Oil industry-layoff casualties use OTC to network, find new job

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Some oil and gas professionals attended the Offshore Technology Conference Thursday in hopes of finding a job.

Neil Funwie is a drilling engineer. He's been out of work for 11 months.

"I've been working in the Gulf of Mexico, South Texas and West Africa," Funwie said. "Until recently I got laid off, so I'm between jobs right now."

Funwie attended a workshop Thursday focused on starting your own business. He is one of dozens of industry professionals looking for work.

"I just thought coming to OTC would be good exposure for me at this time," Funwie said, "And I know prices are low, but hopefully things bounce back. And the contacts I make may become valuable assets when things bounce back."

OTC did not charge admission to the conference at NRG Center Thursday and held two professional development session aimed at professionals out of work. The response was overwhelming. About 1,300 people took advantage of Open Access Day.

Funwie is asking anyone in a position to hire to give him a chance.

"I can speak several languages, I'm an extrovert, great working with people," Funwie said, "I think I'm smart. I'm a great drilling engineer."