Now that your studies are over or nearing completion, it’s a good idea to start thinking about how you can put your best foot forward to land an exciting career in energy.
Career planning might sound mundane, but it doesn’t have to be. Can you picture where you’d like to be? What career paths are available to you? Here are some practical things you can do to help move your career in the right direction.
Never miss a chance to learn and grow. Part of career planning is finding relevant training opportunities, applying for graduate programs or internships to build your work portfolio and further your career development. You’ll gain practical, real-life experience while giving your CV a boost.
Show prospective employers that you’re not afraid of hard work. Be proactive, use your initiative and seek voluntary work experience – you never know who you’ll meet and what it could lead to!
Leverage and learn from others in the industry through networking. Attend industry conferences, seminars and events where you can meet and build relationships with those in the know. Get your face out there as much as possible and become a household name. Networking can advance your career and even help you land your next role. It can open doors to new opportunities through the people you meet, knowledge you gain and career advice you receive.
The energy industry is growing rapidly and it’s important to have knowledge of the latest developments if you want to stay at the forefront. Sign up to industry news, follow organisations or key leaders through social channels, and set up Google alerts to stay abreast of what’s happening in this space.
Alongside having an up-to-date CV, make sure you give your online presence some attention. If you don’t already, create a LinkedIn profile to highlight your education, job history, showcase your achievements and let everyone know you’re open to opportunities. Recruiters increasingly search for talented new candidates via this platform. It’s also a great way to connect with organisations and industry leaders to help you get that all important foot in the door.
Investing your time in career planning will help you in the long run. It’ll give you the competitive edge you need to make you stand out and ensure you’re ready to pounce when opportunities present themselves.