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Energy and Natural Resources (Renewables)

Renewables are initiatives which harness natural sources of energy, sometimes referred as “new energies” or “transition energies”, such as sunlight, water, and wind, to generate energy with lower carbon footprints and minimal waste products. The development of renewable resources and technology sits at the heart of efforts to counter climate change to maintain global temperature increases below 2°C. 

The renewables sector continues to rapidly expand worldwide as illustrated by research by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) that estimates renewables’ share in the power generation mix is forecast to grow from 28% to 91% (7 468 to 82 148 TWh) in the period from 2020 to 2050. Indicative, global investment in energy transition technologies reached a new record of USD 1.3 trillion in 2022. IRENA estimate worldwide renewable energy employment reached 13.7 million in 2023, a jump of one million new jobs since 2021. The UK is very much at the forefront of this curve, ranked fifth in the world for wind power installed capacity generation.  The labour market in renewables remains buoyant with employment opportunities, as many corporations set about to recruit top talent to facilitate meeting deadlines ahead of those set by the Paris 2015 Agreement on climate change. 

For sector statistics, please visit the Energy, Oil and Utilities Industry Report on My Career Zone Digital which contains some data on renewables, and also see IRENA’s World Energy Outlook 2023 report. 

Sector overview and areas of work

Areas of Work in the Energy and Natural Resources (Renewables) 

Occupations in renewables will primarily plug into three main nodes of the electricity system which translates to a wide diversity of roles in: power generation, transmission and distribution. There are opportunities to work across the value chain from supporting market entry, business development, to construction of major new projects such as the largest windfarm in the world at Doggerbank or the recent completion of the Scottish Green Battery Complex (the largest grid connected battery storage system in Europe), high-value manufacturing, to managing operations and maintenance of installed renewables. 

There are a range of roles that you can consider which illustrate the complex mix of business and engineering roles in this sector. These roles vary from market strategist to control room operators to design engineers.  In this sector you may find yourself working with academics, developers, generators, governments, policy bodies, trade bodies, R&D innovation, utility companies, research centres, and asset funds. In choosing a role in this sector, consider the type of technology that may appeal to you, and the type of company: traditional energy utilities such as EDF, to pivoting oil and gas majors such as Shell, start-ups, universities, small medium enterprises (SMEs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Siemens Gamesa or GE Renewables: 

An outline of core areas of work within the energy and natural resources sector include: 

  • Renewable energy generation: designing, developing, and operating renewable energy facilities, including solar farms, wind turbines, and hydroelectric plants. 
  • Energy storage: researching and implementing technologies for storing renewable energy, such as batteries and pumped hydro. 
  • Energy efficiency: developing strategies and technologies to reduce energy consumption in buildings, transportation, and industry. 
  • Policy and regulation: analysing energy policies, developing regulations, and conducting economic assessments. 
  • Research and development: conducting research into new renewable energy technologies and improving existing ones. 

Sector careers advice 

For more insight into this sector and further overviews of the main areas of work in renewables, visit the sites below: 

Sector news and insights 

If you want to research this sector further, the following web pages may be helpful.  

Career Zone and University of Exeter resources 

External resources 

Information and links from professional bodies 

If you have studied for a related degree, check if your course is accredited by one of the professional bodies. Being a member of a professional body is voluntary. However, it can be valuable for developing networks, continuing your professional development, and generally keeping up with what's happening in the sector. You don’t need to be a member to access lots of helpful information. 

Umbrella Organisations 

  • International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA): IRENA is an intergovernmental organisation that promotes the adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy.
  • REN21 – network of stakeholders promoting renewables drawn from science, governments, NGOs, and industry. 
  • World Energy Council (WEC) – network of energy leaders promoting adoption of renewables. 

Professional Bodies 

  • Energy Institute - chartered professional membership body for people who work across the world of energy. 
  • Engineering Council – regulatory body representing professional bodies representing: Engineering Technicians (EngTech), Incorporated Engineers (IEng), Chartered Engineers (CEng) and Information and Communications Technology Technicians (ICTTech). 
  • European Biomass Industry Association (EUBIA) – not for profit industry association representing organisations working biomass across Europe.
  • IEMA - Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, a global organisation accrediting and advocating sustainable initiatives. 
  • IMECHE – Institute of Mechanical Engineers – industry body representing mechanical engineers. 
  • International Association for Wind Engineering – global NGO advocating collaboration between stakeholders in the wind industry. 
  • Renewable Energy Association – not for profit trade association for renewable energy and clean technology. 
  • RenewableUK– trade body for the UK wind and marine energy industry 
  • Solar Energy UK – trade body researching, developing and representing solar systems in the UK.
  • Wind Engineering Society – specialist society affiliated with the Institution of Civil Engineers 
  • WindEurope – association representing all stakeholders involved in wind power from developers to investors. 

