Saturday, May 30, 2020

Oil Gas What is the downstream process

Oil Gas What is the downstream process by Michael Cheary The downstream stage â€" the largest part of the oil and gas process â€" brings with it a wave of differing opportunities to work.In fact, there are literally thousands of different jobs available in downstream alone, meaning that whatever your skillset, there’s an oil and gas job out there for you. Not sure you’re up-to-speed with what all the individual stages are?Here’s our guide to everything you need to know about the downstream process:Step one: RefiningThe first, and arguably most integral, part of the downstream process is refining.To put it simply, oil refining takes the crude oil, extracted during the upstream process, and turns it into a range of substances that we can use.Refining is carried out through fractional distillation, a process which heats and separates the complex chemicals (mostly hydrocarbons) found in crude oil. Unwanted substances are removed, and any other materials produced are collected. After distillation, the fuels are t ransported to elsewhere in the refinery to be processed.Oil refineries cost billions of pounds to build and maintain, and run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Because they’re such an expensive and essential part of the oil and gas industry, hiring the right people is of paramount importance. In fact, it’s estimated that somewhere in the region of 1.5million people work within refining worldwide.Jobs available:Due to the complexity and importance of refining within the downstream process, jobs are available in a wide range of disciplines including construction, engineering, management, maintenance and administration.Refining jobs include Engineer (Project, Chemical, Electrical, etc.), Pipefitter, Welder, Cutter, Pump System Operator, Supervisor and Foreman.Step two: ProcessingNatural gas processing also happens within the downstream stage.Along with crude oil, natural gas is generally found underground, usually in close proximity to the source of oil.It’s in the downstream proc ess that natural gas is rendered usable, by removing any water or other impurities and by-products such as sulphur and ethaneProcessed natural gas is incredibly useful, being utilised for products ranging from fuel for cooking and heating, through to producing cement, fertiliser and petrochemicals and creating polyethylene polymers, the most widely-used type of plastic.Once processed, it is then distributed for use.Jobs available:Jobs within the processing part of the oil and gas industry are also primarily found within oil refineries. However, roles vary greatly depending on what material is being produced.Processing jobs include Process Engineer, Plant Operator, Product Controller and Turnaround (TAR) Manager.Step three: Marketing DistributionOnce the oil and gas products have been refined and processed, the next stage is to get them to market.Marketing, a major component of this, involves the wholesale and distribution of the product, as well as other elements, such as pricing. Pricing and demand is heavily influenced by a number of different factors, such as distance, economic and political conditions, rig utilisation rates and oil contracts.After marketing, products can then be distributed to the appropriate parties. Many of the major companies involved in the midstream process are also key players within the distribution process, transporting refined oil and processed natural gas out to retail outlets, factories and storage, or even their own facilities.Transport involved could include conventional methods, such as oil tankers, trucks, and rail shipments, or go straight from the refinery into a complex piping network to reach their destination. Generally, most companies operate with a mix of transport types.Jobs available:There are a number of jobs you could do within the marketing and distribution stages of the downstream process, and many may be available to people working within similar roles in other industries.Marketing and distribution jobs includ e Hazard Analyst, Commercial Analyst Marketing Assistant, Truck Driver, Barge Driver and other transport-based positions.Step four: RetailThe final stage of the downstream process is retailing the finished product.Some degree of these sales will come through selling petrol, diesel and other fuel straight to consumers. However, a large amount is also sold to factories and power plants, and within the transport industry.The downstream industry also touches consumers through thousands of other products, such as heating oil, lubricants, synthetic rubber, plastics, fertilizers, antifreeze, pesticides and pharmaceuticals.Once again, some of the larger companies (also known as ‘super majors’) may handle all elements of the downstream process themselves, including retail. However, there are only a handful of these within the entire industry (e.g. BP, Total, Shell), and even these companies may choose to operate with multiple other players within the sector for individual contracts.Jobs available:Probably the area where jobs are most abundant, the retail stage of the oil and gas process is the area in which those with excellent customer service skills excel.Retail jobs include Petrol Pump Attendants, Retail Assistants, Accountants, Tax Accountants, and Field Sales Representatives.Why should I work in the oil and gas industry?Aside from being an incredibly diverse area to work within, the oil and gas industry is also one of the most lucrative. Annual salaries are well above national averages, and continue to grow year-on-year.Other benefits include flexible working, and the opportunity to travel globally as part of your career. If you’re looking for a career with longevity, varied and exciting work and excellent pay, oil and gas might be for you.To find out more about what the oil and gas sector can do for you, read our list of five reasons you should be working in the oil and gas industry.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up f or moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Career Development

