A US invasion

Increasing globalisation in the industry has led to many US companies establishing offices and subsidiaries in Australia. But what does this mean for Australian workers and job culture? Will we, as some predict, slowly morph into “Austerica”, as US values and process overtake our own?

“No”, says by Nicole Kirwan-Ward, Group General Manager of Energy Resourcing. “Although Australia is seeing more of a US presence, for example Chevron and ConocoPhillips, this is well on par with the entrance of other global companies from a range of countries.”

Many contractors find the work culture at American companies different to what they are used to, despite these companies often having Australians placed in senior level management. “These companies can tend to give much importance to hierarchy, whilst at the same time having very informal relationships between managers and staff.” According to Kirwan-Ward, thinking ‘For the Good of the Company’ is highly encouraged, and there is much internal celebration of good work and success.

Professionals who thrive best in these environments tend to be outcome-oriented, and get satisfaction from contributing to team success. An interesting trend in many US companies is an over abundance of meetings for discussion and collaboration, leading to ConocoPhillips introducing a policy for no meetings on Fridays.

So how does an Australian get a job in an American company? The good news is that on the whole they are not importing Americans in to fill top positions. Many employ both in-house and agency recruitment methods, but these are applied to different, specific roles, so a CV “shotgun” technique may not bear fruit. Nicole Kirwan-Ward recommends either going direct to the company, or registering with only one recruitment agency, so the company is not showered with your CV from many different sources.

“At the moment, Chevron may be looking for project support, researchers and analysts to begin work on the Gorgon Project.  ConocoPhillips has been searching for Commercial Analysts for their upcoming LNG projects; BP is hunting exploration and development experts; Exxon Mobil have been fairly quiet in advertising new roles, and Halliburton is predominantly seeking operations professionals.”

Perhaps the most well known American in a senior position in Australia is Don Voelte, managing director and CEO of Woodside. After 22 years at Mobil, then Atlantic Richfield Company, Voelte has put a distinctly American spin on Woodside’s business ventures; confident, assertive and competitive.