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Post by mangesh79 on Sept 4, 2011 15:10:58 GMT
How's work culture and environment in the drilling department. I have been offered a position to join drilling dept. Can anybody help me to know how's the work environment like open culture or just higher management driven?  Thanks in advance. |
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Post by Mr Barlow on Sept 6, 2011 8:49:18 GMT
If you are coming from a Western Oil major prepare to be disappointed. The only reason most Expats work here is the extra money. The climate, depending on where you come from may be an additional bonus except in high summer and the Compounds are good.However from a professional perspective it will most likely be a retrograde step in your career and potentially very damaging to longer term career prospects. There is little or no chance of progression for expats in Aramco.
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derekg
Senior Member
Posts: 107
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Post by derekg on Sept 6, 2011 13:05:48 GMT
The environment at Aramco is different from most anywhere else and what you get out of it depends a great deal upon the management of the group itself. The company is making some positive changes, but it is a slow process in a company the size of Aramco. While it is true that as an expat you will never be in management, if you are capable you can have a significant impact on the management decisions of your group. While some people choose to do very little, that is their choice; if you choose to excel, there are many opportunities for improvement and continuing education. As a professional employee, there are also opportunities to represent the company at industry events through presentations and contributions to knowledge.
Like anything else in the world, what you get out of the experience is what you put into it. Working for Aramco is not a short-term decision; it takes years to understand how the organization works and where you can provide the best impact. This is true with most any corporation.
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Post by Mr Barlow on Sept 6, 2011 14:30:36 GMT
I would disagree about the statement of what you put in you get back although I conceed there maybe some exceptional cases. Its been said here on this forum time and time again, as an expat you have very little chance of progression. The only progression I have seen by expats is temporary where they act up for a limited period. Other than a few old timers more recent arrivals in supervisory positions are invariably 'acting' Of course they would like you to think there is progression which is why you spend half your life completing 'CMAP's plotting your professional development etc etc etc. Thats how they get some mugs to work all the hours :lol:
Supervisory / Management positions are reserved for Saudis. No matter how good you are in terms of qualifications, experience, and commitment career progression is highly unlikely. In Aramco its who you know and what you are (ethnicity / religion) that count. Even Saudi's not of the predominant faith have very few career opportunities beyond junior management.
What I would encoue every Expat to do is take advantage of any training opportunities. Inhouse training / local training leaves a lot to be desired. Try and get on out of Kingdom courses, especially accredited courses by recognised training establishments not the mickey mouse rubbish touted locally.
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Post by Twofeets on Sept 23, 2011 4:50:02 GMT
OK, enough with the negativity. While I understand some of the posters points, they are only a snapshot of life in Aramco.
Yes, the work culture is not like most western companies. And while you may be able to move up a bit, it does seem most of the top end positions are now for Saudis.
That being said, ask yourself why you are looking for a job over seas? What is it you're looking for?
For 20 years my life revolved around work. 60+, sometimes 80+ hours a week I was at work. I got promoted fast, I made good money, but my life was work work work work work. In the end it cost me my marriage, and most of what I had worked so hard for.
Now I am with Aramco. I realize that I may not have much upward mobility in my current position. That being said, I was very happy with the terms of my contract. There is more to life. In a time of world instability and possible recession I will get a raise every year. Even a few small raises here would equal a promotion at home. It may not have the self gratification factor, but as I said, there's more to life than work.
I now work a 42 hour work week. I have more time off, more leave time, etc than I have ever had in my life. Im home so much my new wife doesnt know what to do with me! lol. My medical insurance and housing costs only a fraction of what I was paying in the states, and assuming I stay long enough I will have a set retirement (and wont have to worry about social security).
So yes, while the work culture may be lacking, for a lot of us the personal time really makes up for it.
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Post by David_and_Nita on Sept 23, 2011 7:03:47 GMT
True. The money is better or equal and the cost of living is much lower.
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Post by alexander.lund on Sept 24, 2011 7:12:06 GMT
"Even Saudi's not of the predominant faith have very few career opportunities beyond junior management."
This is . There's plenty of evidence to the contrary effect.
Aramco is big, very big. And I don't think it's unlike working for any other big company across the world, except the benefits are good and salary is astonishing.
Give it a try, if you don't like it, go back home! I'll certainly stay.
Alex
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