Our Careers in Sustainability blog series continues with a unique contribution from Eve Andrews, Research Engineer at SSE Renewables, a leading renewable energy company. Eve shares her journey into the renewable energy industry and, from an early passion for wind turbines to a career-defining doctorate, she offers insights and career tips for those pursuing their own paths in sustainability.
My academic background and early career
I have been interested in the natural world and how best to protect it since I was little; I have also been fascinated with wind turbines from a young age. I knew, with science as my favourite subject, that an education in engineering and a career in renewable energy was what I wanted to pursue. However, it has taken me some time to find my niche!
At college I took chemistry, physics, maths – all great subjects to get me into an engineering degree – and French. Unfortunately, due to some personal circumstances, I dropped the maths before I obtained the A-level. This was my first barrier to a career in engineering. I ended up taking a foundation year to brush up the maths, but eventually I got myself onto an MEng in Chemical Engineering course at the University of Hull.
Careers tip #1: Even if you don’t have the right experience or qualifications, don’t give up! There are always ways to get equivalent and relevant skills.
During my degree, I had the opportunity to do a year in industry at a steelworks. At the time, I was finding that my studies were heavily geared towards oil and gas, or chemicals processing, and not the renewable energy industry I desired to work in. The steelworks seemed like an opportunity to tailor my skills to the materials side of engineering rather than a purely chemicals focus. While I certainly learnt a lot about materials and manufacturing, the most valuable skills I developed were safety-related. Gaining onsite experience really helped me in later roles that had a strong safety focus and something a lot of graduates don’t get a grasp of. I really enjoyed my placement, and I was offered a job for after I had finished my degree but turned it down.
Careers tip #2: Seek out opportunities to try new things and develop your skills. Often, internships can give you contacts, confidence and can sometimes even lead to job offers.
After I completed my masters, I needed a job and took the first one that came. I spent around two and a half years working at an engineering design office. I learnt so much about engineering projects, multi-disciplinary teams and project economics, but the firm was rooted in oil and gas, and I was desperate to get into renewables. Unfortunately, most roles wanted mechanical engineers, rather than chemical engineers, and I really struggled to find the job that was right for me.
IDCORE comes into the picture
I decided to retrain as part of a doctorate degree. IDCORE had been on my radar for a while, having had friends who went on to do EngD, but I never had the courage to apply because I thought my chemical engineering background wouldn’t be relevant. Eventually, a combination of a bit more industry experience and failed travel plans due to Covid-19 gave me the kick I needed to apply. I threw myself into the application, working hard to demonstrate my transferable skills and how much I wanted the opportunity.
Careers tip #3: If you’re interested, apply! Even if it seems like you don’t 100% fit the bill, show what you’re capable of with a tailored and well-thought-out application. It’s likely that you’re right for the role in other ways, and your transferable skills can help you in this!
IDCORE has been a brilliant way to change the trajectory of not only my career but my whole life! I moved to Scotland, undertook modules to transition to a career in renewables, and now I am working at SSE Renewables, a leading renewable energy company, as part of my doctorate.
My involvement with Green & Away
Alongside my career in renewables, I enjoy having a more practical demonstration of my commitment to sustainability and social justice. I am a trustee at Green & Away, a unique charitable events venue, working with organisations and people to create a natural, eco-friendly and creative space to come together in community. I relish having something to escape to when it’s hard to see the impact from my desk at my office job.
Careers tip #4: What makes you stand out? Application reviewers and interviewers have a lot of people to pick from. Show them what it is that makes you interesting and sets you apart. This could be something unusual or something that shows how you would fit into a team.
Offshore wind: what are the landscapes and what jobs are there?
I am now carving my own way in the offshore wind industry and I’m still exploring my specific path in this field. For me, that meant an engineering background that wasn’t quite right, retraining through my EngD with IDCORE, and who knows where that will take me! For you, this might look a bit different. There are lots of other routes to a career in the wind industry and a variety of jobs. At SSE Renewables, for example, I work with inspiring people in a range of different jobs including stakeholder engagement, legal, procurement and consenting roles.
The journey to where I am now wasn’t straightforward or obvious, but looking back I wouldn’t change it because I now have a diverse array of knowledge and experiences which help me in ways I wouldn’t have expected.
Careers tip #5: Keep going! You will find something that is right for you eventually, and until then be a sponge. Learn from everything, talk to people and soak up experiences where you can.
Thank you, Eve.
Eve highlighted the importance of creating a tailored and well-thought-out application. Did you know that the Careers Service can help you with this? Visit our Write CVs and applications page to get started.
Eve also talked about the importance of seeking out opportunities that will help you develop your skills. To find out how you can do that, visit our Build Experience page.
Stay tuned as our next #EdSustainabilityCareers blogs are coming soon!
