us that petroleum is not limited to producing fuel, but is also used in plastic products, soap, chemicals and a host of other things. Hence, there are plenty of opportunities for those who wish to join the industry as it is still enjoying robust growth. Edgar says the shortage of experts in the O&G industry means there will be continued demand in the foresee able future.

Furthermore, as the oil and gas industry takes up the challenge of entering into the alternative and renewable energy sector through intensive research and development, a bright future awaits those interested in the area.

THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF AN ENGINEERING CAREER

Technip, he says, is well-positioned to provide opportunities for graduates interested in working

Edgar Pushparatnam General Manager-Technip Asia Pacific & Managing Director-Technip Malaysia

in the O&G industry. An engineering, procurement and constructions company headquartered in France, Technip operates in three segments of the world O&G market: subsea; offshore; and, onshore. Technip has an exemplary track record in implementing large turnkey contracts, which include Petronas, Shell, Exxon Mobil and PTT Public Company Limited (a Thai company), to name just a few.

The company employs graduates from various engineering disciplines. Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical and Electronics, Civil and Computer Engineering graduates will all find a place within the company’s organisation structure and will eventually specialise in disciplines best suited for them.

For Example, those from Chemical Engineering background may be involved in Process Safety QHSE (quality, health and safety environment), while an Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduate may be placed in Electrical Instrument Telecommunications.

A Mechanical Engineering degree would allow one to be involved with Mechanical, Piping, Pipeline. Whereas someone with a Civil Engineering background or a Computer Engineering background would be exposed to Civil, Structural, Construction and Pipeline or to IT and New Information Technology.

After having secured the relevant exposure and experience, you can branch out into the managerial side of the industry by joining the business development, corporate strategic planning sales & technology, operations, estimating, cost control and planning department among others.

Entry-level engineering opportunities for fresh graduates in the industry include electrical, instruments, mechanical, pipeline, piping design, piping, process, safety, safety/HVAC, structural and civil engineering.

Applicants must possess at least a Bachelor’s or professional degree in Engineering, be computer literate and have a good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, proficient in written and spoken English, as well as the ability work in a team and independently.

The job scopes are diverse and depend on the area of specialisation. In general, as an engineer in the O&G field, you will be required to implement company as well as client/project policies and procedures, assist lead engineers in preparing design/engineering documentation, and assist with engineering investigations, surveys and studies.

MAKING THE CUT

“Technip provides stability and good opportunities for its employees because we have a worldwide, long-term strategy – which is what graduates should look for when seeking employment,” says Edgar.

“Our projects book order is filled at the moment, but if the number of local projects slows down, we have the networks and contacts to source for projects in other parts of the world. This, of course, means opportunities for our employees to travel.”

New employees go through an induction period before being assigned to a project as an understudy. There, they will be assigned to a senior employee who will play the role of mentor during the early stage of their career with Technip.

Fresh graduates typically gain new skills and knowledge from being on the job (70%), training (10%) and mentoring (20%). Technip also has a Talent Management Program which identifies high-calibre recruits to be groomed for senior positions in the organisation.

In addition, there is a Mentor Program, which is divided into two sub-categories – for fresh graduates and those already on executive level. Special courses are also available to develop and expose staff to specific skills to keep them abreast of the industry’s changing needs.

“While stellar grades look good on any fresh graduate’s resume, that’s not all we’re looking for at Technip. Attitude is equally important. An eloquent person is not the same as a person who speaks well and knows what he is talking about,” says Edgar.

“We are looking for people who are able to command respect, are independent and accurate. Of course, they will also need to embody the principles which Technip embraces: honesty, integrity, punctuality and good behaviour.”