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

How to Find Resume Writing Services That Work For You

How to Find Resume Writing Services That Work For YouIf you are a graduate, a job seeker, or a graduate who is contemplating an advanced degree, you might consider utilizing resume writing services in all or part of your search for employment. Job seekers in all fields find their resumes tossed around between different companies, and the results are usually mixed. For this reason, the use of a professional resume writing service can be beneficial.Certain regions offer better representation than others, and so it will be important to choose an agency that offers a variety of services. Another key aspect of choosing the right company is to know what to expect from their company. Most graduates need to go through a hiring process and should not feel rushed. Because of this, potential employers want to know that a resume writing service has an actual person on staff who knows how to write resumes.For this reason, many companies will use people they already have on staff to handle the wor k for them. This is fine if the work is basic and does not require a lot of skill. The important thing is to use the resume writing services you select carefully. Look for individuals who have experience with the company and who can take direction well.When selecting resume writing services, make sure to research the company before making a decision. Check to see if the staff is certified and ask about any past clients. It is also a good idea to make appointments with several people and see if they respond quickly and that the service has a reputation of being professional.If you decide to hire a professional service for the services they provide, you can rest assured that you will receive a high-quality product. When hiring a professional agency, there are a few things to keep in mind. The most important of these is to make sure that the agency you select is reputable.This means that the company should be licensed by the state you reside in. This is a very important step, because t here are many illegal services out there. Because many of the illegal services offer such low-quality services, it is important to find a reputable company who is legal and has all the proper licenses and permits to provide the services you need.Another thing to consider is the level of care and attention that your potential client should receive. Many employers will offer high-quality services but will sometimes give poor customer service. You want to be sure that the agency you choose has been established as an agency that works with your specific industry and focuses on providing a good quality product.When it comes to resume writing services, one of the best parts is that it is a relatively simple task to put together. If you are seeking a quality service, then look no further than an agency specializing in resume writing services. It can save you both time and money, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your career.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Is It Really Simple To Ban Unpaid Internship - Career Geek

Is It Really Simple To Ban Unpaid Internship - Career Geek You only have to mention the words unpaid internship or voluntary internship before someone within 5 metres of you shouts out unpaid internships are illegal. My first reaction to that is: this person has a job and its not worth discussing the issue with him or her. And that in essence is the problem I have with the whole unpaid internships debate. People jumping to conclusions and asking for a blanket ban on unpaid internships. Quite frankly, unless someone is going to lobby the government with millions of pounds, I dont think anything will happen with unpaid internships. Unpaid Internships Need To Be Discussed First 18 odd months ago, the current UK coalition government announced some changes to the tax benefits of people donating to charities. The reason being, people were donating to some charities which did no real work and yet people got the tax benefits. The whole voluntary sector went up in arms in fact, everyone on social media was banging on about how it will hurt the charities which do actual work. The plan was eventually shelved. Now, consider the government proposes blanket ban on unpaid internships. Will that not affect charities? Who gets an awful lot of people working for them voluntarily? This is one piece of the big unpaid internship puzzle. Calling for blanket ban on unpaid internships is not a solution, in fact, it is stifling the debate and discussion that needs to be had. Start-ups and Unpaid Internships Start-ups are springing in every part of the world. It is so easy to start a business that even students and fresh graduates are giving it a go. Sometimes, the idea starts working and they need people to help out. Their best option, without any funding, or getting paid themselves, is to find interns. A start-up is still a registered business (when it gets registered) and any blanket ban on unpaid internship will mean start-ups will not be able to find people to work for them at the start. Here is another problem and I have seen this comparing campaigns for two different online start-ups. Two online start-ups wanted social media interns to work for them one advertised for voluntary worker; the other advertised as social media intern. The one who advertised for a social media intern had a lot more applicants than the one who advertised the position as a voluntary opportunity. This is reality. Students and graduates want the term internship on their resumes. So how do we solve this problem of allowing start-ups to still tap into the talent at  the early stage of their businesss set up? Careers, Students and Industry Need to Feed Into the Unpaid Internships Debate I previously had a stance I was against unpaid internships. I have even written about unpaid internships and why they are bad. But over the last year I have given this topic a lot more thought than I previously had and I honestly cannot stand up and support the total ban on unpaid internships. To be fair, there are existing rules about national minimum wage falana falana but they are not paid heed to. Hence, I genuinely think any unpaid internship debate has to be led by careers services, students, the industry and other experts from their field. Far too much of the unpaid internship debate is held by the private sector and careers experts. I find it funny how a journalist of a major newspaper whose audience is upmarket posh roast turkey diners, writes about unpaid internship. Dude, thats uncool. Let the students who will graduate and get into the industry, let the careers services who, as much as you berate them, are still a FREE and good point of contact for students and the industry who will employ them have discussions amongst themselves. Our job is to aid those discussions. And we all need to be careful what we ask for. Tomorrow we could get a blanket ban on unpaid internships and realise weve ended up doing even more harm to the charity and start-up industry. Unpaid internships are a jigsaw puzzle that needs discussion and collaboration across different sectors to piece the final picture together. The debate cannot be solved on a gung ho approach. What are your thoughts on it? I want to know what you feel, so please comment below and   I will respond to each and every one of your comments! photo credit: Jeff Howard via photopin cc 18

