With the continuing advancement of technology, there will never be a shortage of consumers energy jobs. Listings of energy job opportunities may include aerospace engineers, civil engineers, electrical design engineers, energy scientists, pipeline engineers, relay engineers and turbine engineers, to name a few. There is a constant need for research and improvement in the energy industry as well.

While entry level jobs in the energy industry are available, managerial and executive positions require a degree. Additionally, it is important for individuals in the energy industry to remain apprised of current news and trends in order to perform their job more efficiently. The following resources will help you to obtain the necessary energy jobs education and training:

1. Gain a degree through online or classroom courses to pad your resume when seeking top-level energy industry employment.

2. Energy careers require an up-to-date knowledge of trends that articles and publications may provide.

3. Further your energy employment by attending conferences and trade shows for the industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Obtain a degree for energy industry jobs

As with any industry, you will need a degree in energy in order to have a successful career in that field. There are several different career paths to choose from in the energy industry, so you should consider whether to obtain a broad range degree or a degree in a specific energy specialty. Even after your have a degree, it won't hurt your resume to attend additional courses throughout your career to further your education.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Energy offers information on courses in the energy industry available throughout the nation. Rutgers Energy Institute offers courses in energy science, energy engineering and energy policy.

Subscribe to publications that can enhance energy industry careers

Many organizations offer magazines or online articles about trends and news in the energy industry. Reading these articles regularly will help you to maintain a current knowledge and develop new ideas that may further your career.

I recommend: Visit the Science Daily website for articles on matter and energy, including energy technology and engineering. EcoWorld offers articles on various energy issues affecting the global community. IEEE Xplore offers the Power and Energy Magazine for electric power professionals.

Attend conferences that discuss issues that affect energy jobs

Conferences and trade shows in the energy industry will help you see what resources are available to assist your company, as well as finding out what trends and applications work best. These events will help you to brainstorm new possibilities for energy conservation and optimal output.

I recommend: Access the list of exhibitors available at BuildingEnergy09, a trade show organized by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA). Attend the MIT Energy Conference.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure the courses you attend can provide accreditation toward a degree for your energy industry employment. Sometimes a business offers courses that are only informational and don't result in a degree or certification.

Energy employment shows no signs of slowing down and if this is the career path you've chosen, then you've chosen wisely. Because people will always need energy in some form or another, jobs in the energy industry remain relatively stable.

In most areas, it's not very difficult to get entry level energy jobs. It's simply a matter of learning when the companies are hiring. However, this doesn't mean that you should not take your job application seriously. There can be a lot of competition for consumers energy jobs and you should make sure you stand out from the crowd.

Some things that will help you gain energy industry employment:

1. Apply for energy jobs when you are still young. This industry tends to reward longevity and if you can get in while you are still young, you'll be able to advance your career over the long term.

2. Receive a 4-year degree. You do not need to have a degree to apply for entry level positions, but having a degree can make you eligible for manager and executive level positions.

3. Have a professionally written resume to apply for energy job opportunities. This is sure to make you stand out.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search job boards for employment in the energy industry

There are many websites that cater to those looking for jobs. Unfortunately, some of the major job boards are too broad and it can be difficult to find exactly what you're looking for. When possible, it's best to search for jobs on boards that focus on a particular industry.

I recommend: Professional Energy Jobs lists energy-related jobs in a variety of categories, including accounting, human resources and science jobs. EnergyCentralJobs.com has a searchable database that lists jobs in your area.

Seek out alternative energy jobs if you are interested in the environment

Many people believe that the resources that we typically use for energy are finite and will eventually run out. This makes renewable energy jobs more attractive. With a job in alternative energy, you will be on the cutting edge and ready to continue working long into the future.

I recommend: Sign up for an account at Green Energy Jobs. Then you'll be able to browse and apply for many different types of jobs. Greenjobs.com also helps job seekers find a job that is a good match for them.

Use energy job recruitment companies to help you find a job

It can be difficult to search for a job day in and day out. Many people prefer to have someone else do the hard work for them. A recruiter can send out your resume on your behalf and match you with companies that are looking for new workers.

I recommend: Apply with Energy Placement to find a job that's right for you. If you are looking for executive positions, you should find an executive recruiter to work with. Korn/Ferry International has experience placing executives into energy jobs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be aware the energy industry jobs may require long, hard hours, especially during a power outage or natural disaster.