I am living in the UK and very keen to pursue a career in wind energy, probably initially as a wind analyst and moving on to project management.

I have a 1st class degree in physics and worked for a further 3 years in physics research but as yet I don't have any experience in wind energy.

Does anyone have any tips on how to break into the industry; I am assuming experience counts for a lot? At present I have bags of enthusiasm but no experience.

Dear Shem,

The wind energy sector is growing quickly, as our the various types of job opportunities. One of the first steps you may consider taking is to narrow down what type of job you ultimately want to have. Wind forecasting and project management may require different educational or training backgrounds. Windustry provides a listing of job types in wind that may be helpful, it is located here: http://www.windustry.org/what-types-of-jobs-exist-in-wind-energy-today. This illustrates jobs in the Manufacturing, Service, Sales & Marketing, and Public & Non-Profit sectors to help paint the picture of the wind jobs landscape and highlight places you may want to end up.

If you are interested in one of the positions that requires additional training, we also offer a listing of graduate as well as certificate programs, although most if not all of these listings are based in the United States. They may be able to help narrow down the types of training that exist today and can help you search for those programs in the UK or surrounding areas. These programs are listed here: http://www.windustry.org/where-can-i-find-a-school-or-t...-to-renewable-energy

If additional schooling is not something you are interested in, some companies offer internships or temporary positions that may help you gain the experience you need to get into the field. Wind energy companies are not the only companies getting involved in wind, so it may be worthwhile to see what new developments may be happening near you with companies transitioning or creating wind programs.

For your job search, you may want to look at company job posting boards, trade magazines in the UK for renewable energy or wind, and posting boards including the Renewable Energy Access site located here: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/jobs/home. Windustry also offers additional job search suggestions that are typically more U.S. focused, but still may be helpful in illuminating what types of resources to look for jobs. This page is located here: http://www.windustry.org/where-can-i-find-job-postings-in-the-wind-industry

We also recommend attending networking events including trade shows and Conferences. These events will give you an idea of who is in the field and provide an opportunity to speak with companies as well as possibly hand them a resume. You may also consider joining a renewable or wind energy network in your area. For example, Windustry hosts networks such as Women of Wind Energy, which connect and provide opportunities for meeting with others involved in wind or interested in joining the wind energy field.

Good luck with your job search and welcome to the field of wind!
~Tiffany
Windustry
tiffany@windustry.org