4 Reasons to Pursue a Career in the Energy Industry and How to Get Started
Everyone wants a career that provides them with the opportunity to feel fulfilled and well-rewarded for their efforts. Nowadays, making this happen can seem more challenging than ever. In the past, it was possible to get a job and stay put until you retired. However, this is now rarely the case. Many jobs are now being taken over by technology, and the economy is becoming increasingly uncertain. This makes it super important to think carefully about your career. This begins with choosing the right sector to work in. One industry that is worth considering is the energy sector. Keep reading to find out the benefits of pursuing a career in the energy sector and how to get started in the industry:
Potential Benefits of Working in the Energy Sector
Here are just some of the reasons why focusing on a career in the energy sector may be a smart move:
Always in Demand
If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed, it’s that people will always need energy. Whether it’s gas or electricity from clean sources, energy will always be needed to help power everyday life. Now that the world is so reliant on technology and machines to operate, the energy industry will always exist to power daily life. This can mean that you benefit from a long-term career that offers job security.
Wide Range of Opportunities
Another distinct benefit of pursuing a career in the energy sector is the sheer range of opportunities available. No matter what your skill set is, there is a wide range of different roles in the energy industry. Whether you are interested in working as a scientist and researching the future of the energy industry or you like the idea of being an engineer and being hands-on, a vast number of opportunities are available.
Constantly Innovating and Evolving
The energy sector is in a state of change. The industry needs to constantly evolve to meet international targets to reduce environmental impact while still meeting the growing demand for energy production. Due to this continued level of demand, it’s vital that the industry continues to evolve by investing in research and innovation. If you’re interested in a career that can play a crucial role in the future and the environment, working in energy may be the ideal opportunity to do this.
In particular, the continued drive toward renewable energy is paving the way for even more roles in the sector as it diversifies to meet this demand.
Attractive Earning Potential
Everyone wants to work in an industry where they will be paid well for their efforts. The energy sector is known as an industry that offers highly competitive rates of pay to employees. High wages are earned by people working in many areas of the energy industry. As of 2024, the U.S. energy sector accounted for 5.4% of all jobs in the country. With 8.5 million workers, the sector certainly employs many people. However, as well as providing a large number of jobs, the energy industry also pays an impressive median wage of $58,810 for overall energy employment. This is 18.8% higher than the average median wage of $49,500.
How to Start a Career in the Energy Industry
If working in the energy industry sounds like a great choice to you, you’re now probably wondering how to pursue this. There are a few ways you can try to break into the energy sector. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Familiarize Yourself With the Industry
Your first step to working in energy is to start getting to know more about the sector. Developing your understanding of how the industry operates, how it is changing, and what innovations are planned for the future is an excellent place to start.
The more you know about the energy sector, the easier it will be for you to develop a specific area of interest to focus on. Narrowing down an area of the energy sector that appeals to you will make it much simpler for you to decide on the type of role you would most like to work in. Reading blogs that focus on energy jobs and news will further develop your understanding of the industry and the roles available.
Consider Your Qualifications
A varied range of skills is needed to succeed in a role in the energy sector. However, it’s also vital to consider your formal qualifications carefully. Continuing your studies and ensuring that the end qualification that you gain will benefit a career in the energy industry is a must if you’re hoping to apply for roles in this area.
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects are the most sought-after and relevant qualifications for many roles in the energy sector. So, thinking carefully about choosing a course that enables you to study one or a combination of these subject areas is a wise choice.
Gain Experience
Thinking about the type of area of energy you’re interested in working in is vital. However, it’s also crucial to consider gaining experience to help you decide which area you hope to work in long-term. This can be achieved by looking for internship opportunities, graduate schemes, and even short-term work experience placements. Sampling a career in the industry will make it simpler for you to make an informed decision on your future career.
Conclusion
Energy is something everyone depends upon to keep their daily life running smoothly. Working within the energy sector provides a unique opportunity to be involved in this rapidly changing industry.
As energy will always be in demand, it’s often considered a safe sector to work in, and one that offers many different employment opportunities. Understanding how to give yourself the biggest advantage when attempting to launch a career in energy is vital. This involves staying up to date with industry changes, being alert to opportunities, and choosing the right subjects to study and qualifications to work toward. Following these steps should give you the best chance of success.
