Aligning Your IT Skills with the Needs of the Evolving Energy Sector
The energy sector has changed in significant ways in recent years. One major change is a movement toward renewable energy sources such as wind and solar over non-renewable fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. Another major change is a shift toward technology and a larger role for IT in the energy sector as systems become larger, more complex, and more automated with each passing year.
This post will help IT professionals tailor their skills to energy sector needs so they can pursue jobs in this fast-growing sector. Having tech skills is an important first step to an IT job in energy, but much more is needed to build a sustainable IT energy career.
Understanding the Energy Sector’s IT Needs
Technology is revolutionizing the energy sector in several important ways that have led to a high demand for energy sector IT hiring. Smart grids can now be controlled and even maintained or repaired remotely. Data analytics is making it possible to predict energy needs and potential failures so that they can be prevented.
In addition, renewable energy technologies are improving because of technological advances so they can be used more widely and eventually replace fossil fuels (at least, that’s the desire and the plan).
Some of the most in-demand energy sector IT jobs today include the following:
- System analyst–troubleshoots system problems and works to make systems more efficient
- Network administrator–creates, runs and maintains networks that produce and procure energy
- Cybersecurity specialist–stops cybercriminals from breaching systems to corrupt or steal information
- Software programmer–creates the software programs used to run energy projects
- Automation engineer–uses AI and other programming to automate energy projects
- Sustainability data analyst–analyzes data to assess and improve energy sustainability
These are just a few of the positions for which energy companies all over the U.S. and around the world are hiring right now. Whether a highly skilled position or an entry-level one, tech skills are in high demand in many different industries like the energy sector.
In-Demand Skills for IT Professionals in Energy
Technical skills are of the utmost importance for energy sector IT employment. Some of the technology skills needed include data analysis, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and the ability to program and deploy AI. Other positions require skills like digitizing infrastructure, upgrading the efficiency of existing systems, and learning new programming languages to facilitate a transition.
Industry-specific knowledge about the energy sector is also important for these jobs. Workers need to know the basics of energy operations, industry regulations, and compliance with government and industry requirements. An understanding of what factors drive technology innovations in the energy sector is an important part of the whole and must not be overlooked.
Finally, soft skills are just as essential for energy tech jobs as they are for other jobs. Communication, problem-solving, and project management skills are needed in the energy sector just like they are in every job that involves working with others to reach a common goal. All the technical knowledge in the world cannot lead to success if an employee does not have the ability to communicate it and put it into practice.
Building a Strong Professional Network
When looking for an IT job in the energy sector, networking is needed in order to know what jobs are available and to stay on top of industry trends. Networking brings more opportunities and helps make connections across the industry.
There are a number of ways to network. One of the best is to attend industry conferences, seminars, and job fairs in person. Being face-to-face is the best way to get to know others and make an impression.
If in-person events are not possible, however, online platforms can give you the opportunity to interact with others in your field in a more informal way. Professional behavior is always important as you network, given that people’s perception of you will change if you have an angry outburst or show up to a zoom meeting in your pajamas.
Continuous Learning and Certification
Why wouldn’t a career employee want to engage in continuous learning and keep their skills relevant with updated information, especially in a rapidly changing field like IT energy?
There are always more certifications to earn and new information to assimilate into your knowledge base. CompTIA offers some of the most prestigious certifications, along with tech giants like Microsoft and Google who have their own certifications specific to their systems.
It’s important to customize your resume for each specific job application to highlight the relevant skills and experiences you can bring to the table. One size fits all never really does, and it certainly won’t show how you fit the very specific needs and qualifications of each position.
Continuous learning may seem like an optional exercise that you can do when you have spare time and ignore when things are busy, but your technology skills will quickly become obsolete if you don’t upgrade them every single chance you get.
Conclusion
When you understand industry needs, have the necessary tech skills, network to build connections, and engage in continuous learning to develop and maintain necessary skills, you have everything you need to work in the energy sector as an IT specialist.
Like any business area, the energy sector needs skill and knowledge. IT employees can help, improve the business while also building upon their own skills.
GDH can partner with you as an IT job seeker in the energy sector. Our resources include existing relationships with employers and our own job postings at your disposal.
Looking to make your next big career move? We can help.
