Change is happening daily in the energy industry. How do you identify the opportunity today that others may miss? How do you compete in the new marketplace?
The new normal will soon be determined, but the current landscape looks like this: customers are wrestling with their operations. Some are accelerating, creating, delaying, or canceling projects. Organizations in the energy industry are reorganizing, downsizing, or growing. How is this change impacting one of the hottest job markets?
Scott Brownholtz, President of Brownholtz & Associates recruiting firm, describes the job market before COVID-19. “In early 2020, the job market for the energy management space was the hottest it has ever been. If you were involved in energy calculations, energy efficiency, energy retrofits, energy solutions in any way, shape, or form, there was zero percent unemployment.”
Two months into COVID-19 taking hold in the U.S., the energy management job market looks a bit different. Many energy professionals are navigating through unfamiliar territory. Some are looking for new opportunities, while others are competing to secure their current position.
While energy professionals are currently feeling the ripple effect of COVID-19, customers are having conversations about the future. As the negative financial impacts trickle down to local government budgets, many public officials are seeing the benefit of having already implemented energy reduction plans and performance contracting as cost savings are realized. Those who have not implemented any specific measures are now hurriedly dusting off old assessments and implementation plans to see how quickly they can realize cost savings.
The generation of new projects and projects that were put on hold due to the current situation will quickly fill pipelines. The demand for energy professionals will bounce back. Brownholtz states, “The job market will be better than before. There is a lot of pent up need due to the repercussions of the virus. That’s great leverage for new graduates and existing executives in the energy management space because companies are going to pay top dollar to attract and retain you.”
One way to show your current or future employer initiative, drive, and commitment is by continuing your education. In a competitive job market, utilizing your time to advance your knowledge and skill through education and experience could set you apart from your competitors.
For those currently looking for a new position, outside of the knowledge you’d gain, continuing education programs provide networking opportunities that may help build a bridge to your next job.
“There is no doubt that an advanced degree, and how you obtain that degree, will be evaluated when interviewing for a job,” said Brownholtz. “Achieving an advanced degree shows initiative, self-growth, and willingness to learn – all of which an employer appreciates.”
One of the leading energy management programs in the country is the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) Energy Management, M.S., program. They teach students the latest technologies used in green buildings, power systems, and facility security.
Students learn about wind energy, advanced batteries, and smart grid systems that are transforming energy generation and delivery. Employers such as Con Edison, Honeywell International, Johnson Controls, Lime Energy, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Loring Consulting Engineers, National Grid, and PSEG Long Island turn to the pool of NYIT Energy Management M.S. graduates to recruit top talent. Career options from this program include Energy Auditor, Energy Manager, Environmental Manager, Facilities Manager, and Renewable Energy Professional.
You’ll have the opportunity to work on funded research projects for the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, and more alongside faculty both in and out of New York Tech’s Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation Center (ETIC).
In addition to their Energy Management, M.S. program, they offer certificates in Energy Technology, Environmental Management, and Facilities Management.
The M.S. program and the certificates are available entirely online or in-person at their Long Island Campus. Weekend and evening courses are also offered.
If you are someone who has found themselves re-evaluating and/or looking to make an impact in your career, consider NYIT.
Featured in this article is Scott Brownholtz, the President of Brownholtz & Associates. Scott manages the firm’s energy/facility management practice. For more than 22 years, Scott has taken a disciplined approach to provide recruiting solutions and consulting services to clients in both the demand-side and supply-side energy management vertical markets. To learn more about Brownholtz & Associates, contact Scott at scott@brownholtz.com.
