CORONA VIRUS: Fives Ways Oil and Gas Professionals Can Make the Most Out Of Social Distancing.

We are all feeling the effects of Coronavirus. And the oil and gas industry and oil and gas professional have never left out

The Coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19) has weighed down on already low oil and gas prices. While also putting oil and gas projects at risk of delays.

How do we stay competitive in these uncertain times and beyond?

How industry professionals can become more productive and get ahead of their careers despite the setback?

Don’t mistake being Fearful With being Careful

From what we read in the morning newspapers to what we learn online or watching in the evening news, can enhance fear and negative reactions.

Don’t let fear be another virus that can further worsen the situation. But instead, we must be careful.

 Being careful, means you are informed on how to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus (like practicing social distancing).

You may use this uncertain time as an opportunity- to develop your career, enhance your skills and permanence.

                                       Make the Most Out Of Social Distancing 

Here are three ways to make the most out of pandemic COVID-19:

1.Sign Up for online Course

The oil and gas industry is adopting new technology. Machine learning, artificial intelligence is a hot topic in the oil and gas industry today. Even if your company is doing well in this crisis is going to cut jobs in the future as automation and technology advance.

The basic reason why the oil and gas industry is embracing new technology at a rapid pace is simple: It saves times, hassles and efforts. The oil and gas industry is a paperwork-heavy industry 

Many oil and gas companies are still wedded to forms, checklists, and filing in triplicate. But these processes are time-consuming for professional staff who have better things to do.

By developing skills in using a piece of software to carry out that manual paperwork, it can free you up to make most of your specialist skillset. By developing skills and capability to use up to date technology, you will enhance your skills and performance. And become a hero in your organization for saving the company money and for simplifying a complex process.

Another reason is that computers, machines, and robots can do a lot of physical jobs for less money than person.  Unlike humans, they don’t need healthcare. They don’t need overtime pay. And they don’t form unions or go break for lunch.

Are there particular skills you would like to add to your resume? The simple truth that, don’t fear new technology. This is the proper time to invest in your professional development and understand them. Get trained for new technology and software. 

If you become a person the professionals who can maintain, run or use the software being used in the industry. New technology will never hurt you.

2.Learn a home language 

If you work for multinational oil and gas companies, by all means, learn one of the language that your company uses.

If you work in Tanzania for foreign oil and Gas Company, learn the home language. For example, if you work for TOTAL learn French. If you work for Norway’s Equinor, learn the Norwegian language.

And if you work for the Abu Dhabi National oil company (ADNOC), learn Arabic.

As for speaking practicing, you don’t need to hire a tutor, with a simple google search. There numerous free online resources, you can work through in the evening.

Sharing interest in a relevant language will put you in line for senior positions. And also this can make your resume stand out in the company database

3.Leverage LinkedIn for networking

LinkedIn has proven as the best social network for professionals since its launch in 2002 Many oil and gas companies have LinkedIn profiles and influential people and colleagues have LinkedIn accounts. By being active on LinkedIn you will connect with key people in the oil and gas industry both local and international and ask them for advice. Also, help them. Join oil and gas groups and participates in the discussion. Ask, answers and help others. Spend at least two hours a week on LinkedIn