Academic and Research-Focused Organisations 

Sample list of Devon and Cornwall stakeholders in renewables 

Making contacts  

Making contacts is particularly essential for success in this sector. Many jobs in this field come through initial volunteering, networking and speculative applications. You could start by speaking with the experts – find out what they did after graduation and contact them for advice using the Career Mentor Scheme or Ask An Alum.  

Find out if any Exeter alumni are working in this sector that you can get in touch with to gain insights and learn more with the LinkedIn Alumni tool.  

Start networking to build contacts.  Attend events, comment on blogs and follow professionals on LinkedIn.  Attend a skills session to develop your networking skills and knowledge.  

Events  

Recruitment fairs, conventions, open days, talks, and social events give insights and opportunities to make contacts. Make the most of the opportunity to meet with employers and experienced sector professionals to learn about job opportunities and industry knowledge and to get inspiration for pathways to pursue.  Some events to consider within the UK to connect with professionals such as at: The Renewable Energy Association (REA) annual conference, All-Energy’s decarbonisation event, The Economist’s annual energy transition summit, IRENA’s annual conference, Ocean Energy Europe’s annual conference, Solar and Storage Live and conferences hosted by Wind Europe. 

Keep up to date with and register to attend upcoming events on Handshake. If you have not activated your account, select the Single Sign On (SSO) option and follow the instructions onscreen. 

Job roles

Explore roles in the sector by visiting the job profiles below. Each profile covers typical duties and responsibilities, entry requirements and the key skills required for the position. 

Engineering and Technology Roles: 

  • Electrical Engineer: specialises in the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems, including those used in renewable energy generation.  
  • Environmental Engineer: focuses on reduction of waste material and design of mitigation strategies to minimise detrimental impact of renewable energy projects. 
  • Mechanical Engineer: focuses on the design, development, and maintenance of mechanical components and systems used in renewable energy technologies, such as turbines and pumps.  
  • Renewable Energy Engineer: designs, develops, and oversees the installation and operation of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric plants.  

Business and Management Roles: 

  • Project Manager: oversees the planning, execution, and completion of renewable energy projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.  
  • Energy Manager: plans, regulates and monitors the energy use in an organisation or facility. 
  • Policy Analyst: researches, analyses, and evaluates energy policies and regulations, providing recommendations to policymakers. 

Research and Development: 

  • Design Engineer: designs concepts and models of engineering innovations.
  • Research Scientist: designs and conducts experiments to identify new materials and technologies to be used in renewables. 

Sector-specific vacancies can be found and researched through the links below.  Remember to filter job searches with key words such as ‘analyst” or engineer” if there are particular roles and sites of work that interest you. Remember to search specific job sections of target employers, setting up email bulletins to receive updates of opportunities. If you are undertaking general research and do not have yet a preference on specific jobs, keep the search open and allow yourself to be inspired.  

Skills employers look for: 

Employers in the renewables sector often look for a blend of both technical, academic and interpersonal skills. Here are some key skills that are highly valued and as illustrated by the list of core skills can be transferable to other sectors. 

Technical Skills: 

  • Renewable energy technology expertise: a strong understanding of specific renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, hydro, or biomass. 
  • Engineering skills: proficiency in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering principles is often essential for roles in renewable energy development and operations. 
  • Technical diagnostic problem-solving: the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot technical issues related to renewable energy systems. 

Project Management Skills: 

  • Project planning: competency in organising workflows of renewable energy projects from inception to completion, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management. 
  • Stakeholder management: the ability to effectively communicate, influence, negotiate and collaborate with various stakeholders, such as investors, government officials, and local communities. 

Environmental and Sustainability Skills: 

  • Environmental impact assessment: knowledge of environmental legislation, regulations and the ability to assess compliance and the environmental impact of renewable energy projects. 
  • Sustainability principles: understanding of sustainable development practices and the ability to integrate sustainability into renewable energy projects. 

Business and Financial Skills: 

  • Financial analysis: proficiency in financial modelling, budgeting, and cost-benefit analysis. 
  • Business development: entrepreneurial ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities within the renewables sector. 
  • Market analysis: knowledge of renewable energy markets, trends, and policies. 

