International Students: Energy Sector's Future Workforce?

The energy sector is a capital-intensive industry that is constantly evolving to meet the world's growing energy needs. With the ongoing energy transition and the push for net-zero emissions, the demand for skilled workers in the energy sector is high, particularly in STEM fields. This has created numerous job opportunities for graduates with relevant qualifications. International students are actively pursuing careers in the energy sector, with some recruiting in the oil and gas sector and others focusing on renewable energy and clean technology. Many companies are hiring in the clean energy space, and universities are offering master's tracks in Sustainable Energy to prepare graduates for the energy transition.

International students in the energy sector

The energy sector is a highly competitive, fast-evolving, and international industry. It is an emerging field with a focus on new and expanding projects, such as building energy-efficient power plants, expanding and upgrading grids, and developing renewable energy sources. This sector offers a wide range of opportunities for international students seeking to contribute to the energy transition and make a positive impact on the world.

International students bring diverse technical backgrounds and cultural perspectives to the energy sector. Their knowledge and skills are highly valued as the industry seeks to address the challenges of meeting the world's expanding energy needs while transitioning to sustainable energy solutions. The demand for talent in the energy sector is high, and companies are actively hiring for various roles, including those in clean and renewable energy, power and utilities, and oil and gas.

International students with master's or PhD degrees, especially in technical disciplines, are highly sought-after by recruiters. Companies in the energy sector value candidates with strong academic records, relevant project experience, and a passion for their work. Additionally, soft skills, such as problem-solving abilities, cultural awareness, and open-mindedness, are considered essential for working in diverse teams and varying environments.

To attract the best talent, energy companies often partner with universities to develop curricula and offer internships, apprenticeships, and other work opportunities for international students. For example, European Energy, a company with employees from 43 different national backgrounds, has a vibrant student worker community called "Next Generation." This community provides social and professional events, networking sessions, career development workshops, and site visits to renewable energy projects, fostering a supportive and engaging environment for students.

International students interested in pursuing careers in the energy sector can explore various paths, including clean energy companies, consulting firms, and oil and gas majors. With the right combination of technical skills, academic qualifications, and a willingness to learn, international students can find rewarding careers in this dynamic and challenging industry, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Clean energy and renewables

The energy sector is facing a skills shortage, with companies struggling to hire candidates with the right skill sets, particularly in STEM fields. However, there is a large and growing number of job opportunities in the clean energy and renewables sector.

There are a variety of projects and programmes that international students can get involved in to gain experience in the clean energy and renewables sector. For example, students from the HAN master track Sustainable Energy programme have worked on practical assignments for businesses, such as researching how hydrogen could be integrated into an existing wind farm network in the North Sea. Another student worked on a project for TEMA Process BV, a company specialising in fluid bed systems for drying minerals, chemicals, food, feed, and biomass.

There are also hands-on projects that students can undertake to gain experience in renewable energy, such as designing and building solar-powered water heaters or small wind turbines. These projects allow students to explore the complexities of renewable energy, from design and implementation to optimisation.

Additionally, there are opportunities for international students to get involved in clean energy and renewables through internships and consulting roles at banks and major consulting firms.

Fossil fuels and electrification

The energy sector is a capital-intensive industry that aims to meet the world's expanding energy needs as efficiently as possible. Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have been the primary energy source for over 150 years, currently supplying about 80% of the world's energy. However, burning fossil fuels releases carbon and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. The transportation sector accounts for most oil consumption and a significant portion of carbon emissions. In recent years, there has been a push towards electrification and renewable energy sources to address these environmental concerns.

Electrification refers to the process of replacing technologies that use fossil fuels with those that use electricity as a source of energy. This transition can potentially reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the transportation, building, and industrial sectors, which are critical for decarbonizing the economy and mitigating climate change. The benefits of electrification depend on the resources used to generate electricity, and some regions with cleaner energy sources stand to gain more from this transition. For example, the state of Washington relies mainly on hydropower for electricity generation and would benefit significantly from electrification, while Wyoming, heavily reliant on coal, may not see the same advantages.

