Introduction

Career Transition Primer

INTRODUCTION
We're living through some crazy times. Whether your company is highly profitable or un-profitable, job security seems to be a thing of the past. The only one under more stress than you, is your boss, who's trying to out maneuver the competition. Sometimes that maneuvering means you, or your co-worker, is at risk of being laid off.

What do you do when you're out of work? Where do you turn for help? How can you prepare for the prospect of being out of work? What can you do to make the cut at your present company? A questionnaire was sent to SPE-Gulf Coast Section members in the fall and approximately 90% of those responding said a directory of available job search services was important. With that in mind, we compiled the following document of useful information about searching for a job.

In addition to searching for a job, we have included l list of resources on how to make your own job. Going into business for yourself has become increasingly attractive for our membership. Comparing company affiliations for the Gulf Coast Section leadership over the last fifteen years has shown an interesting trend of fewer major oil company and service company representatives and many more "consultants" providing direction for our organization.

Several points about this document should be stressed. First of all, this is a directory intended to help petroleum engineers in the Houston area find work or start a business by shortening your learning curve. The work or business does not necessarily need to be in the oil patch. Secondly, this is not a "how to find a job" document. This is a "where to go for help" document with some explanation along the way. Many times that help is right under your nose and at no cost if you ask.

Feel free to let us know what you think about our guidebook and don't hesitate to pass this information along to a friend.

Don Williamson, PE
713-955-0566
75477.766@compuserve.com