Interpersonal and Communication Skills: 

  • Effective communication: ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. 
  • Teamwork: strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. 
  • Leadership: ability to lead and motivate teams, particularly in project management roles. 

Additional Skills: 

  • Data analysis: proficiency in data analysis and visualisation tools can be valuable for roles involving research, reporting, and decision-making. 
  • Policy understanding: knowledge of renewable energy policies and regulations can be beneficial for roles related to policy development or compliance. 
  • Innovation: a creative mindset and the ability to think outside the box to develop new and innovative solutions. 

Work experience and placements

You can develop the skills required to work in these roles and sectors, in and alongside your degree, using online platforms, social media, and discussion groups on LinkedIn. Engage with relevant discussion forums. Recruiters will be looking for evidence of your interest in the sector. 

Getting a graduate role is competitive. Gaining relevant experience in the workplace will not only make your applications stand out but will also allow you to develop new skills and gain valuable insight into the sector. 

University of Exeter Employability Schemes  

These employability schemes can help you find or enhance your work experience and build valuable network connections. 

  • Ask an Alum: A fuss-free way to connect with University of Exeter alumni to ask career questions.   
  • Career Mentor Scheme: A popular employability scheme which matches a student or graduate with an experienced professional for sector insight and one-to-one career advice and guidance over a 6-month period.  
  • Career Zone Internship schemes: Internships can be beneficial, allowing you to gain experience so try to get relevant vacation work or placements. 
  • Green Consultants: An award-winning programme comprising of training and work experience in the environment and sustainability sector.  
  • Grand Challenges: A project week where students work in interdisciplinary groups to design solutions to real-world challenges. Develop communication and campaign skills to present ideas creatively.   

Finding part-time work  

Many students work part-time during their studies. Beyond the renewables sector part-time student jobs are often found in the hospitality or retail sectors, where you can gain transferrable interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills. 

Search for part-time work here: 

  • Handshake (filter ‘part time’ and by your location). 
  • General job sites such as LinkedIn jobs, Find a Job or Indeed (filter on “part-time” and “Exeter”). 
  • Identify and call local businesses in your local area with your CV to ask about part-time jobs. 
  • Attend the part-time/casual at Streatham Campus and/or Penryn Campus.  

Virtual Work Experience 

Work experiences in renewables typically tend to be physical in-person scenarios. At present, any virtual opportunities though online MOOCs such as Forage, Coursera or Future Learn typically focus on exploring the relationship of capital investment and renewables such as for example this scheme on Forage. 

Virtual work experience from other sectors may lend valuable transferable skills that could leverage subsequent opportunities in renewables. 

  • Forage provides short virtual internships in a range of sectors, with opportunities to connect with employers. 
  • Gradcracker hosts regular webinars exploring aspects of STEM which at time can include presentations from companies directly working in renewables. 
  • The Bright Network provides virtual internships in various sectors and fast-track opportunities for graduate programmes and internships for virtual-intern alumni. Look out for the Bright Network annual June internship week. 

Speculative applications (finding and approaching companies for opportunities) 

As jobs are not always advertised, developing your networking skills and applying speculatively can be useful.  This means approaching organisations directly for an opportunity.  

  • Research and make a shortlist of organisations you would like to gain experience with. 
  • Identify what roles people hold in the organisation.  Are there any exciting campaigns or projects running or coming up that you’d like to be involved in or support?  
  • Create your tailored CV and cover letter, clearly outlining what you are asking of the organisation and highlighting what you can bring.  What’s your unique offer? 

The websites below hold directories which can be a helpful place to start, when researching potential organisations of interest.   

Internships 

Internships in the UK are usually, but not always, designed for undergraduate students, so do read application criteria carefully.  An internship in any sector will help you gain relevant transferrable skills. 

Opportunities to gain experience through internships and work experience can commonly be found through speculative approaches. Larger scale organisations periodically advertise internships. Gradcracker, Bright Network and Handshake Jobs can serve as a useful starting point to finding internships. 

Any of Career Zone's internships could offer an invaluable supply of added experience. 

  • Professional Pathways: a suite of sector specific training courses and paid week-long internships that take place in June.  

Further information here on Target Jobs –‘What is an internship and how do I get one?’ and a Career Zone blog explaining the difference between graduate schemes, work placements, internships. 

Volunteering 

Voluntary work experience will allow you to develop your communication, organisation and other skills which could help leverage industry opportunities in renewables. 

