Job advice

[macaroons]

I'm torn - which job should I pick?

Corporate lending at regional bank
Rotational program at a Big Oil company

The bank has a higher starting salary while Big Oil would have better upside. Both offer great benefits with the edge going to Big Oil with 5 weeks off. However, a career at Big Oil may require relocation to different cities for growth opportunities. I've never done a rotational program, but I have done banking and it's a great job.

I'd appreciate any advice, especially from anyone with first-hand experience in these industries.

[guy_uoft]

Take the one with more time off if the salary difference isn't HUGE

[Questionz]

I'd see how much labour you need to put for the oil job. Although the experience is probably greater than working at the bank, if you have a better chance of injury, the difference in pay would probably balance..

You also have to see if that experience can be transferable to a whole new set of career paths.. and if its enjoyable. If you can work at the bank and become some manager, that would be great too.. but i'm assuming you have a business degree if you want to work in the bank..

[jolie1]

I have to say that you got a good chance to choose from two good jobs. Catch any one of it, you will be win. As for me, a Big Oil company is good for you, cause you can earn much experience from different circumstance you go. A bank work is good for a girl, for the reason of it is stable.

[Syne]

I would pick whichever corporation you feel has more soul, and is looking out for things other than their bottom line.

[Tansen]

A classmate of mine used to work on a rig in the interior provinces. He said that its horrendous by his standards because the only time you can get the oil out is in the winter when the rivers freeze up and your working at temperatures well below 0. However my mentor was a former banker, he told me banking was boring for him because he worked in an office all day and it wasn't a lifestyle for him doing the 9 to 5.

Pick the one you feel that would firstly benefit you or the one that you would most likely move up exceedingly well in, Although I agree with the first poster if the salary isn't a big difference pick the one with the most time off, the rigging job is probably the one with the most time off. However again well below freezing he told me that, he even made a presentation as one of his projects, your basically out there working for 15 mins then going inside to warm up again for 5 and back out again.

Again both these companies are about money so soul doesn't matter lol,

Also wanted to say bravo on the two choices, big money in both.

[macaroons]

Appreciate the advice. The oil company job is a corporate rotation program, ie: sales, marketing, supply chain, operations, etc. Don't think I could handle a rigging job! As for the bank job, it would be in their corporate finance group, not at a branch.

[Shady Fiasco]

In addition to the above suggestions, I'd say these 2 jobs are for 2 different personalities, so maybe see which one you'd fit in more?

Bank
- more stable
- previous positive experience means there's less chance you wouldn't like it
- sounds like you'll know what you're getting into

Oil
- greater chance to move around if that's your thing
- more exposure to different fields (were you the guy that took electives in a variety of fields in school?)
- more catered to a curious person

The one thing I'd say is that 5 weeks off sounds great on paper, but I'm not too sure how many people would actually use 5 weeks of vacation. It sounds like your job would be very stressful if they're giving you that much. But again, I don't know too many people who even use their standard 3 weeks. Once you get working, you realize that taking vacation just puts you in the awkward position of having your coworkers take on more responsibilities.

[Aristophanes]

I work for Petrochemicals and my girlfriend works at a regional bank, so I see both sides. Though, here's my perspective of working for a Petrochemical company.

Big Oil (Pros):
- Rotational program is great and you can learn a lot from each discipline area
- You can see which discipline you like most
- Perks of traveling and seeing the world, particularly if you're in Procurement and Sales/Marketing
- What you do has significant downstream effects. You'll have a love/hate relationship with your customers.
- BEST: networking with all people as a rotational program will put you in contact with the highest levels

Big Oil (Cons):
- Depending on what discipline you end up, it's difficult to switch out of the industry because you're so technically immersed in your work
- If you're not an engineer, pay is generally lower than other industries (but partially compensated by bonuses)
- Depending on what you do, you might need to learn about chemistry (depending on business unit or if you're in a group function, then meh...)
- Limited contract. I'm willing to bet you have a 18- or 24- month contract.
- Industry is really small - everyone knows everyone. I'll know you once you start.

Once you're in industry, it's more difficult to get into financial services than the other way around. Also, you'll generally get more perks working at a bank. Just something to consider.

[macaroons]

The advice was very useful - thank you.

I have another offer from a Big 4 firm in Advisory (Risk Management). This job really plays to my strengths and I really like the idea of working on projects for a variety of clients. I think it would be an awesome experience. However, this position pays the least. I know money isn't everything but I do have financial obligations. I've done my research on this position, but was wondering if anyone had any first-hand experience to share?

So, on one hand, I love the idea of job mobility and taking on different roles and challenges at a big energy company.
On the other hand, I love finance, and banking offers great stability with high compensation.

With the Big 4 offer, does anyone have any advice on how to proceed?

Which position has the greatest potential and career longevity?

I've been tearing my hair out trying trying to decide...