Here's how you can enhance your renewable energy career by developing social skills.

Build strong relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals by actively engaging in conversations and attending industry events. Improve your communication skills to effectively share ideas and collaborate on projects. Practice active listening to understand others' perspectives and build rapport.

El sector de las energías renovables suele estar rodeado de profesionales que nos centramos más en el dato, el cálculo y los resultados y no tanto al aspecto social de nuestro equipo, la administración o los propietarios afectados por nuestros proyectos. Trabajar el aspecto social en nuestro proyecto y esforzarnos en empatizar con los actores del mismo es imprescindible para lograr el mejor resultado. Además, de esta forma no solo conseguirás el resultado si no que también dejarás la impronta en tu forma de trabajar lo cual ayudará seguro para el desarrollo de futuros proyectos en la zona. El acto de empatizar no tiene secretos, simplemente es ponerse en la piel de la persona que tienes delante por complicado que sea el momento.

One of the great things about the Renewable Energy Industry is that it is a community; that is also challenging when you are trying to break into the industry. Working on establishing relationships with individuals in the industry will be the key to your success. Engaging in networking and industry events is a great way to establish this network. There are several great industry groups that would be worthwhile to learn about: SEIA WRISE WCS

Belonging to some youth communities is crucial for network and gives you chance to join events. By joining IEEE you connect with peers interested in renewable energy technology. If you're into advocacy, consider groups like the UN SDG7 Youth Constituency or YOUNGO. These groups offer platforms for engaging in meaningful advocacy work. Also, regional think tanks and networks offer great engagement opportunities. Organizations like the GAYO and the EYEN are excellent for connecting with others in the field, gaining insights, and contributing to impactful projects. Here you can build valuable connections, gain diverse perspectives, and enhance your understanding of the renewable energy sector, all of which are crucial for career growth.

To advance in your renewable energy career through networking, focus on cultivating genuine connections. Use tools like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and attend conferences or webinars to engage in meaningful conversations. For instance, instead of just exchanging business cards, aim to build relationships by showing interest in others' work and sharing insights authentically. By nurturing these connections over time with follow-up messages or collaborative projects, you can expand your network and unlock new opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

From the first idea of building a renewable project to achieve commercial operation, team work is critical to the success of a project. There are so many facets of building a project and that requires a team. Permitting, interconnection, construction, and operations are all teams of people contributing to the end goal. Being a good team mate will be critical to your success. The key to being a good team member is to Be Kind. The renewable industry is small - you never know who will be your boss one day. Also, everyone has hard days, don't assume the worst in people, seek to understand their perspective.

Learning to be an effective communicator will be key to your future in renewable energy. But the real key is proactive communication - or Managing Up. Managing Up is a concept that doesn't just apply to your manager, but the team you are working with. Anticipate where someone may need information, share information as it comes in as an FYI even if not complete - folks appreciate being brought along in a process, and be considerate about how best to communicate with someone. When in doubt, ask them. Using a combination of communication methods will ensure you are a well rounded communicator - async, chat messages, emails, voice memos, etc.

Conflict resolution skills are essential in advancing your renewable energy career. Approach conflicts with empathy and active listening, aiming to understand all perspectives involved. Tools like mediation techniques or conflict resolution workshops can provide frameworks for constructive dialogue. For instance, in project teams, resolving disagreements over design choices or resource allocation through respectful communication fosters a collaborative atmosphere, enhancing efficiency and morale. Mastering these skills not only resolves immediate issues but also strengthens professional relationships and positions you as a reliable team player in the industry.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a powerful asset for advancing in the renewable energy sector. Develop EI by tuning into your own emotions and those of others, fostering empathy and understanding. Tools like mindfulness practices or EI assessments can help you become more aware of emotional cues and reactions. For instance, during negotiations for project funding or stakeholder agreements, being attuned to others' perspectives and managing emotions effectively can lead to smoother collaborations and more successful outcomes. Cultivating EI not only enhances your social skills but also strengthens your ability to navigate complex situations and lead with resilience in the renewable energy field.

The renewable industry is constantly growing and changing. The world renewable industry doesn't look the same as it did 5 years ago, and 10 years from now it will be completely different. This industry requires continuous learning to be successful. Technology changes, regulatory changes, and policy changes all impact the industry on a daily basis. Learning and becoming an expert within an area of the renewable industry space will be a key to success.