 

Graduate jobs and schemes

A graduate scheme and a graduate job are both employment opportunities for recent graduates, but differ in structure and purpose. Competition is strong, especially for entry-level positions. Use the following resources to find advertised vacancies and research employers. 

Graduate schemes 

A graduate scheme is a structured programme providing comprehensive training and development within an organisation, typically involving rotations through different departments or roles within an organisation, allowing graduates to gain a broad understanding of the business and develop diverse skills. 

Graduate Job Opportunities  

A graduate job is an entry-level position that requires a degree. Training will be provided; however, as with any job role, it will be less formal and focused on ‘on-the-job’ learning. Graduates are typically hired for a specific role within a department with the expectation of being able to contribute to the role immediately, without the rotational experiences that are part of graduate schemes. 

The following links can be useful resources for finding advertised vacancies and researching employers. 

  • Ecocareers UK – Discover Green Jobs and Environmental Careers in the UK
  • Energy Job Line – job board for work in energy.
  • Energy Jobs.com – job board for work in energy. 
  • ENDS Jobs – job searching arms of Environmental Data Service. 
  • Gradcracker – job board for graduate opportunities. 
  • Green Jobs – job board for professionals seeking environmental and renewable energy jobs. 
  • Renewable Energy Jobs – specialist sector recruitment agent. 
  • RenewableUK – job searching arm of RenewableUK, industry representative body. 

For general information about finding graduate opportunities, please visit our Graduate Jobs page, and for a list of general job search engines please visit our general job sources page. You could also have a look at Handshake, our vacancy database with employers who are targeting University of Exeter students.  

Finding companies for speculative applications 

As jobs are not always advertised, developing your networking skills and applying speculatively can be helpful. You may find the following prompts a useful place to start:  

  • Research and make a shortlist of potential employers leading the way in the field in which you want to work. 
  • Identify organisations whose culture, interests and purpose align with your passion and values. 
  • Explore company structure and roles.  What opportunities do you see for possible job roles or work experience? 
  • Create your tailored CV and covering letter, clearly outlining what you are asking for and why they should consider you.  What are your unique selling point(s)? 

Make the most of our comprehensive programme of skills sessions throughout your studies, on topics including networking essentials, communication skills, job hunting, job hunting and writing an effective cover letter, to support your direct approaches.   

Explore further techniques and strategies for identifying and approaching potential employers on our Researching Employers page. 

Agencies 

Similar to other sectors there exists a number of specialist recruitment agencies which may serve as another line of enquiry to source work. Allen & York is an illustrative example such an agency.  

Further sources of support 

For further advice on finding graduate opportunities, visit our finding a graduate job page. 

If you are an international student, visit our web pages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally. 

Further study and professional development

To find opportunities outside the UK use GoinGlobal. Log in using your university email address. The worldwide country guides cover everything from job search resources and CV guidelines to cultural advice and visa information. Watch a short training video on how to get the most from GoinGlobal (4 minutes 20 seconds). 

Some individuals decide to undertake further study to build their skills and knowledge of the sector. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications. You may have the option to gain professional qualifications after graduating which will show your commitment towards the industry. Use the sites below to research your further study options.  

There are many different routes into the sector including postgraduate study, volunteering, internships and more. A postgraduate study programme could enable specialisation, a career change or competitive advantage. 

If you would like to pursue postgraduate study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study. If you are unsure whether further study is for you, you may wish to attend our ‘Postgraduate study: is it right for you?’ session which runs termly. Find these advertised on Handshake. 

Further information  

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Many major graduate recruiters have policies and processes that are proactive in recruiting graduates from diverse backgrounds. To find out the policies and attitudes of employers that you are interested in, explore their equality and diversity policies and see if they offer ‘Guaranteed Interview Schemes’ (for disabled applicants) or are recognised for their policy by such indicators as ‘Mindful Employer’ or as a ‘Stonewalls Diversity Champion’. 

The UK law protects you from discrimination due to your age, gender, race, religion or beliefs, disability or sexual orientation. For further information on the Equality Act and to find out where and how you are protected, as well as information on what you need to do if you feel you have been discriminated against, visit the Government’s webpages on discrimination. 

To learn more about how to share details of a disability with an employer and the support you can receive applying for jobs and work experience visit our equality and diversity page. See below for some sample schemes promoting inclusion, diversity and equality.  

Further information  

  • Climate Council – 2022 article outlining some notable diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and schemes.