Opinion – Many options may be placed before you when deciding on a new career path to transition into. Ensure to match make these options with your current discipline; and to gain entrance into that new clean energy career you are transitioning into, if it means getting additional education to perfectly fit in, then get it.
As we keep making progress in our different fields of endeavours and careers, it becomes crystal clear to us if we want to continue in what we are currently doing or we want to make a switch. We could also question our fulfilment in what we are doing with questions like is this really what I want to do, how satisfied am i or how fulfilled will I be in the long run. So let’s say, after the deliberations and sampling of interests and passion, clean energy eventually comes to your mind.
This decision of transitioning into clean energy career might have risen from a place where you always found yourself worried about climate change, the green house effect and its relation to global warming, it could also be that someone close to you might have been victim of a respiratory disease or you are strongly passionate about sustainable energy sources and innovation; effective energy management, utilisation and conservation, then taking up a career or transitioning into clean energy may just be the best bet for you and you should be on your path to becoming a clean energy expert soon.
The term “clean energy” refers to that form of energy which is generated and transmitted without polluting the atmosphere or emitting toxic waste into our atmosphere. It is also a form of renewable energy that is considered sustainable and self replenishing; and as the world continue to experience climate change crisis, it is very imperative that it considers a full transition into clean and renewable sources of energy and be prepared to welcome into this field professionals that are passionate about actualising this drive for energy transition.
So if you are considering a new career in clean energy, here are a few tips to transition to clean energy:
PASSION
As mentioned earlier, passion may be one of the most reasons driving your decisions into a clean energy career transition; and this may be seen from your place of always standing or speaking against air pollution or environmental degradation due to release of toxic waste into the atmosphere or you are one who promotes energy justice— by ways of advocating for and encouraging energy conservation, energy management and low cost of energy. In transitioning into a clean energy career, you will have to ensure this remains your motivation and indicator into this new career choice of yours and you also must be prepared for it and be sure to choose a path that will be rewarding for you, be able to meet your demands and has room for growth, innovation, friendly policies or legislation.
CHOICES – The clean energy career path
Having a passion about clean energy is one thing but knowing the right clean energy career path to choose or fit in is another thing; and this is one difficult choice to make.
You’ll have to take into account the choices that are placed before you either to go into this career field nationally as a policy maker or a community advocate. Are you someone who would rather their hands be dirty if you are already a technically inclined person or you are someone who prefers to sit in front of a computer if you are technologically inclined like a software developer or a product manager, may be you are someone who would rather be making advisory calls or you are someone who loves to explore new locations where opportunities for a clean energy career is most feasible or you just want to go get education so you start all over from scratch and set your options open.
Whatever category of persons you fall into, these are deep considerations you will have to put in mind when making that clean energy career choice of yours— be it in the field, on-site, virtually or hybrid.
Again based on your environment, current location or any other location you may consider relocating to pursue your new found career, be certain to find out which of the clean energy source is obtainable, readily available or accessible: Photo voltaic (PV) solar, Wind, Geothermal, Hydrothermal, Nuclear or even Biomass. This should be the best place for you to start when searching or seeking a perfect clean energy job.
KNOW YOUR NICHE
We had mentioned that as one seeking to transition into a clean energy career, you could either be one who loves to get their hands dirty or one who loves to sit in front of a computer with their ties and maybe a matching suit. You could also be the ‘hoody’ guy. Irrespective of who you are or your kind of person, knowing your niche or being able to identify what you may be good at when you eventually transition into a clean energy career will sure set you on a path to success.
The following fields of discipline are productive to the clean energy sector:
- Public policy / Legislation
- Customer services
- Sales / Marketing
- Business Administration
- Public relations / Communication
- Engineering
- Finance / Accounting
- Human Resources
- Software development / Technology
- Product management
- Project management
- Contract management
- Legal advisory
- Operations / Logistics
- Occupational health and safety
- Portfolio / Programs management
Other areas you could find your niche in the clean energy career may also include:
- Retrofit / Construction
- Installation / Maintenance
- R & D
- Entrepreneurship / Innovation
- Manufacturing
- Engineering / Procurement management
- Service licensing / Distribution
SET TO WORK
Now that you are able to outline your choices; and are also able to identify your niche and area of interest as you transition into your new clean energy career, you are most welcome into kick – starting that clean energy career of yours.
Good Luck!
Read more How Much Do Energy Jobs Pay?
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