What do you do if you're struggling to find guidance and support during your oil and gas internship?

Having a mentor allows you to ask questions and to discuss pertinent issues. One of the things I would recommend is try to do research yourself and then make a list of questions that you can ask with your mentor. Having open, and candid discussions (psychological safety) allows new hires and summer students to feel comfortable. There are no dumb questions but just dumb answers. When discussing with the new hires and summer students try to challenge them. Take them back to the basics and begin there. This allows them to feel good about themselves. Many times I have found that it is the language used that confuses people. Don’t talk down to them but get them to answer questions. When a mentor ask you a question it is okay to say I don’t know.

Communicate Your Needs: Be proactive in communicating your concerns and needs to your supervisor or mentor. Schedule a meeting to discuss your challenges and ask for guidance on how to overcome them. Expand Your Network: Network with other interns, colleagues, and industry professionals both within and outside of your company. Attend industry events, workshops, and networking opportunities to connect with individuals who can offer guidance and support.

Looking for a mentor/coach can be a daunting experience especially if you are in a new environment, however, you will never lose anything by simply asking! You'd be surprised by how people will react when you ask if they are willing to mentor you or if they know of someone who could. Now finding a mentor is step one, ensure that you plan a cadence and turn up with questions. Be agile, flexible and courteous in your approach, as people have deadlines etc, and sometimes meetings have to be cancelled, however, always show up prepared (have a few questions always in your back pocket to ask) and strive to make it more than just a check in on how you are doing.

Seeking a mentor is indeed a good idea! A mentor can provide valuable guidance, support, and insights tailored to your specific challenges and goals within the oil and gas industry. They can offer advice, share experiences, and help navigate the complexities of your internship. Don't hesitate to reach out to experienced professionals who you admire or who have expertise in areas you want to learn more about.

Here are three additional ways to find guidance and support during your oil and gas internship: Engage in Industry Forums - Participate in online forums and discussion groups related to the oil and gas industry to gain insights and advice from experienced professionals. Attend Workshops - Enroll in workshops or seminars that focus on the specific skills and knowledge areas you want to develop during your internship. Seek Feedback - Regularly ask for constructive feedback from your supervisors and peers to understand your performance and areas for improvement. These strategies can complement the six you’ve mentioned and enhance your internship experience.

One key question to ask after any internal networking meeting especially when in a new organisation (irrespective of whether you are an intern or not) is: "In your opinion, who should I be contacting and chatting to next?". And more importantly, you can ask them to send an introductory email to the next person to, in essence, open the door for you to be able to network with them! This approach is a refreshing way to network in any organisation and does wonders if you work for a large corporation.

Networking internally can also be incredibly beneficial during oil and gas internships. Building relationships with colleagues and supervisors can provide you with a support system within the company. It can help you gain insights into the company culture, understand the organization's structure, and learn about potential opportunities for growth and development. Plus, networking internally can open doors to new projects, collaborations, and new opportunities. Don't underestimate the power of connecting with those around you in the workplace!

Utilizing resources available to you is important during oil and gas internships. Take advantage of training programs, online resources, industry publications, and any other materials provided by your company. These resources can help you deepen your understanding of the industry, enhance your skills, and stay updated on the latest trends and developments. Additionally, don't hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance from supervisors and colleagues when needed. Showing initiative and a willingness to learn will demonstrate your commitment to your internship and your career growth.

Communicating openly is essential during oil and gas internships. Clear communication with your colleagues, supervisors, and mentors ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding expectations, tasks, and goals. It fosters a positive work environment where ideas can be shared, feedback can be given and received, and challenges can be addressed collaboratively. Being open and transparent in your communication builds trust and credibility, which are valuable assets in any professional setting, including the oil and gas industry.

Reflecting regularly is a great habit to cultivate. Take time to assess your progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. Reflecting on your experiences allows you to learn from your successes and challenges, identify patterns or trends in your work, and set goals for personal and professional development. It also helps you stay focused and motivated as you navigate through your internship. Consider keeping a journal or engaging in regular discussions with mentors or peers to facilitate your reflection process.

An internship is not just a training. It is like a phase in your life where you belong to an organisation for a limited period of time, but it is in your hands to make the best use of it and have maximum impact in your life. Being proactive throughout by asking questions whenever you feel difficulty in understanding practical approaches that the company is practising, interacting with fellow interns, reporting to your mentor on a regular basis is essential to your behaviour, attitude and knowledge curve handling in a long run.

Internship means you are just in start of career. In start of career everything above matters. Including communication, networking etc. But the most important thing is learning. You should focus only on learning at least first 5 years of your career. Learning is something that continues till last day of career but in start of career, what matters most is your learning appetite.