Executive Search Firm | Careers & Industry - Energy and Utilities Industry

Industry: Energy and Utilities

Overview:

The energy and utilities industry is facing a lot of heat due to today’s current ecological state. As concerns for global warming are heightened, the stability of international oil has been threatened, the amount of natural resources is declining, and the energy market is faced with making some crucial changes. The energy and utility industry is shifting its focus from oil and gas to alternative energy sources that would not deplete or harm the environment. Although the resources needed for gasoline are quickly running out, there is plenty of room for growth of jobs in the energy and utilities industry because large energy companies are looking for innovative individuals who can bring in new ideas for alternative energy resources. Current alternative energy resource industries are seeing a tremendous amount of growth such as companies in wind and solar energy or water utilities.

The urgency for the creation and implementation of alternative and clean energy is rapidly gaining momentum as the concern for our environment is raised. Energy and utility companies have already experienced changes in their organization because most big name oil companies merge with another competing company at one point in time to increase their clientele, productivity, and revenue. Large companies such as Exxon Mobil gained their brand recognition through the acquisition of Mobil by Exxon. Exxon Mobil now has an international presence and is recognized around the globe. Although large companies are more secure to work for, employees must be able to handle the bureaucracy of the company and not be discouraged by the logistical processes.

Although many big oil companies do offer more stability than independent companies, the oil industry is flighty due to its dependence on international relationships. The war in Iraq and the ever treacherous relationship between Israel and Palestine shifts the availability and prices of oil on a daily basis. Oil companies have seen record profitability as the price for gas has increased, but at the same time, consumers buy less gas when the prices are peaked. The need for gas and electricity is more than a necessity in today’s society; it is detrimental if it lost. Humans have become dependent on oil and energy to live on a day-to-day base, and therefore, the job potential in the energy and utility industry is prominent.

Benefits:

Job positions in the electricity field are stable and slowly growing as the spread of electricity enhances the lives of all who gain access to it. Electricity heats houses, cooks food, and one day, potentially run cars, and the demand increases along with the need for new and more efficient methods of using electricity. Energy and utility positions are gratifying for most individuals because they can take comfort in knowing they are providing the basic necessities of life to the public or even enhancing the current world we live in. The energy and utility industry fill a variety of positions ranging from oil extracting equipment manufacturing to water refinement services.

Career Tracks:

Positions within the varying sectors of the industry include positions which allow individuals to go through the full cycle of the industry. For example, job positions in the oil industry start at locating potential oil extraction areas to refining the oil to marketing the outsourcing of the oil.

Necessary Skills & Credentials:

Individuals in the energy and utility industries not only need a strong technical background and strong sense of energy related issues, but it is critical they have keen business knowledge. The most successful employees are able to apply their engineering backgrounds to a business method and exhibit how their unique background and skills will contribute to the overall business success. Qualified individuals who retain positions in the energy and utility field are creative thinkers who can develop out of the box answers to today’s energy crisis. With the constant shift in economic stability and international relationships, jobs in the energy and utility business can be fickle, but qualified individuals who contribute as an asset to the team are always being sought out by energy and utility recruiters. Not only are business, industry, and current affairs knowledge necessary for successful candidates, but also, management skills are essential because so many of the projects worked on in the energy and utility field require communication, teamwork, and leadership in order to get the job done and get it done on time.