You're thinking of changing careers to energy engineering. How do you prepare for the switch?

1 Assess your skills and interests

Before you dive into energy engineering, you need to have a clear idea of what it entails and what skills and interests you have that match the field. Energy engineering is a broad and interdisciplinary field that requires a combination of technical, analytical, and creative skills. You also need to have a passion for solving complex problems and finding innovative ways to improve energy performance and reduce environmental impact. To assess your skills and interests, you can do some online self-assessments, such as the Skills Matcher from CareerOneStop or the Career Interests Game from the University of Missouri. You can also browse through some online resources, such as the Energy Engineering Journal or the Energy Institute website, to learn more about the current trends and challenges in energy engineering.

3 Network and connect with professionals

Another important step to prepare for the switch to energy engineering is to network and connect with professionals who are already working in the field. Networking can help you learn more about the realities and expectations of energy engineering, as well as discover potential opportunities and mentors. You can network and connect with professionals in various ways, such as attending events, joining associations, participating in forums, or reaching out via email or social media. For example, you can attend some events organized by the Association of Energy Engineers or the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. You can also join some associations, such as the Society of Energy Engineers or the International Association of Energy Engineers, that offer membership benefits, such as access to publications, webinars, certifications, and discounts. You can also participate in some forums, such as the Energy Engineering Forum or the Energy Central Community, where you can ask questions, share insights, and get feedback from other professionals. You can also reach out to some professionals via email or social media, such as LinkedIn or Twitter, and ask for advice, referrals, or recommendations.

4 Build your portfolio and resume

The final step to prepare for the switch to energy engineering is to build your portfolio and resume that showcase your skills, achievements, and potential in the field. Your portfolio and resume should highlight your relevant education, training, experience, and projects that demonstrate your ability to design, develop, and implement energy solutions. You can also include some samples of your work, such as reports, presentations, models, or simulations, that illustrate your technical, analytical, and creative skills. You can also include some testimonials, references, or endorsements from your instructors, mentors, or clients that attest to your performance and professionalism. You can also use some online tools, such as Portfolium or VisualCV, to create and share your portfolio and resume online.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?