Razzler

I doubt very much you would be able to line up summer work in the Oil & Gas sector over due to visa reasons as well. If you are working for an operator over there and they sent you here it's a different matter. Just rocking up and getting a summer job is pretty tricky.

Abu Dhabi is where it'd be and it's unlikely they'd give you a chance here, they take alot of locals from university here and have quotas.

Also, most recruitment companies wouldnt do much work with fresh graduates either tbh, we get paid for proven quality and not potential, plus paid on fees and there isnt much money in graduates from our point of view.

That said, i would definitely recommend contacting them yourself and not relying on agencies.

Do you specifically want to work for an operator ? They pay more but you might want to consider a service company like Schlumberger or Weatherford, who give excellent training. A few years with a company like that is a better way into a career with an operator imo

'Shell' take alot of graduates and they do alot of recruiting themselves. There are several oil fairs around these days where operators have representatives you can speak to. I think there is one coming up in Kazakhstan soon, which may be a little bit of a trek for you

I'd try Shell, Occidental and maybe someone like Anadarko and definitely Weatherford & Schlumberger. Service companies are always crying out for Petroleum Engineers with experience and Schlumberger like to train a specific way.

Also, 'Austcorp' are a pretty big recruitment company in Oil & Gas out there. They may have contacts within Aussie companies. If you're out there it's where you're more likely to get something tbh

Fat Bhoy Tim

What Razzler said about the service companies, your best shot. But unlikely to the extensive visa procedures, although there are new easier visas in place for people that are working on an internship or limited contract duration basis.

Razzler

Schlumberger and Weatherford out there would be a better bet anyway, i reckon. Probably covering Asia from there as opposed to the likes of Saudi from here :/

Tanman007

Schlumberger would be brilliant.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have tough visa restrictions hey? Didn't really think of that.

The course is very specific petroluem engineering, mainly concerning Drilling and Reservoir Engineering.

BHP Billiton would be excellent but they didn't have any openings?

Tbh I don't care which company, beggars can't be choosers. Any company which can give me some industry training and work experience that can be accredited to my degree.

Fat Bhoy Tim

They don't have tough restrictions, they just require it. It's expensive and time consuming, and most companies here - at least the operators - are not designed to take in anyone who isn't already experienced. They make an exception for nationals, but otherwise you're there because you know the job, not to learn it.

If it's drilling and reservoir engineering then the likes of NDC and Halliburton's Landmark division might be worth a shot as well. Any of the oil field services firms are the best way to do it though.

Contact them through their Asia/Pacific offices though, as opposed to locally here.

Razzler: My dad just jumped ship to Kazakhstan himself. Getting paid a fortune for 6 months of work a year.

Razzler

Well, it's just that you'd need to be sponsored to get here and most companies dealing with grads here are kinda supposed to be drawing from the local pool of "talent".

Hence, you should have an advantage in Aus. If you were French you could probably stroll into Total and Italian could probably stroll into Eni. 'Tis the way !

If Reservoir and Drilling then definitely Schlumberger and Baker Hughes - companies like that.

Even if someone doesnt have an opening still contact them. Some companies have specific programs for summer interns, etc and advertise them. Check Shell's site, i am sure they do alot of that. Schlumberger take alot of grads not sure about interns.

I would recommend calling them. Finding out who is HR Director or Manager and letting them know what you're doing and what you want.

Tell them you are studying Petroleum and interested reservoir engineering, drilling, well services and their company, ask about summer positions and even if you could come down there and speak with someone or just ask for advice. Ask about when you graduate how you would go about working for a company like them, etc

Fat Bhoy Tim

Yeah Baker Hughes have for subsidiaries involved in drilling and evaluation. Was actually going to take a job in Saudi last year with one of them, but the Saudi labour ministry decided to unofficially nationalise the position.

Tanman007

Alright, cheers for the help and suggestions guys.

Razzler

There is a hell of alot of work in Kazakhstan (Kashagan / Karachaganak) right now, some of the sites there are not supposed to be the most pleasant to live on but obviously depends on the company.

Razzler

That's the problem with the Middle East, tons of work in Saudi !