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Independent Contractor - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Independent Contractor - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career A couple of days ago, I was reading an article about career management and came across the following advice: If you want to survive and see new opportunities, “think of yourself as an independent contractor,”  said CRAIG ALLEN,  Creator, ‘Career Doctors’ radio show. “It does not mean you can’t be loyal to the company, but you are a brand. You need to know what you stand for and what skills and accomplishments make you uniquely different, and [you need to] be able to speak about them.” You are working for you. If you learn to manage your career with confidence, you can add value anywhere you work. The mindset ‘I am working for myself‘, and not just my employer, struck a chord with me.  I always embraced the idea that I own my career and that I cannot be dependent upon my employer to “look out for me” â€" but the idea of looking at my career as an independent contractor drove home the importance for me to identify my strengths, be able to communicate them, and finally embrace the idea that I need to promote my brand in a professional manner. Have you thought of viewing your career as an independent contractor?  When one does, one keeps the power of employment opportunities within ones own grasp and is less dependent upon an employer to provide growth opportunities.  Enjoy the idea of building the business of You, Inc. Author: Kevin Monahan  is the Associate Director of the Notre Dame Career Center.  In this role, he leads the center’s  employer relations efforts in addition to coaching  young professionals in career management and career change capacities. He combines career consulting services with employer outreach to help find opportunities for both constituencies.  He is the author of the  Career Seeker’s Guide  blog.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Writing Your Resume - Tips For Writing A Killer Resume

Writing Your Resume - Tips For Writing A Killer ResumeYour resume can be the first piece of the puzzle that employers receive when they are conducting a job search. Unfortunately, you may not have had time to write a resume that stands out from the crowd. This article will help you understand how to increase your chances of success when it comes to writing your resume.First of all, you should make sure you get as much information on your resume as possible. Research your job title, company, and industry. Get as much information as you can about the company, and also about the industry as a whole.If you want to make sure you get hired quickly, you should make sure the information on your resume is current. This means that you should use the same information that the company used in the past. You should also not exaggerate information or use false information.A well-written resume will highlight your experience and skills. It should also have information that relates to your education and training. For example, if you received a degree in accounting, mention that you were a certified public accountant. Your resume should also have the correct information about your education and training.It is important to think about what types of things you can include on your resume. When you are looking for work, employers will be looking for something different than when they are simply trying to hire someone for a position. Therefore, you should tailor your resume to the specific needs of each employer.Employers are not always going to ask about experience. They will want an applicant to demonstrate a specific skill. In many cases, that skill can be demonstrated in a manner that is very specific.When it comes to skills, employers are generally looking for applicants who demonstrate those skills in their resumes. They are also interested in candidates who are able to show that they are able to accomplish their goals. Therefore, you should include a list of those skills on yo ur resume. Remember, you don't have to copy the information word for word; you can use bullet points to describe those specific skills.It is a good idea to get a second opinion on your resume before you send it out. Many hiring managers are looking for new ideas and ways to improve their jobs. The fact is that even the best candidates are going to get rejected in some form or fashion. If you want to be successful, then you need to make sure you follow this advice.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

