OXFORD

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