Top 12 Lucrative Careers in Aberdeen
A Guide for Skilled Professionals
Aberdeen, often hailed as the “Oil Capital of Europe,” boasts a diverse and dynamic job market that offers career opportunities across multiple sectors. While the city has long been associated with the energy sector, particularly oil and gas, there has been notable growth in other areas, such as technology, healthcare, and education.
This guide delves into Aberdeen’s 12 most popular career categories, outlining the necessary skills, entry pathways, essential and desirable qualifications, and relevant professional bodies. Whether you are a resident or a skilled migrant aiming to establish your career in Aberdeen, this comprehensive guide provides invaluable insights to help you navigate the city’s job market.
To aid your job search, we have included details on approaching recruitment websites and employment agencies, ensuring you have the right resources at your fingertips.
Skills Required: Technical expertise, problem-solving, project management, communication, and safety awareness.
How to Get In: Entry-level roles and apprenticeships offer practical experience, but a degree in engineering (e.g., petroleum, mechanical, or chemical) is typically required.
Essential Qualifications: BEng or MEng in Engineering, NEBOSH certification for safety roles.
Desirable Qualifications: Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, offshore safety certificates (e.g., BOSIET).
Professional Bodies:
Approach for Recruitment: Major job boards such as
- Indeed,
- Totaljobs, and
- Oil and Gas Job Search lists numerous opportunities within this sector.
Employment Agencies:
Additional Information: Aberdeen remains a global hub for the oil and gas industry, offering roles in everything from exploration and production to consultancy and safety.
Skills Required: Renewable energy systems knowledge, analytical skills, project management, and environmental awareness.
How to Get In: Obtain a renewable energy, environmental science, or engineering degree. Experience through internships or entry-level roles is beneficial.
Essential Qualifications: BSc or MSc in Renewable Energy or Environmental Science.
Desirable Qualifications include membership in professional bodies such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and wind or solar energy certifications.
Professional Bodies:
Approach for Recruitment: Job boards like
- Renewable Energy Jobs,
- Indeed, and
- Totaljobs features positions in this growing sector.
Employment Agencies:
Additional Information: As the city transitions towards greener energy sources, Aberdeen is becoming a significant player in the renewable energy sector, especially offshore wind.
Skills Required: Programming, cybersecurity, systems analysis, and network management.
How to Get In A degree in computer science or IT is standard, though coding boot camps and certifications provide alternative pathways.
Essential Qualifications: BSc in Computer Science, CompTIA, and CISSP for cybersecurity roles.
Desirable Qualifications: Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator.
Professional Bodies:
Approach for Recruitment: Utilise sites like
Employment Agencies:
Additional Information: Aberdeen's IT sector supports various industries, including energy, finance, and public services, driving a robust demand for skilled professionals.
Skills Required: Clinical expertise, patient care, research skills, and attention to detail.
How to Get In: A medicine, nursing, or life sciences degree is required. Practical placements and internships are crucial, especially for nursing and allied health professions.
Essential Qualifications: MBChB for doctors, BSc in Nursing, HCPC registration for allied health professionals.
Desirable Qualifications: Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MSc in a specific medical field), membership in professional bodies.
Professional Bodies:
Approach for Recruitment: Health professionals can find job listings on
Employment Agencies:
Additional Information: Aberdeen's healthcare sector thrives, with roles available in hospitals, research institutions, and private practice.
Skills Required: Analytical skills, financial understanding, communication, and attention to detail.
How to Get In: A finance, accounting, or economics degree is typically required. Many begin in entry-level positions such as analyst roles or through graduate schemes.
Essential Qualifications: ACCA, CIMA, or CFA for finance professionals.
Desirable Qualifications: MSc in Finance or Economics, Chartered Financial Planner.
Professional Bodies:
- Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Approach for Recruitment: Key job boards include
- eFinancialCareers,
- Indeed, and
- Totaljobs.
Employment Agencies:
Additional Information: Aberdeen's financial services sector offers banking, investment, insurance, and financial planning opportunities.
Skills Required: Teaching, curriculum development, research, and communication.
How to Get In: Degrees in education, specific subject expertise, and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for school teaching.
Essential Qualifications: PGCE for school teaching, PhD for academia.
Desirable Qualifications: Chartered status from the Chartered College of Teaching, HEA Fellowship for higher education professionals.
Professional Bodies:
Approach for Recruitment: Use platforms like
Employment Agencies:
Additional Information: Aberdeen is home to prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Aberdeen, providing a vibrant environment for educators.