13 Tips for Surviving Your First Year as a Nurse

13 Tips for Surviving Your First Year as a Nurse If you’ve completed your training and you’re about to embark on your career as a full-fledged nurse, then you’ll likely feel a mix of emotions. On the one hand, you’re excited to get your new career underway. On the other hand, oh boy, just what have you let yourself in for? There’s no getting around the fact that the first year as a nurse can be tough. Or maybe it’s better to say WILL be tough. If you can make it through that inaugural year, then you’ll make it through anything. Below, we take a look at thirteen tips to ensure you’ll do just that. It’s How You Learn, Not What You Know If you thought you knew everything because you completed your training, then you’re going to be in for a surprise pretty quickly. Even the greatest medical professional in the world doesn’t know everything. You’re not supposed to! The important thing is to understand that you don’t have all the answers kicking around in your head. When you come up against a medical puzzle, then talk to people. There are no stupid questions, especially when it comes to another person’s health. The second you accept that you’re not going to know everything, you’ll A. be much more relaxed, and B. have adopted the right ‘learning’ attitude that all the best nurses have. Get To Know Your Colleagues In most workplaces, colleagues are the people that you interact with on work-related matters, and sometimes grab a beer with. When you’re a nurse, they’re less “colleagues,” more “extended family.” You’re going to be working very closely with your other nurses, and often in situations that are intense and relationship-bonding. Don’t wait until you’ve shared a dramatic moment together to become linked. Make an effort to get to know them from the beginning. You’re all on the same side, and should be there to build each other up when it’s needed. Bring Good Energy Everyone has bad days. You can’t always be in the greatest mood of your life, and there’ll also be times when your hospital and the people in it just get on your nerves. While it’s fine to complain every now and again, if you find that you’re forever using negative language, then it’ll be time to rethink your approach. It might be enjoyable for you to get everything that’s wrong off your chest, but think about the impact it’s having on your colleagues. No-one likes to be around people who are complaining all the time. Bring a positive mindset and energy to the place, and you’ll be a valued member of the team. If you’re struggling to be positive, then talk it out with someone outside of the workplace, and read up on some of the best ways to change your mindset for the better. Get Organized Between your shifts, your family, and your friends who might become something of strangers due to your business you’re not going to have much time in your life. As such, it’s imperative that you get yourself organized. If you’re well-prepared, then you’ll be able to start your shifts the right way. No-one likes to be rushing to get ready in the morning and only walking through the door just as their shift is beginning. If you make time in your schedule to deal with life’s admin tasks and the like, then you’ll always be one step ahead of whatever’s coming up next. Learn From the Bad Shifts No-one performs at the highest level all the time. Even the greatest athletes in the world have off days. And as a nurse, you’ll be the same. You could have twenty shifts where you get everything right, and then one can still pop up where nothing seems to go right, and during which you make mistakes. Don’t dwell on them. Everyone makes mistakes; it’s how you respond to them that counts. So learn from the errors you’ve made. Every error is an opportunity to learn! It’s crucial, too, that you don’t go too hard on yourself. Tell yourself the same thing you’d tell a friend if they make the same mistake. There’s no reason to be your own worst enemy. Look the Part Your appearance isn’t going to be the most important thing when you’re on the job, but there’s no getting around the fact that appearance and confidence are closely linked, and that confidence and performance are also closely linked. If you feel secure within yourself, you’ll be walking tall and talking with confidence. So take 5-10 minutes before your shift to ensure you’re happy with how you look. Also, remember that what we’re wearing can get us into the right ‘professional’ mindset we need to work well, so make sure you’re buying new hospital scrubs once your old ones have been worn out. You’ll look and feel the part. Comfortable Shoes And talking about what you’re going to be wearing, don’t forget your shoes! You’re going to spend more time than you would think possible on your feet, and if you don’t have shoes that you feel comfortable in, then you’re not going to last too long. They really can make a massive difference to your overall enjoyment of your shift. Treat Yourself Well You’re going to be dedicating your career to helping others; but don’t forget to help yourself. You’ll find that you’re able to work harder, longer, and better if you’re doing things like getting enough exercise and eating well. While you might not want to spend your free time doing these things, it’ll pay off. The key to doing things that you’d rather not do is to make them more fun. For example, cooking healthy meals will be no chore if you learn the cooking well. Exercise won’t look so intimidating if you do it with your friends. Time With the Family You’re going to quickly find that being a nurse is less a job, more a lifestyle. The needs and demands of the job will be with you all the time, and can, if you’re not careful, roll over to the time that you should be enjoying with your family. As such, it’s important to find ways to “switch off” from your shift. When you’re with your loved ones, don’t be thinking over the events of the past day. Set ten minutes aside at the end of each shift to “decompress” from the day. You can take the energy you get from the good shifts home with you; the bad ones should stay in the hospital. No good will come from taking them home with you. Find What You Need There’s no one way of doing things, or being a nurse. The trick is to find out what works for you, and do that. It might mean going for a run in the morning or spending an hour eating breakfast at a nearby joint before your shift. You’ll naturally fall into these things over time. Just listen to your body and your mind, and see what it’s telling you. If something seems off, then switch it out for something new instead. The best version of you will make for the best nurse! Review And Progress There’s always time for reflection when you’re a nurse. We don’t mean spending every evening vaguely reflecting on the day’s events; we mean actual, concentrated reflection. For example, every month you could perform some self-analysis, identifying the aspects of your job in which you’re excelling, and the aspects that you need to improve. If you’re not entirely sure what your strengths and weaknesses are, ask other people. Their answers will give you something to work on. By the time the next reflection session rolls around, you’ll have transferred one of your minus points to the plus side of the list. Give It Your All You’ll probably understand from your training that there’s little room for half measures when you’re a nurse. If you’re going to make nursing your job, then you need to be all in. As we said above, it ’s less a career, more a lifestyle that you’re taking on. But as with any other job, there’s no substitute for working hard! Give it your all, go the extra mile, and you’ll find that your efforts are rewarded with greater command and confidence in your role. Stay Positive Finally, remember that there’s no substitute for a positive mindset. It’s useful in whatever you’re doing in life, but especially so when you’re a nurse. You’re not always going to encounter things that make your heart sing, so you might need to do it yourself. You can focus on the good things in life, or focus on the bad things. Only one of them makes sense, however. Final Thoughts You’re going to go on an awesome journey as a nurse, one that is more different than similar to the one you envisioned. Try to enjoy it as much as you can! You’re making a positive difference in the world, after all, and that’s always a reason to be happy in your work.

