Workforce of the Future Survey: Nearly Half of Millennial and GenerationZ STEM Talent Are Interested in a Career in the Oil and Gas Industry
Identifying the Trends
A Mix of Respondents
Key findings include:
- “Salary,” “work-life balance,” “job stability,” “on-the-job fulfillment,” and “a good work environment” are ranked the top five drivers behind potential career choices for STEM Millennials and Gen Zs.
- Young STEM talent also associate the oil and gas industry with high salaries and see it as an industry that is invaluable. “The industry pays well,” “the industry is crucial for their country’s economy and development,” and it is “an industry we couldn’t live without” are ranked as the top three positive attributes about the industry.
- STEM Millennials and Gen Zs show the most interest in industries that they believe will be most impacted by new technologies. Globally, 42 percent say that new technologies will have a major impact on the oil and gas industry, while 56 percent say the same for healthcare, 53 percent for life sciences and pharmaceuticals, and 73 percent for the technology industry.
The Findings Related to Oil & Gas
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and ADNOC Group CEO, said: “The findings from the ADNOC ‘Workforce of the Future’ survey show that the more STEM Millennials and Gen Zs associate oil and gas with new technologies, the more interested they will be in a career in the industry. The oil and gas industry should position itself at the cutting-edge of technology and showcase how breakthrough innovation is vital to every aspect of our business—across the upstream and downstream value chain.
IT and Creative Thinking
The results also show that STEM Millennials and Gen Zs appear divided on whether oil and gas is an industry of the future (45 percent) or the past (44 percent). The data also indicates a mismatch between what STEM Millennials and Gen Zs see as the most important skills to succeed professionally versus what they see are the most important skills for a career in the oil and gas industry.
Experience Changes Perceptions
The data also shows that some experience in the job market and a tertiary education in STEM subjects can help change perceptions positively towards a career in the oil and gas sector. While interest is low among secondary school-age STEM students (37 percent are interested in a career in oil and gas), this figure rises to approximately half (51 percent) of young professionals being interested in pursuing a career in the sector—representing a 14-point increase.
H.E. Dr. Al Jaber added: “Oil and gas has always been—and will continue to be—an industry of the future that is at the forefront of technology and innovation. It is an exciting time for STEM talent to join the industry, particularly as we advance our Oil & Gas 4.0 mission and embrace new technologies and partnerships for digital and technological transformation across our entire operations,” concluded H.E. Dr. Al Jaber.