Let me understate, ‘working in the petroleum sector has always been challenging.’  Now we find ourselves in a major economic downturn caused by a Covid-19 pandemic and aided and abetted by an international crude oil price war.

Once again, many thousands have lost their livelihood and possibly not return to a similar job as the industry consolidates and restructures both organizationally and operationally.  However, much has changed and for the better since this writer first experienced a major retraction in the 1980s.

Back in the day, choices then included sending hundreds of hardcopy resumes hoping the right person would find/like it out of an overflowing inbox or leave the sector and look for better pastures.  Collectively, impacted individuals tried both.  Certainly, there was not a feeling that we were in command of our destiny, even if we knew someone who could help us.

Today, we are the Master and Commander of our voyage!

I See Things

Visions of armies of energy workers becoming software programmers are probably hallucinations.  Some might but many will not have the ability, temperament or interest in such a feat.

There are always winners and losers in any disruption.  Already, there are signs that the traditional retail sales processes are accelerating on a path they were already on.  Upscale restaurants now feature ‘take out.’

Some who once worked for manufacturers, oil producers and other core companies will most likely find new careers with suppliers to those firms.  This may be especially true of supply chain, business process and technologies such as IT and engineering.  For example, operators will look to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and qualified suppliers to implement their Digitalization business models.

Those with technical skills such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) will be in demand for both recall to older business models but more likely to enable new ones.  Other emerging energy sectors include renewables and their derivatives.

Entire, global business models are under scrutiny and change is inevitable.  Older sluggish companies will be replaced with new agile entrants.  Just look at how Amazon evolved from an online book seller to their current position.

How to Disrupt

What if I want to strike out?  For those who feel alone and not sure which way to turn, there is help available right now!  As far as I know everything listed below is at no cost and RRI knows these resources directly—no third parties.

• “Esri, the global leader in location intelligence, announced that it would provide free access to its ArcGIS platform and training resources to professionals worldwide who are impacted by work furloughs during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Do you have a great idea for an energy-based startup company, but not sure where to start? I am on the leadership team of the Global Energy Mentors and we provide free mentoring services.  Check us out and you do not have to reside in the Houston metro area!
• Looking for help from the Small Business Administration and again, don’t know who to call? Let us know and will put you in contact with the Houston office.
• There are other opportunities available where we can help you. For example, the BBL Ventures Energy & Industrial Tech Challenge and Eunike Ventures it’s Alliance Partners are seeking innovative technologies via our 2020 Technology Open Call.  There are others as well and to date, the Innovation and Acceleration sector remains active.
• Got a quick question? Contact us for 30 minutes of free online/email consulting limited to the first 50 and perhaps more.  We know of numerous additional resources and hopefully can direct you.

Moreover, almost anyone can develop an App about any subject or issue.  What’s bugging you for which there is NO App or other solution?  Guess what, you now the Subject Matter Expert in that field.  Search App Development for all manor of free or low cost tools and help.

Changes of the magnitude discussed herein can be daunting but there is no reason for any of us to fail in this transformation.  When faced with few or no options in your current career environment—What do you have to lose?

Why let this disruption control you?  You control it!

For More Information

Please note, RRI does not endorse or advocate the links to third-party materials.  They are provided for education and entertainment only.

For more information on Cross Cultural Engagement, check out our Cross Cultural Serious Game

We presented, Should Cross Cultural Serious Games Be Included in Your Diversity Program: Best Practices and Lessons Learned at the Online Conference, New Diversity Summit 2020 on April 9, 2020.  The summit will be offered again soon.  Check it Out!!

You can contact the author as well.