Starting a Career: Questions About Marcellus Opportunities

Hello,

 

I'm looking to start a career and I'm considering opportunities in the Marcellus shale region. I would highly appreciate any advice I can get! Thanks in advance :)

 

Here's a bit about myself:


I'm 25 year old male and I graduated in 2008 with my bachelors in Business Management (focus in finance, accounting, economics) 3.52 GPA, Cum Laude. I graduated straight into the '08 credit collapse and found virtually no job openings in my desired career area. 

 

Thankfully, I have been able to support myself as a commodities trader (mainly gold, silver & oil) for the last few years. I've been trading & studying finance since I was 14.

 

I'm now trying, once again, to start a career. After much soul-searching, I've figured out that I don't see myself working in an office or corporate environment. There's a big part of me that enjoys being outdoors, working with my hands and even getting a little dirty.

 

My commodities research has helped spark an interest in possible career opportunities in the Marcellus shale region. (I live on Long Island, NY) I don't have a blue-collar background, nor have I ever driven a truck, but I'm a quick learner, hard-worker, strong (6'2", 200 lbs) and willing to try new things. I'm willing to take classes to further my education in this field, if need be. I'm considering getting my CDL truck driver's license, learning welding, etc. I have a strong mechanical aptitude, just zero mechanical job experience.

 

Could anyone kindly provide me with some advice or direction for how to break into the Marcellus shale job market, despite being totally "green"? I'm open to all suggestions; no work is too dirty or beneath me. 

 

Thanks again! :)

 

Jesse 

 

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Permalink Reply by JesseC on October 19, 2011 at 2:30pm
I should have also mentioned that I'm a life-long rock collector, geology and chemistry buff. (Yes, I'm a nerd :) )
Permalink Reply by Jim Litwinowicz on October 19, 2011 at 3:43pm

Jesse; for starters read this thread, lots of info.  Not all applies to you as you already have a degree but a good place to start.

 

And check out http://www.shalenet.org

Permalink Reply by JesseC on October 19, 2011 at 4:58pm

Thanks for the reply, Jim - you said "read this thread", did you intend to post a link to a specific thread or did you mean that I should browse the threads on the forum?

I will definitely check out ShaleNet, too. Thanks :) 

 

Permalink Reply by Jim Litwinowicz on October 20, 2011 at 1:37am

Ooops forgot the link!!!

 

http://gomarcellusshale.com/forum/topics/how-long-will-this-oil-boo...

 

Don't laugh....you'll be old someday!

Permalink Reply by JesseC on October 20, 2011 at 5:49am
No worries :) Thanks for the link!
Permalink Reply by JesseC on October 20, 2011 at 9:44am

ShaleNet.org was a very informative website. It's too bad New York (my state) isn't yet eligible for the gov't grant until the drilling moratorium passes.

 

I have a question about one of the job descriptions (roustabout/floor hand) posted on ShaleNet: Are roustabouts expected to work at heights, such as on top of the gas derrick?

I ask this because I tend to get dizzy at heights, so I'd try to avoid those types of situations. Thanks :)

Permalink Reply by Jim Litwinowicz on October 20, 2011 at 9:55am

Scroll down to "General oilfield questions answered" and ask Homer. He works on rigs and would know this better than anyone.

I see you live in NYC and have a degree in accounting.  I would advise to take up forensic accounting and you'll be busy as a beaver cleaning up Wall Street!

There is great opportunity in this gas play but the hours are long and hard. They work 12 hour days for 14 days straight in all weather. Then you get 7-10 days off depending on company.  And you will travel to various well sites and live in man camps. People with military experience do quite well as they are used to this lifestyle.

The pay is good..starting over $60,000/yr with all the overtime...and usually great benefits. And they promote the good ones quickly so you could get a less physical job at even better pay within a couple of years.

Its hard work with some danger involved. But it pays well and you can move up quickly.  Just have to decide if that life style is for you.

Permalink Reply by JesseC on October 20, 2011 at 10:59am
Thanks - I really appreciate the advice and I will ask Homer some questions I have in mind.

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