Friday, May 8, 2020

Summary Sunday New Graduate Advice, Twitter Chats and Job Search

Summary Sunday New Graduate Advice, Twitter Chats and Job Search This is a round up of posts Ive shared this week through Twitter that I feel are worth pulling together again. There is certainly no shortage of information out there to help job seekers and career enthusiasts. By pulling these posts together here each week, I hope two things happen. 1. You get answers to questions that will help you with your search 2. You may find a new author, site or resource to follow. NEW GRADUATE ADVICE The Young Professionals Guide to Workplace Etiquette from Fins 10 Tips for New Grads Hoping to Score a Job from US News World Report Twitter Chats You Should Know About #ProCircles (Here is a most recent post with transcript of the chat) Thursday at 8pm EST #InternPro (link to YouTerns most recent chat summary) Monday at 9pm EST #JobHuntChat (link to site with information) Monday at 10pm EST #HFChat (link to summary posts and details) Friday at 12pm EST Job Search Six Secrets to Quickly Land a Job from MonsterWorking 1. Demonstrate why you’re an excellent match to their job profile. 2. Get there first. 3. Get recommended by someone on the inside. 4.   Prioritize your search. 5.   Show up ready to talk to several people. 6.     Be ready to jump when the offer is made (Go ahead and read the full post for all the logic!)