It doesn’t take an economic expert to know oil is big business. Despite the gloom and doom of late, as the price of a barrel swoons to the floor in one of its periodic histrionic fits, it’s still the most traded commodity on the planet today, and this thick, black goo fuels much more than just our planes, trains and automobiles – it fuels business, jobs and opportunities.
As the oil price begins an inexorable rise, we look at the world’s top goo producers and their economies . . . and ask what jobs and opportunities are out there for you.
United States 12,343,000 bpd (source EIA website)
The US loves oil. It produces and exports it at the top table with the best, but guzzles it down more than any other country. It would have it on its morning pancakes, given half the chance! In all, it consumes an incredible 18,961,000 bpd. That’s more than 8.5 million more than its nearest rival, China (10,303,000). There are numerous roles on offer in the States for specialists, with job opportunities not just in engineering but accounting and admin. The oil industry’s scale of size means jobs are created in a huge variety of roles; one thing they all do have in common: to be considered, you will have to demonstrate a distinct level of competency in your own field.
Saudi Arabia 11,702,000 bpd (source EIA website)
The Arab state is synonymous with oil and, as images of skyscrapers and supercars testify, with the intense wealth it creates. From its mega-rich sheiks to its luxurious palaces, Saudi Arabia corners the Arab market. But what jobs are out there for you? The majority are in electrical and chemical engineering. There are also jobs in project management and others across the industry, but as a pioneer, Saudi wants first and foremost for you to help ‘engineer’ a pathway to the top.
Russia 10,764,000 bpd (source EIA website)
Russia is an oil powerhouse, regularly topping charts among the leading producers of oil in the world. Not surpsingly, Russia is also home to some of the biggest oil companies in the world, and there is a strong focus on employing people from within the country. There are, however, jobs in engineering and project management, though on a smaller scale. Compared to Saudi Arabia, it can also get awfy cold in the winter, so bring one of Granny’s extra-large jumpers with you.
China 4,459,000 bpd (source EIA website)
The Far-Eastern superpower is a huge exporter of oil, if not yet an industry leader. It’s the most powerful after the aforementioned trio and, as you might suspect, jobs abound in this burgeoning economy. Engineering is again the leading jobs market, with a particular focus on mechanical engineering and engineering management.
Canada 4,074,000 bpd (source EIA website)
Canada is a surprise entry on the list, even if it shouldn’t be. It is right next to oil hotspot Alaska after all. The land mass has been developed over millennia by harsh climates and its sparsely populated areas make oil production on a huge scale possible. Technical skills are in high demand here, as are people with corrosion engineering and creative engineering design backgrounds. Don’t forget about those sales jobs either.
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