Parents
Hey Parents!
Few students have a clear idea of what they want to do with their professional futures. While they may turn to online searches, social media, and peers for guidance, you still have the most undeniable influence on what careers your student considers. When your child turns to you for advice about what paths they should consider exploring, don’t forget that the energy industry is filled with opportunities for them.
Are you guiding a student who…
Thrives in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM)? Loves a challenge, is analytical and innovative? Cares about the environment and is passionate about the world of tomorrow? Prefers to be outdoors in the fresh air? Is a tinkerer and loves fixing things with their hands? If you said, “YES!” to any of these questions, here are seven reasons you should encourage them to consider a career in energy:
1. There is a role for everyone in the energy industry.
The industry hires those with degrees (and advanced degrees) as well as those who prefer to learn on the job, in life’s classroom, or through apprenticeships. This industry relies on teamwork, meaning the engineers, heavy-equipment operators, data analysts, environmental scientists, plant operators, marketing professionals, and infrastructure innovators, are all instrumental in their company’s energy operations. The industry seeks a diverse workforce of people who bring varied life experiences and perspectives to work each day.
2. Energy professionals are stewards of the environment.
The energy sector is leading efforts to help achieve the nation’s climate change goals. Our businesses are harnessing and transmitting power in new ways, while maintaining energy reliability, resiliency, safety, and affordability. To accomplish our goals, we need those who are passionate about exploring and implementing the “what’s next” to care for our communities, our society, and our planet.
3. Earning opportunities abound.
The energy industry pays well. Really well. The median hourly wage for all energy workers is $25.60, 34% higher, on average, than the national median hourly wage. Some segments pay as much as 53% higher.* Many industry employees, including those who have entered the industry through apprenticeships and on-the job-training, earn strong six-figure compensation. Those who work in the industry’s salaried positions, including employees serving in traditional business roles, also enjoy strong earning potential. The energy industry is often recognized for its competitive employment benefits.
*Source: Wages, Benefits, and Change 2020: Supplemental Report to the U.S. Energy and Employment Report
4. Essential and stable employment define energy careers.
The energy industry is stable. It is recession, pandemic and gig-economy proof. It offers serious job security, as there will always be a need for skilled trade workers, business leaders, engineers, and innovators in the industry. The average tenure of an energy employee is 15 years, and it is not unusual for an employee to experience a variety of jobs in that time as the industry is passionate about professional development and career advancement.
5. Energy professionals sustain communities.
Like other essential workers, energy employees are first-responders in times of need. They restore power after storms and natural disasters and they ensure homes, business, schools, and hospitals have the power and fuel they need to function.
6. Skilled-trade professionals are in high demand.
Like other essential workers, energy employees are first-responders in times of need. They restore power after storms and natural disasters and they ensure homes, business, schools, and hospitals have the power and fuel they need to function.
7. We need big problem solvers.
Not everyone likes life’s big challenges – but for those who do, there are few industries that offer the chance to personally impact the world of tomorrow. Energy innovators are considering ways to connect the nation through a coast-to-coast infrastructure system for electric vehicles. They are re-imagining the country’s electric grid and exploring renewable natural gas and the capabilities of capturing offshore wind. Many of these futurists are imaging our tomorrow of 10, 20, and 50 years ahead.