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OxfordGuideToCareers2017
OxfordGuideToCareers2017
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ENERGY + ENVIRONMENT<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
the range of opportunities in this sector is immense.<br />
Students consider a career in energy or the environment<br />
for a range of reasons. You may want to make a positive<br />
impact, and have ethical reasons for considering roles<br />
in conservation, environmental consultancies, or energy<br />
companies. Large energy companies may also suit those<br />
looking for a truly international career, and those interested<br />
in large-scale project management.<br />
Environmental awareness is not limited to careers that<br />
are traditionally considered green. Existing businesses<br />
are changing – consider the development of hybrid and<br />
electric cars, or Marks and Spencer’s plan to become the<br />
<br />
exploiting the drive from business to operate in a more<br />
environmentally sustainable way has emerged. Large<br />
energy companies, too, are diversifying their businesses<br />
in order to meet future energy demands, and ‘traditional’<br />
<br />
approaches to providing electricity, generating power from<br />
a mix of sources.<br />
Although recruitment into some areas of the energy<br />
<br />
whole opportunities abound for engineers and scientists.<br />
The sector also recruits graduates into roles in Finance,<br />
IT, HR and Marketing – sometimes in dedicated graduate<br />
schemes.<br />
Jenna Holder<br />
Renewable Energy Consultant,<br />
OST Energy<br />
“Seek out varied and relevant extracurricular<br />
activities. For me, the Oxford<br />
Energy Society taught me a lot about<br />
different facets of the energy sector<br />
and responsibilities within OUSU’s<br />
Environment and Ethics group were<br />
useful interview examples.“<br />
EXTRA-CURRICULAR IDEAS<br />
+ Take an active role in relevant student organisations such<br />
as the Nature Conservation Society, the Energy Society,<br />
or OUSU’s Environment and Ethics campaign.<br />
+ Volunteer with charities such as the Oxford Conservation<br />
Volunteers, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers,<br />
or with sustainability charities that work with Oxford<br />
Hub.<br />
ENERGY + ENVIRONMENT<br />
GETTING IN AND ENTRY POINTS<br />
<br />
wide range of possible entry points. Graduate schemes<br />
offered by large energy companies and multidisciplinary<br />
consultancies tend to recruit students from any discipline,<br />
with closing dates towards the end of Michaelmas Term or<br />
early in Hilary Term. Highly technical or research roles may<br />
require a related Masters degree or DPhil.<br />
The renewable energy and environmental industries<br />
are dominated by small or medium-sized organisations<br />
with only occasional vacancies, and may require relevant<br />
expertise (perhaps gained through a relevant postgraduate<br />
<br />
much as possible, and let your contacts know that you are<br />
available for work. If you’re willing to work on a short-term<br />
or voluntary basis for an organisation, you may be in a<br />
strong position should a paid vacancy arise.<br />
+ See relevant sectors of this Guide for ideas for<br />
developing skills for careers in Engineering, Finance,<br />
and Marketing roles. If you are interested in a graduate<br />
scheme with a large energy company, see ‘Employability<br />
<br />
and organisational skills for project management.<br />
MORE INFORMATION:<br />
www.careers.ox.ac.uk/energy<br />
/environment<br />
Most large energy companies offer internship schemes.<br />
Especially in the environmental sector, relevant work<br />
experience is important. A wide range of sustainability<br />
organisations have formal – but unpaid – internship<br />
<br />
make speculative applications through networking.<br />
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