Skills Required: Project management, technical drawing, site supervision, and problem-solving.
How to Get In: Degrees in civil engineering, construction management, or relevant apprenticeships. Practical experience is highly valued.
Essential Qualifications: BEng or MEng in Civil Engineering, CSCS card for site roles.
Desirable Qualifications: Membership in ICE or CIOB, NEBOSH for safety roles.
Professional Bodies:
Approach for Recruitment: Search for roles on
- Construction Jobs,
- Indeed, and
- Totaljobs.
Employment Agencies:
Additional Information: Aberdeen's construction sector is buoyant and driven by infrastructure development and commercial projects.
Skills Required: Customer service, management, communication, and marketing.
How to Get In: Degrees in hospitality management and tourism or entry through roles in hotels, restaurants, and travel companies.
Essential Qualifications: BA in Hospitality or Tourism Management.
Desirable Qualifications: Membership in the Institute of Hospitality, qualifications in events management.
Professional Bodies:
Approach for Recruitment: Platforms like
- Caterer.com, Indeed, and Totaljobs are excellent for job searches.
Employment Agencies:
Additional Information: Aberdeen's tourism industry benefits from its rich history, culture, and coastal location, driving demand for hospitality professionals.
Skills Required: Process optimisation, quality control, technical skills, and safety management.
How to Get In: A degree in engineering or manufacturing or entry via apprenticeship schemes.
Essential Qualifications: BEng in Manufacturing Engineering, Six Sigma certification.
Desirable Qualifications: NEBOSH for safety roles, Chartered status from the IMechE.
Professional Bodies:
Approach for Recruitment: Look for roles on
Employment Agencies:
Additional Information: Aberdeen's manufacturing sector is diverse, with opportunities in food production, electronics, and machinery.
Skills Required: Customer service, sales, inventory management, and marketing.
How to Get In: Entry-level roles often require no formal qualifications, but experience in customer service or sales is beneficial.
Essential Qualifications: GCSEs/A-levels for entry-level, NVQ in Retail Management for supervisory roles.
Desirable Qualifications: Diplomas in retail management or marketing, membership in the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
Professional Bodies:
Approach for Recruitment: Search for retail jobs on
- Indeed,
- Totaljobs, and
- RetailChoice.
Employment Agencies:
Additional Information: Aberdeen's retail sector is robust, with opportunities ranging from high street stores to luxury boutiques.
Skills Required: Creativity, digital literacy, project management, and networking.
How to Get In: Degrees in design, media, or arts, alongside internships and portfolio development.
Essential Qualifications: BA in Graphic Design, Media Studies, or Fine Arts.
Desirable Qualifications: Membership in professional bodies, certifications in digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite.
Professional Bodies:
Approach for Recruitment: Use job boards like
- Design Week Jobs,
- Indeed, and
- Totaljobs.
Employment Agencies:
Additional Information: Aberdeen's creative sector is growing, particularly in digital media, graphic design, and arts management.
Skills Required: Leadership, policy understanding, communication, and analytical skills.
How to Get In: Degrees in public administration, political science, or related fields. Entry can also be through civil service exams or local government roles.
Essential Qualifications: BA or MA in Public Administration or related field.
Desirable Qualifications: CIPFA qualification for financial roles in public service, membership in the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) for communications roles.
Professional Bodies:
- Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
- Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV)
Approach for Recruitment: Job boards such as
Employment Agencies:
Additional Information: Public services in Aberdeen play a vital role in the city's administration and operations, with opportunities ranging from local government to public health.
Summary and Conclusion:
Aberdeen’s job market offers a wide range of opportunities across several industries, with the oil and gas sector still dominating but with significant growth in renewable energy, IT, healthcare, and education. Whether you are a resident or a skilled migrant, understanding the necessary skills, qualifications, and certifications is crucial for a successful career in Aberdeen.
Professional bodies and certifications play a significant role in career advancement, and aligning with industry standards will significantly enhance your prospects.
Recommendation for Skilled Migrants:
For skilled migrants, focusing on sectors experiencing growth, such as renewable energy and IT, can provide ample opportunities. Acquiring UK-recognised qualifications and joining professional bodies will aid in navigating the competitive job market. Utilising recruitment websites and connecting with employment agencies in Aberdeen can streamline your job search process.
Aberdeen is evolving into a multifaceted economic hub. With the right skills and qualifications, it offers a promising landscape for career starters and experienced professionals seeking new challenges.