With my third class degree, can I get job in an oil company?

Hello Jarus,

My name is Tosin. I’m from  Kwara State. I messed up big time while studying Civil Engineering in one of Nigeria’s second generation universities. By bagging a THIRD CLASS degree. A couple of factors contributed to it, but those are just mere excuses. The bottom line is that I messed my life up.

But I know it’s never too late, no matter how late, to start a positive journey of progress. That’s where I need your candid opinion.

I want to still get an oil and gas job. Everybody I talked to has said it is not even remotely possible, but something within me tells me it’s still possible.

So, tell me, is it still possible to get an oil and gas job? If yes, what are the action steps you’ll require of me to take to move close to my goal.

Thanks and God bless.

Tosin

*****

Dear Tosin,

First, I have always said that the Oil & Gas industry is not the only industry and the fixation of our graduates on the sector is a bit misplaced. This I discussed extensively in this article I wrote months back.

That said, there is nothing wrong in seeking to get job there.

Now, to your question: the answer is YES. There is no rule that says a third class graduate cannot get job in the oil industry. There are definitely third class graduates there.

But the challenge: it is a highly competitive industry where best graduates from best schools compete. Herein lies the issue.

At entry level, companies specify the acceptable class of degree, and, unfortunately, for almost 100% of them, third class is hardly included. In fact, it is only in very few cases that the boundary is extended to second class lower. This is even the shortlisting process, before the competition for place by way of tests and interviews begins.

At experienced level position, class of degree hardly matters, so that may be one possible route.

Yet, I wont say you can’t get job in the industry despite this deficit. There is nothing that is impossible. Few as they may be, I’m sure there are third class grads in the industry, so that’s why I said yes, you can. I have mentioned the experienced hire route, which I must say, is also a tight route except you’re very exceptional where you were coming from or you’re headhunted.

There is also the contract route. Some third party contractors provide contract staff to oil companies, and the oil companies hardly check their qualifications, since they relate with their contractors (employers) directly and relationship is not that of employee. Those contract manpower suppliers are not so strict in their qualifications pegging, since they are recruiting as contract staff, so maybe they consider third class grads too. After years of experience as contract staff, your experience and network in the industry may be useful in landing your permanent job in an oil company, disregarding your academic deficit.

Finally, don’t be fixated with the oil industry, as even first class grads are not guaranteed place. Extend your search.

Jarus

*****

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