Getting a graduate job in energy and utilities

Learn about what employers are looking for in graduate employees, the qualifications you might need to start your career, and where to find the latest jobs in the energy and utilities sector

Do I need a related degree?

While the industry has many functions that could be expected for any large organisation, such as marketing, finance, sales, human resources (HR) and legal, many jobs are technical in nature and will usually require a qualification in a specific engineering discipline or skills in some of the sciences, particularly physical sciences, such as chemistry, physics or geology.

What skills do employers want?

Graduate recruiters in the sector look for candidates who can demonstrate:

• commitment, interest and relevant prior experience;
• employability skills, such as strong interpersonal communication skills, team working, effective time and project management, leadership and creativity;
• flexibility and willingness to work outdoors or offshore, or be posted overseas;
• skills that are currently in demand - the industry has skills shortages in management and technical areas.

Where can I get work experience?

Both large and small organisations provide structured work experience placements and internships for students and graduates. The sector has a long-established tradition of sponsorship and sandwich placements, especially for engineers and scientists, but some sites are remote and so it is not always easy to get work experience during a university degree without some form of formal work placement.

Work experience is important in this industry; employers want to see evidence of enthusiasm and initiative. Despite there being many formal opportunities available, you may need to rely on speculative applications and networking in order to secure a voluntary or temporary role.

To find work placements and internships in the energy and utilities sector, search for work experience.

How do I find a graduate job in energy?

Vacancies are posted on organisations' websites, generic and industry-specific job websites and on trade websites. Opportunities can also be found in trade publications, local and national press and through careers fairs or networking events.

SMEs are more likely to advertise their vacancies through the local press, university careers service bulletins, local graduate vacancy listings, jobcentres, and word of mouth, rather than rely on their reputation and a presence at graduate recruitment fairs.

The Sector Skills Councils overseeing these sectors have a comprehensive list of useful links for those looking for a graduate job. For more information, visit Energy & Utility Skills - Useful Links  for the utilities industry and Cogent - Useful Links  for the petrochemicals industry.

If you're looking to get a job overseas, large UK-based organisations often have branches or companies in other countries. The oil and gas industries will often have jobs available overseas, generally where active extraction or prospecting takes place. Having competence in other languages and understanding other cultures is an asset.

To find graduate jobs in the sector, search graduate jobs in energy and utilities.