From the outset these are my opinions. Others might have better opinions. I don’t intend to put any group in a bad light but just help youngsters through my opinion.
When I was working for Consultant/Contractors at an early stage of my career I was not knowing the client i.e. I never had interactions with them, never met them and went about the task with a very narrow mindset. The data sheet and specifications were by and large a fall out of we third party where there was a PMC then on top our client. And at times we worked with a limited database.
On the other hand, while working with operating companies you are directly the client, and site is almost with you since you have the operators accessible if you need to ask questions etc. plus you have a lot of databases of existing systems which helps you to refer them and work on them when faced with problems.
You as an electrical engineer are not responsible for generating the data sheet and documents etc. but you feel as though you are responsible for providing electrical supply, which is the right role as an electrical engineer.
When working with operating companies, the site is directly accessible to you. There are site supervisors with whom you can have interaction for real time solutions like how it in the field is right now.
I remember in my early days in oil and gas I did not know the project managers’ names etc.
Of course, consultants and contractors are launch pads for any fresher unlike operating companies who require fair bit of experience unless you are their choice right from the start.
Therefore, youngsters get a fair bit of experience with contractors/consultants then when you are confident, as early as possible switch over to operating companies and make your life easier and more practical.
Also, the salaries of operating companies are mostly better than consultants/contractors unless you have a niche with them.
At the same time both roles have challenges but the earlier you get into these operating companies the better your role as an engineer.
However, experience is vital to get clarity in the role you are performing. The more the number of years you put in, the more clarity and challenges encountered.
It is sad that to get public sector oil and gas jobs in India is so tough with reservations etc. that many of us are fending for ourselves after years of work experience. Here is this should help setting target after some experience.
Nowadays in UAE due to localization etc. you are mostly taken on contract/PMC roles which is also good.
But God help us in coming times when there is talk of, for instance, income tax on higher income groups in Oman.
All the best.
