Is Energy a Good Career Path? – Outlook & Opportunities Explained

Energy holds a big portion of the world’s economy. Every country is dependent on a stable energy supply. Companies rely on low-cost, high-quality energy sources for their operations. As technology progresses, the sector welcomes more talents to discover their potential.

Are you thinking about taking a job in energy? Then, you need to read this article to know more about job prospects, salary, work environment, and public reception. 

Is Energy a Good Career Path?

For the most part, yes.

Energy is an inseparable part of every society. Developing countries are rapidly expanding, while developed countries are looking into alternative energy sources to sustain their growth. Thus, the industry is profitable and steering into a bright path.

This era is experiencing an energy boom. Private and public institutions are competing to produce energy with innovative methods. Talents will find the field rich in opportunities and possibilities. Everyone can change the way energy is heading.

Some common energy jobs include:

• Engineer
• Facilities Manager
• Information or Computer Systems Manager
• Research 
• Electrician 
• Construction worker
• Renewable Energy Consultant 
• Site Manager

With an industry undergoing rapid transformation, everyone will be able to fit their talents somewhere in the process. The whole sector provides lucrative benefits to employees.

Nonetheless, there are limitations that the energy field cannot provide. Given its fast pace, certain skills can be eliminated quickly. If you are not confident about the sustainability of your skills, you may be out of the race halfway.

There are other unfavorable factors for workers, which will be detailed in the next section. All in all, the energy industry offers more positive benefits than harm. However, each job-seeker should evaluate their situation to see how a job will suit them. 

Pros of Working in Energy

1. The Demand for Energy Is Growing

The world is getting richer. Globalization and the decrease in production costs have led to the energy industry blowing up. Deriving energy from multiple sources becomes possible. People are actively seeking more ways to generate energy.

The demand for energy will only increase in the future as more people look for alternative energy sources. The diversifying industry creates millions more job opportunities for experts in specialized energy production.

2. High and Stable Salary

Workers in the energy industry are paid higher than the national average. Although the wage highly depends on the position, most workers are paid at least $100,000. The high salary provides job security for talents.

Since the industry constantly hires new recruits to sustain the demand, the turnover rate is low. People tend to stay in the blossoming field and get a raise regularly. The stability encourages talents to stick around.

3. There Are Lots of Possibilities

Technological advancement has brought a lot of possibilities to the field. Scientists are still unsure how the future of the energy world looks. Undiscovered sources could be powering the world in the next decade.

It is a fascinating sector to be in as workers are literally shaping the future. Companies have the power to change the environment by discovering more renewable energy sources and better ways to extract energy.

There is never a dull moment at work. There are frequent seminars to greet leading experts. It is stunning to learn new facts about energy consumption and patterns.

4. You Have Access to the Latest Technology

Getting the chance to be blown away by technology is an absolute perk. Energy generation is a lengthy process with unimaginable technology and skills involved. Accessing state-of-the-art technology unavailable to others is a proud feeling.

The skills you acquire through operating these machines will also bump up your CV. Whenever you want to switch fields, the experience will be highly desirable by other firms. The advantage of operating the newest technology means you will always be a better candidate compared to others with ordinary experience. 

5. Great Promotion Opportunities

Since the energy field is not saturated yet, there are loads of opportunities to advance in your career. Most employees are looking at stable promotions throughout the years. With exceptional performance, jumping up the ladder is not impossible.

People adore the expansion rate of the sector as it gives more newcomers the chance to shine. Compared to other well-developed industries, the chance of succeeding in energy is much higher. 

Cons of Working in Energy

1. A Degree and Regular Training Are a Must

You have to keep up with industry news with regular training. Skills and techniques may go out of date within a few years due to the fast turnover pace. If you are not particularly keen on studying all the time, you will find it exhausting to stay competitive.

There are tough requirements to get into the field as well. A relevant degree is a bare minimum. Candidates are often asked to show proof in other fields to demonstrate their all-rounded capability.

2. Your Specialty May Decline Rapidly

With energy, there is no guarantee how long your specialized field will thrive. Energy sources can be replaced in a heartbeat with technological breakthroughs.

Even with constant training, your field may decline and you are not able to pick up other positions as easily. Sometimes, skills are not transferable and your expertise is no longer needed. 

