Career Pathways and Possibilities in Renewable Energy

Are you passionate about green energy and protecting our planet? Are you looking for a career you can be proud of that offers possibilities we aren’t even aware of yet? Look no further than the renewable energy industry.

You could be working in wind or solar power in no time with the right education and tools to get you set on this exciting path. Here are some of the best degrees to pursue and the career choices that may come your way.

Renewable Energy Jobs Are Booming

Luckily, renewable energy jobs are booming right now. Clean Jobs America estimated that more than 2.5 million people in the U.S. work in clean energy jobs. Energy efficiency accounted for the most jobs in that estimate, with renewable energy generation coming in as the second top employer. Solar energy workers make a large portion of current career pathways in renewable energy, but don’t think the possibilities stop there; more green energy jobs are coming.

Degrees Fit for Jobs in Renewable Energy

You might be wondering which degrees can provide pathways to a career in renewable energy. Here are a few options that could get your foot in the door:

Chemistry

One of the best degree choices if you’re pursuing a career in renewable energy is a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. You might consider specializing in biochemistry, chemical engineering, bioinformatics, or forensic science. This degree usually takes four years to complete.

Biology

A Bachelor of Science degree in biology is another great choice if you want to work in renewable energy. Specifically, biochemistry (as mentioned above) is an ideal area of focus for students looking to enter the field. Biochemistry prepares students by studying life on the molecular and chemical level, preparing them for industrial research and the renewable energy field.

Sustainability

If you’re more interested in working on the business end of the industry, an MBA in sustainability might be a great choice for you. A degree in sustainable business will not only prepare you to work in the renewable energy and environmental fields, it provides you with the tools to lead businesses to more environmentally friendly practices.

Career Possibilities

These are some of the job possibilities you can look forward to in renewable energy:

Wind Farm Development

There is a lot of opportunity for a career in wind farm development from turbine manufacturing, construction, and maintenance to project developers, specialists, managers, engineers, and analysts. This field is diverse, and it’s growing fast. It takes many different people to develop a wind farm, and all of them play important roles.

Solar Installation

Solar installation is one of the fastest growing jobs in clean energy with more than 73,000 in 2016 — a 25 percent increase from the previous year. Solar installers are at the core of the industry; they’re the people putting solar panels on roofs which we’re sure to see more and more of in the coming future.

Renewable energy jobs are aplenty, and it’s a great industry to get into. Not only is your future bright, your everyday work will be rewarding and satisfying. The right degree will set you on the pathway to success, and you’ll find possibilities knocking on your door. Good luck in your budding career!

Lead image credit: U.S. Department of Energy | Flickr