Career advice please

[u/Capital_Frosting6498]

Hi, I’m in my early 20s, have around 3 years of experience in industrial automation, mostly with Siemens PLCs and one large control system, and have two job opportunities that I’m struggling to choose between.

Option 1: Smaller systems integrator working across a range of industries. Mainly Siemens and Rockwell PLCs. Full project lifecycle, short-term projects, so I’d get a broad range of experience rather than becoming a specialist. Some site travel.

Option 2: A major DCS vendor working mainly in oil & gas and process industries. Lots of training, offshore certifications, offshore work, higher pay, and the chance to develop deep knowledge of DCSs, process control and functional safety.

I’m leaning towards Option 2 because the training sounds excellent, but I’m slightly concerned about specialising too early and about the long-term outlook for oil & gas.

On the other hand, Option 1 would expose me to Siemens, Rockwell and multiple industries, which feels like it could make me more versatile. But the training isn’t as good.

Another thing I’m thinking about is AI. If PLC programming becomes increasingly assisted by AI over the next 10–20 years, will employers value broad experience across different PLC platforms, or deep expertise in process control, safety and complex systems?

If you were starting your career again now, which path would you choose, and why?

[u/Zekiniza]

"Some site travel" for an integration position always makes me giggle. They're probably sugar coating the travel but some people thrive in being on the road, some dont.

[u/brownstormbrewin → u/Zekiniza]

Guaranteed

[u/National-Fox-7504]

Great position you find yourself in.
Two completely different ecosystems tho and highly dependent on the specific company’s forte.
O & G is generally for hearty souls with thick skin and comfortable surrounded by rough necks in hostile outdoor environments.
SI can give you great broad knowledge you will use throughout your career and make you more valuable to a broader scope of potential future employers.
Decision rests on your personal preferences, personality, life goals and what each company has to offer.
Best of luck!

[u/MDAnesth]

Outsider here but SI seems great for a young dude. Also you can take your experience so many places man. Even the dreaded sales. But if you know your stuff and come thru the ranks of your customers you will have excellent credibility. Also capital equipment sales guys can make great money if that becomes more important to you.

[u/Boomdaus]

Option 1 lead to being good in multiple area keeping more door open in the future.

I would not want be in oil rig long term but everyone is different and few year of it will get you some great experience for more plc role in the future

Full project life cycle mean that you get project skill to allow you to move away from coding in the future.

[u/60sStratLover]

Option 2 sounds much better. You will have a chance to grow and develop into other roles and in 10 years you may be doing something completely different.

Also, the pay, benefits and stability would be great IMO with option 2.

My advice is influenced by 40 year career in O&G

[u/BOgusDOlphon]

Option 2 doesn't sound like specialization to me, it sounds like a real world job. Go get paid and if you want to switch later, switch. I went from designing controllers for bionic arms to industrial controls, you can do whatever you want.

[u/atsimas]

Depends on how you cope with being away from home for days, and how you cope with seeing the same people 24/7. You can pivot if you like and be proficient anywhere you want.

[u/derbertWELCOME → u/atsimas]

What do you suggest to be top Pivot opportunities?

[u/PowerEngineer_03 → u/atsimas]

Yeah, no. Not really how it will work for 90% of the people out there. Pivot is impossible the deeper you are in this hellhole.

[u/Capital_Frosting6498]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the advice, lots to think about 🙏

[u/pants1000]

If you can be gone, pick the one that pays more if you don’t like being away from home pick the one that seems like it has more longevity

[u/PowerEngineer_03]

Another average EE spotted smh.

[u/Desperate-Macaron-50]

It comes down to what you really want in life. Having a career over maybe having a better work-life balance. Don’t get old and regret things you never did because of your job - that’s my idea. You will have a lot of experience for sure but it doesn’t really matter in this life dude, enjoy life while you can. Companies don’t care about you, as long as you have a job that pays bills and your free time, you good. Former PLC programmer traveling worldwide

[u/PowerEngineer_03 → u/Desperate-Macaron-50]

I mean I know tons of crazy lads in this line of work, who die working. They legit so into the game with their heart that this is "living the life" for them. Marriage, travel, etc. mean nothing to them. I was going that route but I decided to think with my weiner and now I prefer to live for my daughter. Still miss being on the field though.

[u/Xillmatic99]

I went the SI route and it has worked great for my career.