How can young professionals in Renewable Energy make the most of their job search?

Focus on what drives and motivates you. whether it is a specific technology (eg wind or solar or H2) or application (residential, utility scale, etc). It's your chance to grow a career in what matters. Make sure it really matters to you too!

Pregúntate ¿Cómo llegaste al segmento de energías renovables? Puede ser que primero, entre todas las industrias, elegiste energía. Luego, entre las ramas de “Power” y “Oil & Gas”, elegiste la primera. Luego, entre los segmentos de esta llegaste a las renovables. Debes continuar con ese proceso en para precisar tu nicho profesional. Las empresas actuales buscan profesionales que agreguen valor. Siendo así, tienes que revisar tu hoja de vida y ser sincero contigo respecto a tus habilidades. Todo en lo que seas bueno valdrá. Si eres joven, te doy un dato: aprende a programar. En un futuro será algo común como requisitos de contratación, como el idioma inglés. Por algo son “lenguajes” de programación.

Having a confidential conversation with a specialist recruitment consultant can give you a snapshot into the current market including who is hiring, trends and insight into candidates with similar backgrounds as yourself. This can help you narrow down your search and identify your niche. Once you have identified your niche and are looking to make an application, take your time to tailor each CV for each role. 1. Do you have the relevant qualification(s) the advert is asking for? 2. Do you have demonstrable experience of the role or relatable skills in a similar industry? 3. If advertised, do your prior research into the company you are applying for and tailor your career aspirations to what the company can offer.

Como bien se indica en la descripción de este punto, las energías renovables abarcan muchas tecnologías y saber de todo es imposible. Cuando terminas tu carrera universitaria no sabes muy bien donde ubicarte, y como no puedes elegir la empresa donde trabajar, sino que te tienes que adaptar a las ofertas de trabajo del momento, no puedes identificar tu nicho. Con el paso del tiempo, vas analizando y… llega un momento que te ubicas en un lugar de trabajo, entonces es cuando identificas tu nicho profesional.

Assessing your specific skills, interests, and expertise within the field, and focus your search on roles and companies that align with this specialization, enhancing the relevance and impact of your applications.

Building a professional network can be a daunting task. A strategic approach involves commencing within your inner circles, specifically within your current workplace, companies where you have interned, and your alma mater. Initiate conversations by scheduling coffee meetings with former employers to seek valuable career advice. Additionally, consider arranging lunches with colleagues and exploring alumni clubs with a focus on sustainability or energy. Preparation is key for these interactions; clearly identify your short-term goals and preferences, and articulate your long-term aspirations. This thoughtful approach sets the stage for meaningful and productive conversations that can contribute significantly to your professional growth.

Networking can prove very valuable, especially when seeking work. Being able to connect with seasoned professionals, within the field you are looking to go into, can be beneficial, not only by being able to have direct contact with these individuals but also gaining knowledge on the role they perform. Young job seekers will usually go down the route of job boards and advertisements, where they will be met with 100's of other candidates all in the same boat. Professionals have to stand out and be the reason why they were hired instead of the abundance of other applicants. Networking with the right people, especially at target companies can provide an alternate way in that many others may not have access to.

Ten en cuenta tres componentes para tu éxito profesional: (1) Confianza: Desde los padres que te prestan el coche siendo joven, el profesor que te recomienda a una beca de máster o el ex empleador que te adjunta una carta de recomendación. (2) Conocimiento: Aprendiendo temas nuevos y consolidando los ya aprendidos. Recibiendo información de calidad de profesores, mentores, compañeros de clase o colegas. (3) Oportunidad: Estar en el momento y lugar indicados, para conseguir una beca, un empleo o un ascenso. Logras esto con Conocimiento (1) y (2) Confianza. Como verán no existe la suerte, existe el networking. La (3) Oportunidad es aleatoria, pero sin (1) Conocimiento y/o sin (2) Confianza tendrás serias dificultades. Cultiva tus redes.

Connect with industry experts, participate in relevant events and forums and engage on professional social media platforms, leverage these relationships for opportunities, insights and referrals.

Se habla mucho del networking, pero para un recién licenciado es muy complicado. Pero ellos tienen una herramienta que es internet (RRSS), que nosotros no la teníamos, una herramienta super potente, para ver los nichos que más te gustan, para seguir a personas referentes en cualquier sector, incluso poder aportar tu opinión en temas de discusión. LinkedIn es una herramienta muy poderosa para cualquier sector, y es aquí donde puedes buscar, leer, seguir y aprender de mucha gente.

Don't underestimate the power of a well-crafted online presence. Keep your professional profiles updated, engage with relevant content, and consider creating and sharing content that showcases your knowledge and passion for renewable energy. A strong online presence can catch the attention of employers and recruiters and boost your credibility in the industry.

Yo agregaría como opción el unirse a grupos de investigación en la universidad o fuera de ella. También te recomiendo estar atento a las propuestas de cambio normativo o a las prepublicaciones de normas. Estas suelen tener informes de sustento. Nada mejor que un profesional que esté al tanto de su especialidad y sepa de temas actuales. Nada sorprende más que un profesional motivado y que ame su especialidad.

A summary table of the key projects you have worked on including details such as project value, your involvement, project size (e.g. MW) is really useful for a potential employer to quickly understand the breadth of your experience and therefore your suitability to the role. Furthermore, keeping your LinkedIn profile updated with job updates or project successes can really help your profile stand out.

Highlight your unique skills, experiences and achievements in your resume and interviews and demonstrate how they align with the needs and goals of potential employers in the renewable energy sector.

Most of the earliest professionals in renewables chose this sector driven by a personal journey. They will be keen to help young candidates navigate through their own journey and there's a lot for you to learn!

Actively seek mentors who can offer advice, share industry insights, and potentially connect you with job opportunities. Building relationships with experienced professionals can significantly broaden your understanding of the field and improve your career prospects.

By staying updated through newsletters and industry websites, young professionals can align with companies sharing their values. Additionally, networking at events or online platforms helps forge connections, gaining insights, and identifying potential mentors. Listening to energy podcasts broadens perspectives and opens doors to diverse opportunities, from consulting roles to academic engagements.

Este sector nunca dejas de aprender, y nunca dejas de leer cambios normativos y regulatorios, pero es el nicho que has elegido. Busca diferentes “influencer’s” del sector, identifícalos y síguelos. Con ellos harás dos cosas, una estar al día en el sector y dos aprenderás cosas que no sabias, o que si que sabias y se pueden hacer de diferentes formas. Busca nuevos software, analízalo y aprende. Cuando menos te lo esperas, aparece tu momento.

Continuously expand your knowledge and skills in the field through courses, workshops, and staying updated on industry trends, making you a more competitive and informed candidate.

Young professionals eager to enter renewable energy should target community solar, its fastest-growing segment. Essential steps include gaining a solid understanding of solar technologies and staying updated on industry trends, especially in community solar. Networking is crucial; attending solar-focused conferences and engaging in online renewable energy forums can open doors to job opportunities. Hands-on experience, obtained through internships or volunteering in community solar projects, is invaluable. When applying for jobs, it's important to showcase how one's skills and experiences align with the evolving demands of the community solar sector.

No tengas miedo, aporta tu valor en el nicho que más te guste. Todos nos equivocamos, hay que aprender de los errores y continuar en constate mejora. Las energías renovables son un sector muy tecnológico y disruptivo. Pero no te preocupes, si te gusta continúa trabajando y aportando tu granito de arena. Ve a seminarios, cursos, jornadas, ferias, conoce este sector y si tienes dudas pregunta.