The Road Less Traveled: Career Choices in a Transitioning Energy Sector

My Journey in Energy and Sustainability..

The Crossroads of Change and Choice

I started my career as a Materials Engineer, and like many, I was expected to follow a traditional path in this field. Surrounded by renowned scientists who supervised me and had made national contributions, I was inspired and grateful for their guidance throughout my studies. My days revolved around carbon, coal, metals, steel, aluminium, and copper; the everyday vocabulary of a Materials Engineer. But honestly? I felt restless as if something was missing.

So, I decided to explore an interdisciplinary field, something that looked at the opposite side of the materials. As part of the post-COVID generation, I was already debating remote work and rethinking traditional jobs. This led me straight to the idea of sustainability; a concept everyone talks about but only a few truly embrace. While sustainability is crucial, I felt that my technical background could align better with a practical, applied field. For me, the real challenge and opportunity lay in energy.

The Early Days

When I moved into Thermal Energy Engineering, I finally found hands-on work that connected the dots between materials science and energy applications. I spent three years exploring and testing materials for advanced energy use, getting a firsthand look at the chemistry and mechanics of energy solutions. In this world, terms like 'net zero', 'carbon neutrality', and 'sustainability' often felt like buzzwords. Yet, I developed a deep respect for the way scientists and engineers could transform raw materials like carbon, aluminium, and iron into functional tools for energy.

Something done by hand and without differs!

In those early years, I built skills that helped me understand the larger framework of the energy industry. I joined global sustainability programs, where I realized that contrary to popular belief, large-scale businesses are focused on real sustainability now and not just on distant goals.

I found myself at the edge of an industry on the cusp of transformation, feeling both excited and a bit nervous.

Now, I work with UK firms where sustainability isn’t just a goal. It’s embedded in every project and decision.

Staying Committed Through Uncertain Times

If I had to sum up sustainability in one word, it would be 'uncertainty'. This industry faces constant shifts. Volatile markets, policy changes, and global challenges mean that a project can thrive or fail almost overnight. This uncertainty has confused me at times and also what keeps me engaged. For me, the real strength of the sustainability field is its flexibility, and its potential to offer opportunities in unexpected moments.

The energy field has taught me that change is the only constant.

In this industry, waiting for a perfect, steady solution would mean missing out on the benefits of reinvention. True progress requires adaptability. For young professionals like myself, this means being ready for the unexpected every day. Our goals may be set for 2030 or 2050, but the real work happens here and now, with the resilience to keep adapting and pushing forward.

The Ongoing Journey on a Road Less Traveled

Today, my journey is far from over. New technologies and approaches keep reshaping sustainability and energy solutions. Each milestone feels like a stepping stone toward something new; a continuous evolution. It’s a career path that requires both patience and curiosity, one where each step forward feels like a commitment to a future I believe in.

Some Advice for New Professionals

For those considering a career in energy or sustainability, I’ll say this:

Don’t shy away from the unknown.

Seek out challenges, find roles that push you, and work with mentors who expand your thinking. Sustainability isn’t a straightforward career path, but that’s what gives it value.

It rewards people who are willing to adapt, innovate, and trust in a future that’s not yet fully defined.

So, embrace the road less travelled, with all its twists and turns. Each step will deepen your purpose and bring you closer to a meaningful career. Because, in the end, it doesn't even matter!

?

?