The Center on Global Energy Policy’s Women in Energy initiative hosted an event entitled “Careers and Opportunities in the Energy Transition” on November 29, 2023. The event featured a presentation discussing challenges and opportunities in the energy transition, followed by a women-led discussion on the energy transition and potential careers. The event culminated in a fireside chat with a recruiter discussing the traits and skills employers in the energy sector are looking for.
Here are some takeaways and discussion points from the event:
- Presentation
- A reduction in emissions that does not address energy poverty fails to meet the Sustainable Development Goals that were set by the United Nations. Energy consumption is unequal across the world and will need to increase in certain areas to reduce poverty and increase energy access.
- Climate tech will play a critical role in decarbonization. Seventy percent of the necessary technology already exists, but emissions reduction is a matter of implementation and policy.
- Multiple skill sets are needed and the transition will create opportunities in manufacturing, research and development, finance, and other fields.
- Panel
- Each of the panelists had a different path into energy. They all emphasized the diversity of skills needed in the energy sector as well as the plethora of opportunities.
- If there is a technology or area you are passionate about, there is almost certainly a relevant job in the energy sector.
- Panelists expressed the increasing importance of data in the energy sector and suggested that data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence skills will all be in high demand in the energy sector, especially in the context of the energy transition.
- The panelists provided examples of in-demand skills including engineering, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills.
- The energy field is rapidly changing. For example, there are new jobs available in reforestation and data analysis as well as traditional energy jobs (oil and gas) and utilities.
- Fireside chat
- Traditional energy companies are struggling to attract talent as more people select other sectors. Companies are interested in retaining and reskilling their existing workforce in addition to adding people with diverse skill sets.
- New York City is a thriving hub for the development of clean tech and energy.
- Candidates who are interested in entering the energy industry should focus on demonstrating their potential—their ability to learn, curiosity, engagement, and determination.
- Job candidates can demonstrate their potential by working to show the how and why of their actions. Interviewers want to understand who a candidate is, and having a strong sense of what you want and what traits you bring to the table will help you find a company that aligns with your interests and values.
- Candidates should also feel comfortable vetting companies and doing their due diligence to make sure the company is a good fit.