Search
Close this search box.
Energy Workforce & Technology Council 90th Anniversary
Search
Close this search box.

PESA High Performer Spotlight: Omeid Rahimian, Project Manager – Global Marketing & Communication, Oceaneering

Omeid Rahimian, Oceaneering

Omeid Rahimian, Oceaneering

What influenced your decision to enter the oil and gas industry?
When I graduated, I wanted a challenging engineering job that could provide me with a fast track towards management and international exposure. The oil and gas industry met both of those requirements, and I was fortunate to land a job with a company whose values and goals I believe in.

What was your impression of the industry beforehand and how has it evolved?
Initially, I thought the industry was low-tech and consisted of just a few large companies. Now, my perspective couldn’t be more different. The technology used in our industry rivals that of the aerospace industry, and the multitude of companies, from small mom and pop shops to the majors, is incredible.

What have you found to be the most surprising about the industry? 
My experience in the industry so far has been offshore, but I’m sure this comment applies to onshore as well: the number of people, the coordination of companies, and the complexity of the technology required to extract a drop of oil is staggering. And to do all of that safely, both for the people involved and the environment, is truly an incredible accomplishment.

What do you find most challenging and most rewarding about the industry or your work?
Most challenging: defending the industry against naysayers and policymakers. It has become fashionable to disparage the industry despite all the good it provides for society. Educating the less informed is a constant battle, and one that must be done with patience and well-articulated arguments. Most rewarding: being part of an industry that overcomes daily challenges to provide affordable, dependable energy to all who need it.

Where do you hope to see the industry develop over the next 5 years?
I’d like to see the industry be more open to testing new technology. I understand there is a significant risk when trying something new, but I think the industry could be more aggressive in adopting and safely utilizing new technologies faster.

What role do you believe you will play in the industry’s future? 
I’d like to be an ambassador for the industry. I’d like to educate the public and our policymakers about what we do and why it’s needed. I hope that I can contribute to settle several of these political battles, and help our industry to move forward and accomplish greater achievements.

How has your involvement in PESA supported your career goals? 
I recently transitioned from an engineering position into project management for the marketing team. Before this transition, I knew very little about marketing. I’m very fortunate to have a friend in the Emerging Leaders committee who could give me advice about her experience working in marketing.

In addition, PESA has helped me network with several other young professionals from different companies. It’s been very helpful to have contacts throughout the industry and to learn more from them about what our industry does.

Tell us about some of the people you’ve met while working in the industry and how they’ve impacted your thinking.
I appreciate how diverse our industry is. I’ve met people from all over the world, with varying perspectives and ideologies. They’ve helped me think about things in a different way, or challenged my perspective.

What are you most excited about for your career, your company and your industry? 
Every day brings a new challenge or learning opportunity. I’m always excited to see what tomorrow will bring. I’m excited to see what new technologies my company will use and what new technologies we’ll develop. I’ll say the same for the industry; when we are posed with a seemingly impossible challenge we find a way to overcome it. I’m excited to see what new challenges we’ll be given and how we’ll overcome them.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about entering the oil and gas industry?
You’ll get out of it what you put into it. The industry is highly reciprocating to those who work hard and are able to adapt. There will be highs and lows, travel is necessary, and every day is different. But the reward of a job well done in this industry is second to none.

What do you wish other people knew about oil and gas?
The technology. As an engineer, I’m fascinated by our technology. I think the public would be, too. I hope I can promote the technology and the challenges we’ve overcome to those outside the industry.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

ENERGY NEWS

Stay Connected

Sign up for the Energy Workforce newsletter to stay on top of the latest energy news and events.