The shift towards electrification and renewable energy sources has created a demand for skilled workers in the energy sector. Companies are investing in upskilling and reskilling programs in partnership with universities to adapt to the changing energy landscape. International students with technical backgrounds are also pursuing careers in the energy sector, particularly in renewable energy and clean energy fields. These students bring diverse perspectives and a shared desire to contribute tangibly to the energy transition. For example, Hrishikesh Dalal, a certified electronics engineer from India, chose to study sustainable energy in the Netherlands due to its leadership in wind energy.

While the energy sector offers opportunities for international students and skilled workers, it also faces challenges. Shortages of skilled labour in energy supply chains can lead to project delays and impact investment decisions. Additionally, the high turnover of workers with the most in-demand competencies has increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. To address these challenges, strong links between employers and universities or vocational training programs are crucial for developing talent pipelines. Furthermore, women are underrepresented in the energy sector, especially in senior management positions, and efforts are needed to promote greater gender diversity.

Energy sector gender gap

While there is evidence of international students pursuing roles in the energy sector, particularly in renewables and clean energy, the sector is facing a significant gender gap. Women are strongly underrepresented in the energy industry, making up only 16% of traditional energy sectors, despite constituting nearly 40% of global employment. This disparity is even more pronounced in senior management positions, with women holding fewer than 14% of these roles on average. The gender wage gap further exacerbates the issue, with women in the energy sector earning 19% less than their male counterparts, creating a lack of career mobility and advancement for women in energy jobs.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has identified this gap and recommended initiatives to address it. They emphasize the need for proactive gender considerations in policies and planning to enhance diversity and tap into a broader talent pool. The IEA's Technology Collaboration Programme, jointly organized with the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), aims to accelerate gender equality and diversity in clean energy transitions, with a goal to close the gender gap by 2030.

Despite the challenges, there are some promising signs. Growing sectors like solar are beating the industry average in terms of female representation, and there has been an increase in women pursuing education in energy-related STEM fields. Additionally, some companies are actively working with universities to shape more inclusive curricula and foster better links between employers and academic institutions.

To attract and retain a diverse workforce, it is crucial to address the gender disparity in the energy sector. By creating an equitable environment and promoting gender equality, the sector can become more agile, innovative, and reflective of the diverse world it powers.

Energy sector recruitment

The energy sector is a dynamic and evolving industry, currently facing the challenge of meeting the world's expanding energy needs while transitioning to new and renewable sources of energy. This transition is creating a demand for new talent with relevant knowledge in emerging fields such as wind and solar energy.

The energy sector is actively recruiting candidates with the right combination of technical skills and people skills. Recruiters seek individuals with a strong academic background, a passion for the work, and relevant project experience. A master's or PhD degree, especially in a technical discipline, is considered a valuable asset, with companies specifically targeting PhD candidates for certain roles.

International students with an interest in the energy sector can find opportunities in various companies, including major consulting firms, banks, and renewable energy businesses. For example, European Energy, an international organization with employees from 43 different national backgrounds, offers a vibrant student worker community called "Next Generation." This community provides social and professional opportunities, fostering an environment where students feel supported and engaged in their personal development.

To stand out in the energy sector recruitment process, candidates should demonstrate problem-solving abilities, cultural awareness, and open-mindedness towards different customs. Additionally, with the sector's focus on renewable energy, aspiring candidates should aim to gain relevant knowledge and experience in this field.

Examples of Energy Sector Roles for International Students:

• Clean Energy and Renewables: Companies such as Nomura Greentech and Marathon Capital focus on renewables, and they hire international students for internships and full-time roles.
• Oil and Gas (O&G): International students can find opportunities in the O&G sector, particularly in Texas, as some students have shared their experiences working in this industry post-graduation.
• Sustainable Energy: HAN University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands offers a master's track in Sustainable Energy, attracting international students who want to contribute to the energy transition.

Tips for International Students:

• Consider pursuing a master's or PhD degree in a specialist area to increase your expertise and marketability in the energy sector.
• Develop a strong academic record and seek out relevant project experience or internships to enhance your profile.
• Stay informed about industry trends and attend Continued Professional Development (CPD) events to demonstrate your commitment to the field.
• Build connections with universities and companies in your desired energy sector to increase your chances of finding the right opportunity.

In conclusion, the energy sector recruitment landscape is diverse and inclusive, offering opportunities for international students with the right qualifications, skills, and passion for driving change towards a sustainable future.

Frequently asked questions