Working in Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is gaining traction in the UK, with demand for options increasing annually. For someone interested in having a career that provides strong compensation while allowing them to feel that they are doing good in the world, taking a job in renewable energy is a great solution.

What Types of Careers are Available?

There are many different career options if you are interested in working in renewable energy. Solar energy alone requires individuals interested in conducting ongoing research and development, people who can handle design and installation, as well as those interested in sales and marketing. The field is wide open for people in a range of interests and strengths, and if you are interested in sustainable choices there is a career available for you. Attending a school with well-established programs that focus on environmentally-friendly solutions allows you to explore the many options available and select the one that most interests you.

Education is Important

Research and development are moving quickly with renewable energy. To build a career in the field, you must invest in education. There are a variety of options available when you are thinking of attending school. Common majors for individuals who are interested include renewable energy and sustainable systems, energy systems, environmental policy, and engineering. When you are just starting, it will be a challenge to decide how you want to focus your efforts. Attending a school with a strong sustainable or renewable energy program ensures you will have access to interesting speakers, educational internships, and the ability to learn about the many different options available.

There are a variety of ways you can pay for your degree. Grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid and should be your first stop when looking at options. Once you have exhausted those, you can move to student loans. There is no reason to be apprehensive about borrowing to pay for school. Earning a degree that qualifies you to work in renewable energy ensures that you will have job security for many years to come. Private student loans are a great option when paying for school expenses. Federal loans have a borrowing cap that is often lower than what you need to cover tuition and living expenses. Private loans may not have that cap while still offering a competitive interest rate.

Never Stop Learning

The conflict over whether this type is a legitimate option has polarized the country for years. As solar energy and other renewable choices become more mainstream, you can anticipate further growing pains and changes in the field. It is important to stay up to date on the industry, so you are not left behind in this rapidly developing climate. Reading industry news and attending conferences allows you to continually grow and stay on the cutting edge of development. Even if your employer is not interested in diving into the latest technology, knowing what is available and what is the next big thing ensures that you have marketable skills and knowledge regardless of what the future brings.