Case studies: Microrenewable technical specialist: Alan Thompson

Alan is a microrenewable technical specialist with a private sector firm specialising in renewable energy solutions.

After I graduated with a degree in electrical and electronic engineering, I applied for a variety of jobs and was successful in getting a position as a microrenewable technical specialist, working with a variety of renewable energy solutions.

After a few years working in my role, I enrolled on an MSc in Renewable Energy Systems Technology, which I'm currently halfway through. I'm hoping this will help develop me personally, provide me with further knowledge in my field and hopefully help with career progression.

My engineering degree proved essential in securing my job as I'm effectively an energy engineer, and my engineering studies have continued to prove useful to me in my daily tasks.

A typical working day can be quite varied with a mixture of practical work, project management of schemes and projects I'm running, research into new renewable technologies or techniques, and general customer correspondence.

As the industry changes and moves at a fast pace, the role is developing all the time, and it tends to bring ever increasing responsibility.

I have to say that I enjoy everything about my job: the variety; the challenge; the feeling of doing something good and positive for the environment. I particularly enjoy meeting customers and developing new and innovative solutions to problems.

The most challenging part of the job is probably the fact that the role is so diverse, and I can be involved in a wide variety of activities that it's sometimes difficult to prioritise everything.

The best thing about working in this sector is that I find it very cutting edge, it is an exciting sector to work in, and there is just so much work to do, as it is a growth industry.

As for advice for students thinking about working in the sector, I would say you need to be genuinely interested in the area that you want to work in. I come across far too many 'renewable energy' consultants and specialists who don't seem to care about the environment and have no real interest in the job they are doing.

Do some unpaid voluntary work or try to get a relevant industrial placement, and write to companies you would like to work for with a good detailed handwritten letter, even if they are not actively recruiting. Don't be afraid to move to another employer if you are not getting what you want. Finally, sort out your pension arrangements as soon as you can - time slips away all too quickly!

AGCAS

Sourced by Nick Huston, AGCAS

Date: 

October 2009

© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd | Disclaimer