As the global energy landscape evolves, professionals in the oil and gas industry are being asked to walk a tightrope: maintain an affordable and reliable fuel supply while advancing toward net-zero emissions. Far from being a contradiction, balancing energy security and transition is becoming the core challenge—and opportunity—of modern energy careers.
“Energy security and energy transition are not mutually exclusive,” said Daniel Yergin, vice chairman of S&P Global and chairman of CERAWeek, during the 2024 energy summit. “But it requires investment, realistic policy frameworks and alignment between governments, industry and the public.”
The demand for oil and gas remains strong. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), fossil fuels still account for nearly 80% of the world’s energy mix, and global energy demand is projected to rise by 25% by 2045. At the same time, climate policies, investor pressure and new technologies are rapidly reshaping the future of the sector.
So, where does that leave industry professionals—and those looking to enter the field?
Already in the Industry?
For current professionals, now is the time to embrace transformation. Whether in upstream drilling, midstream logistics or downstream refining, workers are increasingly being asked to operate at the intersection of traditional energy and emerging technologies.
One of the most immediate steps industry professionals can take is upskilling. Gaining proficiency in digital tools, such as AI-powered monitoring, predictive maintenance software and emissions-tracking platforms, is no longer optional—it’s essential. Certifications in carbon management, hydrogen production and CCUS (carbon capture, utilization and storage) are becoming valuable differentiators on resumes and in leadership pipelines.
“Innovation isn’t coming—it’s already here,” said Katie Mehnert, founder and CEO of ALLY Energy. “To succeed in this next chapter, we must lead with both technical skill and a growth mindset.”
Mehnert, who has worked in both Shell and BP before launching her energy workforce platform, encourages professionals to view energy transition as a career enhancer, not a threat. “We need more energy, but we also need to steward our resources better. The two goals can go hand in hand.”
In addition, soft skills such as systems thinking, cross-sector collaboration and ESG literacy (environmental, social and governance) are growing in relevance. Energy professionals are no longer siloed; they are expected to collaborate with data scientists, regulators and sustainability officers.
Looking to Enter
Aspiring professionals should recognize that energy is not a monolith—it’s becoming more hybrid. Career paths now extend beyond petroleum engineering and geoscience to include roles such as sustainability analyst, low-carbon project manager and digital energy strategist.
Many companies are actively recruiting for transitional roles. For instance, ExxonMobil, Chevron and BP have all launched internal initiatives focused on hydrogen, lithium extraction and carbon storage. Entry-level applicants with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, data analytics or environmental science are well-positioned for these new energy tracks.
Job seekers can also explore training programs offered by organizations such as NAPE, SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) and the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, which now provide workshops and certifications focused on clean energy technologies and hybrid operations.
“Today’s energy workforce needs to be as adaptable as the systems we’re designing,” Mehnert said during a 2023 panel at Louisiana State University. “Technical skills matter—but so do leadership, communication and the ability to work across disciplines.”
Internships and apprenticeships are also evolving. Several U.S. community colleges and universities now offer programs in renewable integration, carbon capture and digital oilfield operations—often developed in collaboration with industry partners.
The Path Forward
Whether you’re a 20-year veteran of the field or a student deciding on your career path, one truth is universal: the energy industry is changing. But those who engage with the transition rather than resist it are positioned to thrive.
As author and energy sector consultant Daniel Yergin put it, “This is not just an energy transition—it’s a rewiring of the global energy system.”
For those in the oil and gas industry, this means not abandoning core expertise but augmenting it with future-focused skills, collaborating across boundaries and staying agile in a landscape shaped by geopolitics, technology and climate pressure.
The next generation of energy leaders won’t simply provide power—they’ll shape the very system that delivers it.
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