Renewable energy is one of the fastest-growing and most promising sectors in the world. If you are a student who wants to pursue a career in this field, you might wonder how to gain some practical experience before graduation. In this article, we will share some of the best ways to learn, network, and apply your skills in renewable energy projects.
One of the easiest and most flexible ways to gain renewable energy experience is to take online courses that cover the basics and the latest trends of the industry. You can find a variety of courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udemy that teach you about solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and other sources of renewable energy. You can also learn about the technical, economic, environmental, and social aspects of renewable energy systems. Online courses can help you build your knowledge, enhance your resume, and prepare you for more advanced opportunities.
Renewable energy courses may still be one of the easiest and fastest ways to gain renewable energy experience. However, volunteering and interning for renewable energy projects are the most meaningful methods to learn about the sector, gain a professional network, and build self-awareness about one’s strengths and weaknesses related to renewable energy project development. I highly recommend searching online platforms for opportunities or joining Rotary International’s ESRAG (Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group), which has many volunteer projects worldwide where one can grow and learn about renewable energy while positively impacting the planet.
Fazer cursos e forma??es online, continuar a mostrar interesse na área sempre buscando mais conhecimento, conversar com pessoas com o mesno interesse e ir para o terreno para aperfei?oar os seus conhecimentos Técnicos na prática.
In my years of guiding youngsters interested to gain RE experience prior to graduation, I have often emphasized on the value of internships, co-op programs, or volunteering. One can apply to energy organizations, research labs, or sustainability initiatives, even reaching out proactively. You can engage in clubs, workshops, or conferences for networking and industry insights. Try collaborating on renewable energy projects with classmates to showcase practical skills, while utilizing online courses for knowledge enhancement. And finally, seek mentorship from industry professionals, expressing your eagerness to learn. These experiences help build you a strong profile and provide a early understanding of the sector, even before you graduate.
Intentar asistir a charlas con empresas instaladoras Asistir e exposiciones o eventos donde se muestren las empresas de mayor renombre y aprender las nuevas tecnicas de eficiencia en cuanto a instalacion Con el tiempo ya se aprendera los temas administrativos o de dinero, la tasa de retorno de los proyectos entre otras cosas mas
Another way to gain renewable energy experience is to join student clubs and competitions that focus on this topic. You can find many clubs and organizations on your campus or online that offer opportunities to network, learn, and collaborate with other students who share your passion. You can also participate in competitions that challenge you to design, build, or present renewable energy solutions for real-world problems. For example, you can join the Solar Decathlon, the Collegiate Wind Competition, or the Hydrogen Student Design Contest. These activities can help you develop your creativity, teamwork, and communication skills.
Join student clubs and attend competitions are your privileges if you are still in school. If there're no clubs exist, initiate one and assemble colleagues. I created a computer club (CECOM) at school and I still communicate and ask questions to my colleagues after almost 30 years of graduation.
A third way to gain renewable energy experience is to volunteer or intern for renewable energy projects that match your interests and goals. You can look for local, national, or international opportunities to work with renewable energy companies, nonprofits, or research institutes. You can also search for online platforms like Idealist, VolunteerMatch, or Catchafire that connect you with organizations that need your skills. Volunteering or interning for renewable energy projects can help you gain hands-on experience, expand your network, and make a positive impact.
Try looking for volunteering position of not only technical projects but also sociological projects. Since renewable energy domain also requires people who understand the social demand and impact.
Try to find Internship at OEM for renewable energy niche. focus on a small company at this stage to gain the deep hands on learning experience in the line of your interest.
A fourth way to gain renewable energy experience is to start your own renewable energy project that showcases your initiative and innovation. You can use your skills and knowledge to create something that solves a problem, meets a need, or demonstrates a potential. For example, you can build a solar cooker, a wind turbine, a biogas digester, or a hydroponic system. You can also document your process, share your results, and get feedback from others. Starting your own renewable energy project can help you improve your problem-solving, project management, and presentation skills.
Look for a problem in your "local" area you think you can get passionate about. Troubleshoot what is a minimum viable solution (not expensive but the benefits can be outsized). Identify a party / person / organisation that will gain good publicity for delivering a public benefit. A quick example is to identify local schools with inefficient lighting, identify local low energy lighting retailers and installers, identify companies with CSR / corporate affairs budgets. Evaluate costs and present a tangible value proposition to relevant parties. If going well try and get the local newspaper interested. If you succeed, you've gained a huge amount of skills that will help your career, which is still the case if you fail.
if you want to start your own renewable project then start from your home. see how you can reduce reliance on fossil fuel. one best way is to design PV system for your home by yourself and get it installed by some installers. it will give a good learning experience and along with that 30% cost recovery through federal tax credits and the biggest advantage will be that it will help you progress towards net zero future of your home.
A fifth way to gain renewable energy experience is to follow renewable energy news and trends that keep you updated and inspired. You can subscribe to newsletters, podcasts, blogs, or magazines that cover the latest developments and innovations in the renewable energy sector. You can also follow experts, influencers, or organizations on social media that share insights, tips, or opportunities. Following renewable energy news and trends can help you stay informed, curious, and motivated.
along with that one can also attend trade shows like RE+. this will provide an opportunity to learn about latest technologies which are ready for the market.
One of the ways to study renewable energy business before graduation is to study and obtain nationally certified electricity or renewable energy-related certifications. I recommend this method because you can get extra points when getting a job in the industry and it allows you to study and understand various basic knowledge in advance.
When you want to learn any technology, consider "why". Why the technology is important. Then, it will end up "what" we want to solve and "how" we need to solve to improve the world.