Hi I looking to make a career change from oil and gas into the tech industry. Currently I am a data processor for the largest energy service company in the world. However this industry is not new and exciting for me. I feel bored and not enthused with the direction it is taking me. The one aspect of my job I do enjoy is the technology that is coming about from the tech industry which we use and utilize in my current industry. One thing many people don’t know that one of the largest reasons for the advancements in technology is because of the O&G industry my company just made a deal in recent years with google to move all our data to the cloud and google said this is the largest amount of data we have ever dealt with. I think the best way to step out of my current role/industry is to apply for data management, data analyst, and product analyst roles. I have an undergraduate and master in a very technical, scientific, and quantitative field called geophysics. When most recruiters read my background they see geophysics and think ‘rocks’ however it is so much more than that I had to take the same level and same amount of math and physics courses as an engineer, I was required to take computer science course which it has been years since I’ve used python but I have the ability to learn it again if necessary for the role, I have taken many chemistry courses, and a variety of other quantitative and qualitative courses for my degree. In my current role I have to process and make interpretation with huge amounts of data and work with clients continuously so I have proven technical and client interface experience. Any suggestions with attracting recruiters? I am currently looking for roles in NYC or San Francisco any suggestions or recommendations for making this change would be much appreciated. I have been looking at Uber and Kickstarter any idea what they are looking for?
Good luck making the jump. It seems like everyone wants to make the jump and another .com bust is getting ready to rear it's ugly head.
Are you saying this is not a smart move?
I'd say get feet wet as an sa and grow from that.
u wot mate?
Was I not clear?
Have you thought about a role as a solution architect with one of the public cloud companies? I know SAs at M, G and A and your description sounds like a good fit. The roles aren’t as hands-on as a software engineer, but some roles are pretty hands-on. All 3 clouds are hiring SAs like crazy and finding technical people with customer skills is getting harder. Some clouds have industry focused teams, so you energy experience would be a plus.
Civil and structural eng may be the closest, but accreditation with PE would be absolutely necessary. Jumping into CS type roles is possible if you frame your current work as a CS person who accidentally wandered into oil and gas, but continued to kick CS ass while there. Resume must reflect that. Maybe join in on some summits / conferences to pad the resume with. TBH most recruiters are going to think you’re trying to make the leap, but are worried about the risk that you are overemphasizing your CS abilities.
Definitely not my expertise as I'm in finance; however I'm in the same boat as you in regards to being "bored and not enthused with the direction" and as a result of this I just had an onsite with a FAANG company (not Amazon). Just curious, are you in Houston? I haven't seen many people in Texas on this site.
I just sent you a message!
I’m from Texas and trying to get back! Hook ‘em!
I also forgot to mention I have international experience as well if that makes any difference