Energy and utilities : Entry and progression

How do I find a job?

Jobs are advertised in a variety of places, including local and national press, specialist energy, engineering or planning publications, recruitment fairs and networking events. Websites of large organisations, professional bodies and public sector organisations are also a useful source of information about graduate opportunities.

The larger graduate recruiters tend to use online applications although requests for a CV and a covering letter are still used across the industry. Speculative applications for lower-level positions are fairly common, although most posts will be advertised, certainly at a senior or professional level.

Graduate, apprentice, and management training schemes remain common despite the current economic climate. Intakes for graduate schemes are typically in the autumn and spring terms, although many national and international organisations recruit for positions all year round. Oil companies have been known to recruit internationally, so UK graduates can be in competition with those from the USA and Europe.

Fixed-term contract work, short-term placements, and temporary work through agencies are all useful entry points, especially in a depressed economic market where employers may be reluctant to take on permanent staff.

While the industry has been affected by the economic downturn and increasing government interventions, there are still opportunities across the sector particularly in the alternative and renewable energy fields.

Find out more about job application advice.

What skills do I need?

Employers will expect a sound technical background in a relevant degree, typically with a minimum grade of 2:2 or equivalent. Due to competition of certain jobs, some larger employers may ask for a minimum of a 2:1 degree.

High levels of mathematical, scientific and technological skills may also be expected.

In parts of the industry, it’s possible to enter the profession at a lower level and work through to senior positions using a combination of experience and qualifications along the way.

In addition to academic requirements, graduate recruiters may look for the following skills which can be developed through studies and extracurricular activities:

• excellent communication skills, written and oral;
• good IT skills;
• good analytical and problem solving skills;
• excellent organisational and planning skills;
• flexibility and adaptability;
• initiative;
• eadership, motivation and enthusiasm;
• commercial awareness;
• teamwork;
• good technical skills.

Many academic courses are structured to incorporate these skills but other ways to gain them could include work experience, or getting involved in student clubs or societies, student newspapers or event organisation or promotions.

Where can I find work experience?

Employers will value work experience across all levels and job roles. Many graduates gain experience through a placement on a sandwich year degree. If a degree does not offer this then students should be encouraged to apply for work experience opportunities themselves. This will show potential employers evidence of initiative, commitment and enthusiasm.

Temporary and voluntary positions are also useful, although these types of work opportunities are rarely advertised so speculative letters, applications and networking are encouraged.

Many of the larger fuel and energy organisations now offer work experience opportunities through summer courses, one-year industry schemes and summer internships. For example BP and Shell both offer 13-week summer internships and 12-month work placements.

There are also specialist agencies such as the Year Out Group and The Year in Industry  who have details of gap year organisations and companies.

Is postgraduate study useful?

While postgraduate study is not usually necessary to enter the profession, in a competitive jobs market it is certainly useful for technical roles. As the alternative energy industry expands, postgraduate courses, such as an MSc in Renewable Energy Technology, are now becoming more commonly available.

The industry generally supports further study while working, and any good employer will provide the opportunity to work towards gaining professional status, awarded by an institution. Acquiring professional status usually takes around two years of working and studying, and requires an achievement of specific competencies within the area of work. The process typically involves keeping a log of experiences and a final interview and/or presentation.

How can my career develop?

Once you have found a job, most companies offer on-the-job training. Technical roles such as engineers are likely to pursue chartered status. Gaining chartered membership of the appropriate institution and undertaking agreed levels of continuing professional development (CPD) is a key part of career development which will enable progression to more senior posts.

Most employers will fully support graduates during this process through mentoring, training courses, graduate networking events and even tailored career pathways. Promotion may be dependent on gaining professional qualifications and the appropriate practical experience. Generally there will be opportunities to advance through the company structure or move to a larger organisation in order to gain promotion.

There also may be opportunities in research and development roles or working as a consultant, which can provide more scope for the development of personal interests. There are also many opportunities for employment overseas.