Are you looking for a careerpath that offers stability, growth potential, and a chance to make a real difference in the world? Look no further than the energy sector! As society's reliance on energy continues to increase, so does the demand for skilled professionals in this field. With a wide range of opportunities across various industries, energy is an established and ever-evolving career path that can offer rewarding and fulfilling careers for those interested in STEM fields. So, ask yourself,is energy a good career pathfor you? The answer is a resounding yes!

What Jobs Are In The Energy Sector?

The energy sector offers a diverse range of job opportunities that revolve around energy infrastructure, including gas, water, sewer pipelines, electric and power lines, and power plants. Professionals in this field may work on the construction, operation, use, or maintenance of these systems.

While the COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary slowdown in the growth of the energy sector, it has since rebounded, growing by 4% in 2021, outpacing the overall U.S. employment growth of 2.8%. Job roles within the energy sector can include positions such as electrical engineer, power plant operator, energy analyst, renewable energy technician, and more.

What Is A Career In Energy?

A career in energy involves working in various industries related to energy infrastructure, such as gas, water, electric and power lines, and power plants. Professionals in this field can work in research and development, engineering, operations, management, and more specialized roles in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage. The energy sector has historically been one of the fastest-growing industries globally and offers a wide range of job opportunities.

Types Of Energy Careers

The energy sector offers diverse career opportunities, including but not limited to:

Engineering Careers

• Electrical Engineer: designs, develops and tests electrical equipment and systems.
• Mechanical Engineer: designs, develops and tests mechanical equipment and systems.
• Chemical Engineer: designs, develops and tests chemical processes used to produce energy.

Operations and Maintenance Careers

• Power Plant Operator: operates and maintains power plant equipment, including boilers, generators, and turbines.
• Wind Turbine Technician: installs, maintains, and repairs wind turbines.
• Pipeline Operator: operates and maintains pipelines that transport gas, oil, and other petroleum products.

Renewable Energy Careers

• Renewable Energy Project Manager: plans and oversees projects related to renewable energy, such as solar or wind farms.
• Solar Energy Engineer: designs and develops solar power systems.
• Energy Efficiency Analyst: analyzes energy usage and develops strategies to improve efficiency.

Management and BusinessCareers

• Energy Analyst: analyzes market trends and forecasts energy supply and demand.
• BusinessDevelopment Manager: identifies new business opportunities and develops strategies to grow the company.
• Operations Manager: oversees daily operations of energy facilities.

What Entry-Level And Skills Do You Need To Get Jobs In Energy?

If you are interested in starting a career in the energy industry, here are the steps to get started:

Choose A Functional Area

The energy industry requires diverse groups of people to carry out different activities, including skilled trades, construction, transportation, finance, accounts, law, management, information technology, and sales. Identify your interests, strengths, weaknesses, aspirations, and resources to determine which area is right for you.

Earn Credentials

The education and certification necessary for your career depend on the area you choose to pursue. While some careers in the energy industry require only a high school diploma, many others require a college or vocational degree. Higher-level roles, such as those in engineering or industry-agnostic professions, typically require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline. Make sure to research industry requirements to know the academic or professional credentials associated with your chosen career path.

Join A Professional Association

Joining a professional association can provide you with useful industry knowledge and boost your employment chances. These associations offer services such as networking opportunities and job searching. Consider joining an association in your chosen field, such as the American Solar Energy Society for those interested in renewable energy.

Look For Entry-level Opportunities

Many career paths in the energy industry offer on-the-job training or apprenticeships, making them perfect for those with no experience. Research well-known companies in your chosen functional area and search their careers pages for entry-level positions. From an entry-level position, you can work your way up in the organization or leverage your experience to land a higher-level position with another employer.

There are various entry-level job titles available for those interested in pursuing a career in the energy sector. These job titles include wind turbine technician, junior electrical engineer, maintenance technician, solar energy consultant, energy market analyst, research technician, and associate chemist.

What Do Energy Jobs Pay?

Energy jobs are known for paying higher wages than many other industries, and those who work in this field are more likely to be unionized. According to the United States Energy and Employment Report 2021, wages for energy jobs are on average 34% higher than the median wages in the U.S. However, the average pay for energy jobs can vary greatly depending on the specific job.

Best Paying Jobs In Energy

The energy sector offers many high-paying jobs, particularly in engineering and science positions. The top six best-paying jobs in energy are:

• Chemist
• Civil Engineer
• Industrial Engineer
• Renewable Mechanical Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Geoscientist

These jobs have a positive job outlook and require at least a Bachelor’s degree in their respective fields, with some employers preferring an advanced degree. Each of these jobs plays a critical role in the energy sector, contributing to the development and maintenance of energy infrastructure and the promotion of renewable energy.

People Also Ask

What Makes A Career In Energy A Good Choice?

A career in energy can be a good choice for those interested in working in a rapidly evolving and vital industry. The demand for energy is only increasing, and with advancements in technology, there are many opportunities for innovation and growth. Additionally, many energy jobs offer competitive salaries, benefits, and job security.

What Are Some Popular Jobs In The Energy Industry?

There are many different types of jobs in the energy industry, including engineers, technicians, analysts, and consultants. Some popular job titles in energy include wind turbine technician, electrical engineer, maintenance technician, energy market analyst, research technician, and chemist. Depending on one's interests and skills, there are many different paths to pursue in the energy sector.

What Qualifications Are Needed For A Career In Energy?

The qualifications needed for a career in energy can vary depending on the specific job and employer. However, many energy jobs require at least a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as engineering, environmental science, or geology. Some positions may also require additional certifications or licenses. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills are also valuable in the energy industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to the question 'is energy a good career path' is a resounding yes for those who are interested in pursuing jobs in this sector. The energy industry offers a wide range of job opportunities with above-average pay and positive job outlooks. As the world transitions to cleaner and more sustainable forms of energy, there will be an increasing need for skilled workers in this field.