It can be scary to work in a scientific field with so much uncertainty. Workers usually equip themselves with a few skills to ensure a smoother transition if their main specialty is declining. Picking up a new skill or perfecting it is not always feasible in this fast-paced world.

3. Some Energy Fields Are Often Criticized

Environmental groups and the public often criticize certain energy sources, such as fossil fuels for their possible harmful environmental impacts. The criticism extends to people working for these companies.

Therefore, it can be stressful to let others know about your work. In some extreme cases, the families of workers are harassed. It can be unpleasant to be targeted for a job you are good at. Energy workers are often subject to cyberbullying.

Private details of family members are revealed online as a tactic to harass workers. As much as companies and the government are trying to eradicate the situation, it is still causing inconvenience.

4. Choices Are Limited With Small Companies

Unfortunately, energy is not for every entrepreneur. Getting into energy requires billions of initial funds, which is unaffordable for smaller firms. Small-scale energy companies still have their scope to cover but their budget is limited.

On top of that, due to their limited coverage, it is unlikely that workers will tip their toes in various aspects of the operation.

International firms provide adequate training for workers by moving them to different departments. You will gain a lot of experience with ongoing projects. It is usually better for the experience.

The lack of options may deter some candidates. The energy sector often feels like a monopoly game controlled by industry giants.

5. A Lot of Political Games

Countries see energy as bargaining power, changing its intrinsic value. Decisions made by energy companies may need to seek approval from the government. Employees may dislike their work being used as political chips.

When you work in energy long enough to be a decision-maker, you will realize a lot of decisions are based on politics rather than energy. It is hard to take for some people. If you don’t want to be entwined in any political war, it is best to avoid energy.

What Skills Do You Need to Work in Energy?

Energy covers a wide range of sectors. There is a need for experts in every field. To begin with, you should hold a university degree relevant to the position you are applying for. Not every position in energy is about science. There are lots of non-scientific roles.

For example, if you are interested in business development for the company, you should study management and project coordination. Candidates without a degree could be eliminated as companies deal with thousands of capable applicants.

Raising social awareness and building a good brand reputation are also the primary goals. Formulating reasonable packages is another crucial element. Hence, a background in marketing and environmental studies will aid your search.

Non-scientific roles comprise a huge part of the operation. Candidates should not be discouraged due to a lack of scientific background.

If you are looking for a scientific role, you should familiarize yourself with basic science like chemistry and physics. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills are desirable for companies. You have to integrate these skills at work. 

Other positions, such as architects, are also common. They support the operation so the whole structure flows without hiccups. Their designs allow for the best efficiency and effectiveness in extracting energy sources. 

The energy industry is not a one-man band. A production chain goes through multiple countries and thousands of workers before the final product is delivered to customers.

Multi-national corporations see collaboration skills as a must. Regardless of your position, you have to work with others and understand commands clearly.

How Much Are Energy Workers Paid?

Energy workers are paid above average, although the exact pay depends on the role and the company. Energy engineers get paid $97,00 per year on average. You should expect higher pay for specialized roles such as nuclear power engineers or renewable energy engineers.

The more specialized the role, the higher the pay. This saying remains true for energy. The prospect of promotion is good with the current energy landscape. Workers who choose to stay in the field will earn competitive salaries.

Which Energy Has the Best Prospect?

While the future is still muddy as scientists are debating the best energy source, oil and renewable energies are the main trends in the near future. It is estimated that the north pole holds nearly one-fourth of the world’s total oil reserve.

With global warming crumbling down on the frozen land, extraction becomes much more cost-effective as the ice melts away. It lowers the effort needed to get oil. Therefore, oil is expected to drop in the future, pushing it to be the main consumption habit for customers.

Benefiting from the climate crisis is not well-received by most first-world countries. So, they are also seeking alternative power sources to satisfy growing needs. The population is experiencing rapid growth.

Scientists mainly believe renewable power sources are the answer. Oil will be depleted at some point. Humans must look for alternative ways to power their homes before the reserve is used up.

Energy companies are finding ways to create new power sources. It is hard to say what the future holds for this industry. There could be new energy sources in the next few decades. It is the best time to join the field to create new energy sources. 

Summary

Every job has its ups and downs. Energy is a stressful environment occasionally. But the concerns should not overshadow the advantages. By being a part of this innovative sector, you are revolutionizing the world and making it a better place.