The oil and gas industry presents immense opportunities for individuals seeking a rewarding and dynamic career. However, breaking into this competitive field can be challenging without proper guidance and insights. That’s where industry expert Bola Afolabi comes in. With over three decades of experience in the upstream and downstream sectors, Afolabi is a highly accomplished professional renowned for his expertise in contracting and procurement strategies within the Nigerian oil and gas industry. In this article, we will delve into Afolabi’s valuable advice and learn how to kickstart a successful career in the oil and gas industry.
Building a Strong Educational Foundation
Bola Afolabi emphasizes the importance of acquiring a strong educational foundation and industry-specific knowledge. He believes that a solid understanding of the technical aspects of the oil and gas industry is crucial for success. Afolabi encourages aspiring professionals to pursue relevant academic qualifications and certifications to enhance their skills and increase their marketability.
Afolabi suggests starting with a degree program in a related field such as petroleum engineering, geology, or chemical engineering. These disciplines provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills necessary for a career in the industry. Additionally, he recommends seeking out specialized courses and training programs that focus on specific areas of the oil and gas sector, such as drilling operations, reservoir management, or project management.
Gaining Practical Experience through Internships and Entry-Level Positions
While education lays the groundwork, Bola Afolabi stresses the importance of gaining practical experience in the industry. Internships and entry-level positions offer valuable opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios and develop practical skills.
Afolabi advises aspiring professionals to actively seek out internships at oil and gas companies, both local and international. These internships provide hands-on experience and an opportunity to work alongside industry experts. Afolabi suggests approaching companies directly, attending career fairs, and leveraging professional networks to discover internship opportunities.
Starting in entry-level positions, such as field technician, production assistant, or junior engineer, can also be a stepping stone to a successful career. Afolabi highlights that these positions provide valuable exposure to the operational aspects of the industry and allow individuals to learn from experienced professionals.
Building a Network within the Industry
According to Afolabi, networking plays a pivotal role in entering and advancing within the industry. He advises individuals to actively participate in industry conferences, seminars, and professional events to expand their professional connections. Building relationships with industry experts and peers can provide valuable opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and career growth.
Afolabi suggests joining industry associations, to connect with like-minded professionals and stay updated on industry trends. Engaging in online forums and social media groups specific to the oil and gas sector can also facilitate networking and knowledge sharing.
Developing Transferable Skills
While technical expertise is essential, Afolabi emphasizes the importance of developing transferable skills that are applicable across various roles within the industry. Skills such as communication, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability are highly valued by employers.
Afolabi encourages individuals to actively seek opportunities to enhance these skills through participation in team projects, volunteering for leadership roles in professional organizations, and taking on additional responsibilities in their current positions. Developing a well-rounded skill set will make individuals more versatile and increase their chances of success in a rapidly evolving industry.
Embracing Continuous Learning and Adaptation
In an industry as dynamic as oil and gas, Afolabi highlights the importance of embracing continuous learning and adaptation. Technological advancements, environmental concerns, and market fluctuations constantly shape the industry landscape. Afolabi advises individuals to stay updated on emerging trends, industry regulations, and new technologies.
He encourages professionals to take advantage of training programs, workshops, and conferences to stay abreast of industry developments. Afolabi also emphasizes the value of seeking out mentors and industry experts who can provide guidance and insights throughout one’s career journey.
Bola Afolabi’s Final Thoughts
Bola invites young people to the importance of supply chain management especially in the oil & gas industry. The industry spends humongous amount of money on the acquisition of goods, works and services and they require smart, result oriented and intelligent people to manage their spend. Typically, people in procurement are responsible for actualising about 70% of corporate spend. Procurement is about providing value, providing service and managing complex supply chains. As a consummate supply chain strategist himself, Dr Afolabi advocates for young people to consider a career in supply chain, where they will be able to add value to the bottom line of oil and gas operators. A career in contracting, procurement and logistics is fulfilling and rewarding, Afolabi prophesy. A career in this field of endeavour begin with the process of manufacturing and end with getting the product into the hands of the consumer. With huge amount of money spent in procurement, businesses are diverting attention to people in procurement to deliver growth and improve margins. With the global meltdown in most economies, Chief Procurement Officers are gaining increasing recognition and access into boardrooms for their role in driving value, reducing costs, managing risks and elevating the importance of ethical conducts in business.
There is high demand in this field, which means that salaries for the various roles are competitive and sometimes generous because supply chain management practitioners are expected to be fast thinkers with ability to optimise cost and drive value for their employers. These days, procurement jobs rank among the highest paid roles in industries as procurement practitioners are expected to create value, seek innovation and build strategic partnerships.
Some of the skillsets acquired in contracting and procurement includes leadership, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, understanding wide array of markets, effective communication, innovation and creative thinking, predicting change and managing risk. The beauty of the profession is that any one with quality educational background can venture into a career in procurement, whether you are an engineer, a lawyer, accountant, scientist or anyone with an arts background, it doesn’t really matter what you studied provided you posses the ability to learn and be nurtured in commercial versatility.
The most important requirement for supply chain professionals is to acquire professional certification through a reputable international institute in this field. Bola was himself the very first person of colour to become a board member, Vice President and Global President of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, a leading international, UK based, not for profit body of knowledge specialised in the development of professionals in the arts and science of procurement practise.
Read Bola’s Two Books
The oil and gas professional Bola Afolabi invites young people and seasoned professionals to read his two titles where the importance of contracting & procurement supply chain to industry and national development are well articulated. The two books can be found on the Amazon website:
Managing Contracts in the Supply Chain: Core Values for Public-Private Sectors Survival by Bola Afolabi
Procurement Principles and Best Practices: Value Optimizations & Sustainability by Bola Afolabi