Starting a Career in Energy

Considering a career in the energy industry? You will not be short of opportunities.

When the world welcomed its seven billionth resident, it certainly sparked plenty of discussion in the energy sector. If you are wondering why, here is the reason: population growth, combined with economic prosperity, means rising demand for energy.

The United Nations expects the global population to reach eight billion by 2025, and official data also projects that real global income will increase by 100% over the next 20 years. Energy production and consumption are therefore certain to rise as well.

A Sustainable Future

The push for a sustainable future has placed even greater pressure on the energy industry to develop new and renewable sources of energy. In turn, this requires new talent with knowledge of fast-growing fields such as wind and solar power. “It is expected that the European wind energy industry alone will create 250,000 new jobs over the next decade,” says Vicky Kenrick, sustainability specialist at Allen & York.

Industry experts worry that this sharp rise in demand could make it difficult to find the right candidates. “There will be major constraints on the talent pool, and the industry will need relevant practical experience, as well as international experience and capabilities, to match its growth,” says James Beazley, managing director of Six Recruitment, an executive search firm specializing in the energy sector.

To meet this growing energy demand, recruiters are looking for candidates who can deliver. Yet all too often, they hit a bottleneck in finding the ideal candidate and have learned to focus on the qualities that are “must-have” rather than a “perfect fit,” Beazley notes.

Recruitment Strategy

As more oil, gas, and power companies operate globally, the pressure to find candidates is intense. But recruitment agencies have learned to respond to this talent war by taking a few smart steps.

Beazley explains: “Recruiters are now looking for ‘potential’ in candidates. If Candidate A currently has 75% of what the company says is ‘must-have,’ and can close the final 25% gap after six months in the organization, then a wise organization will hire that candidate and make it work.”

In terms of “must-have” qualifications, the main expectation for applicants is professional credentials and technical proficiency, especially in engineering and technology.

“First and foremost, the entire energy industry - including oil and gas, power generation, and renewables - most needs technical expertise,” says Beazley. Mark Vidler, Business Director at Allen & York, agrees, saying, “Recruiters are looking for more specific and fairly specialized skills.”

Staying Current

Keeping up with the latest developments and technological advances in the industry is also essential if you want to break into the sector successfully. Richard de Doncker, Senior Building Services Recruitment Consultant at Allen & York, believes that candidates who are passionate about their work, have an excellent academic record, and are willing to learn or gain work experience are highly valued by recruiters.

He says: “I pay very close attention to the projects candidates have worked on, because clients are looking for people with relevant project experience and qualifications.” He adds that in this market, being a chartered professional is a major advantage, as is taking part in continuing professional development (CPD) activities and staying on top of current trends.

Beyond technical skills, recruiters also look for soft skills. While relevant business relationships and industry experience are considered beneficial, candidates who can combine technical ability with strong interpersonal skills are especially sought after.

Beazley observes that while recruiters look for both functional and behavioral competencies in candidates, the latter are often harder to find. “Most international energy companies want candidates who can think outside the box rather than simply take instructions. They are looking for people who work hard, confront problems, and solve them,” he says.

Added Assets

Candidates’ cultural awareness and openness to different customs around the world are also valued assets. “The energy industry is international, with virtually no borders. As a result, candidates must show that they can work in different environments with people whose cultural norms may be very different from their own,” Beazley notes.

A master’s or doctoral degree is considered a plus in this industry, and recruiters are more likely to hire candidates with a second degree. “Completing a master’s degree in a specialist field can greatly improve your chances. Because this field is still emerging, having a PhD means you have the ability to study problems in depth and find the best solutions,” says de Doncker.

Beazley notes that a master’s or doctoral degree, especially in a technical discipline, “definitely helps” any candidate. He adds, “PhDs are generally viewed positively, and many energy companies have targeted recruitment programs for doctoral candidates.”

Working in the energy industry can be highly rewarding, but it is also demanding. If you are ready for the challenge, your career progression has no limits.