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Getting into Climate Change

Frequently asked questions
Often were asked by candidates at all levels about the best way to make the move into the climate change field. In light of this, weve pulled together a brief overview of the questions were frequently asked; some advice and a few pointers to hopefully help make the transition into this rapidly growing, popular and competitive sector an successful one. It may be that your questions have not been answered in this piece. If thats the case, please dont hesitate to email us at info@acre-resources.co.uk, and well do our best to help. Contents Is a career in climate change right for me? What sectors do climate change and energy cover? Where are my skills most relevant? Recommended university courses and short courses? How should I tailor my CV for climate change positions? What level of salary can I expect? What next? Useful links Is a career in climate change right for me? In the current economic climate more and more businesses are focusing on climate change mitigation, energy efficiency programs, and renewable energy as a means of cutting costs and increasing profitability. This has lead to an increasing number of job seekers both fresh graduates and those experienced in other sectors, all looking to direct their careers into climate change. We advise that before beginning to search for roles in this space, you take time to really understand how the sector is shaped and strategically think about how to leverage your existing skills. A broad range of graduates and professionals have approached Acre over the years looking to develop a career in the climate change space. In general these individuals are driven by a desire to positively contribute to the world around them their career; working in a business that focuses directly in the climate change space or simply enabling businesses to become more responsible for its part in mitigating against climate change Be under no illusion that this is an easy field to get into. A career in climate change and energy efficiency requires just as much commitment, drive and strategic input as any other professional vocation. With technical advances, an increase in scientific knowledge and heightened media awareness underpinning hard-fought business cases this isnt a sector for the faint hearted. That aside, it is an extremely rewarding career for people who thrive on challenge, and have the passion and ambition to drive the agenda forward.

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What Sectors do Climate Change and Energy cover?

Emissions Trading

Climate Change Economics

Carbon Credit Generation

Carbon Finance
Emissions Reduction Projects Carbon Offset Procurement

Carbon Brokerage

Climate Change Consultancy

Energy Management

Energy and Carbon Management

Carbon Management

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Wind Power

Clean Tech Investment

Microgeneration

Clean Technology

Renewable Energy
Solar Energy

Geothermal

BioFuels Fuel cell

Hydropower

Where do my skills fit? Elements of climate change are permeating nearly every sector of modern business. Whatever function you are fulfilling in your current role, you are likely to find that there are similar functions within a climate change related company. For example renewable energy companies will have people working within sales and business development. It is important to look at the skills and experience that you have and look at how they can transfer and add value to a company within climate change. If youre a technical person or an engineer, then it is wise to focus on the technical or analytical elements of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Equally, if you think youd be best as a communicator, youre likely to find it easier to succeed if you explore communications or marketing-related opportunities. Understanding where your skills fit best may require a personal critique that only you are equipped to carry out.

www.acre-resources.com +44 (0)845 257 8030 mail@acre-resources.com Recommended University Course and Short Courses? There is now an assortment of degree and short courses on climate change and energy. Before taking the decision to invest time and money into undertaking a course it is important to understand how it will add to your experience and knowledge; and vitally if it will help you with your career goals. Below are some suggested Masters and professional qualification courses Find a Masters Catalogues details of and search options for University courses. http://www.findamasters.com/ Imperial University Environmental Technology MSc http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/environmentalpolicy/teaching/msc Exeter University Climate change and Risk Management Msc http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/geography/climatemsc.shtml Energy Policy and Sustainability MSc http://www.ex.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/geography/energymsc.shtml UEA Climate change and International Development www.uea.ac.uk/dev The Earth Institute University of Columbia http://www.earth.columbia.edu/articles/view/5 Loughborough University Renewable Energy Systems Technology http://www.lboro.ac.uk/prospectus/pg/courses/dept/el/rest/index.htm BRE Sustainable built environment qualifications http://www.bre.co.uk/pagew.jsp?id=1321 CIBSE Energy Performance Certificate / Low Carbon Consultant Design Training http://www.cibse.org/index.cfm?go=page.view&item=655

www.acre-resources.com +44 (0)845 257 8030 mail@acre-resources.com How should I tailor my CV for Climate change positions? A CV should be personal, and reflect your individual experience, skills and achievements. Think carefully about what you want to say about yourself, and make sure that everything relevant is clearly outlined. Some general CV advice is available on our website at www.acreresources.com/cv-advice but its worth highlighting a few key points before you review your existing resume or start one from fresh. We see hundreds of CVs every week, and although theres no one template for a good CV, the best ones tend to: Avoid lengthy paragraphs; people rarely read CVs they scan them. So use short, clear paragraphs or bullet points wherever possible. If you have recruited yourself, reflect how you review a CV. Have a clear narrative Make sure the dates and job titles are clearly defined. If you are a graduate then outline any commercial experience that shows your strengths Be honest if youve got gaps in your CV, dont gloss over them more questions will be raised than answered. If youve taken time out from your professional life, whether it to start a family, go travelling or some other reason, then explain what you did, highlight anything that you learned in that time that might be relevant to a prospective employer. It is imperative that you communicate your transferable skills to any potential employer in the sector and address why your experience would be beneficial to the employer. We always advise adding a short personal profile at the start of your CV to outline who you are and what youre looking to do. What level of salary can I expect? Salaries within the climate change sector can be as varied as the roles and responsibilities involved. As a rule of thumb, entry-level salaries tend to be between 23,000 and 30,000 per annum. Salary levels rise with skills and experience and top executives may expect to earn in excess of 100,000. Professional candidates moving to the sector whose core skills are in transferable markets will earn a comparative wage but may have to take a slight reduction for the first year while they are brought up to speed with the market. Those in the top pay bracket will have considerable business and climate change experience at the highest levels. When looking to change sectors it is important to be realistic about your remuneration expectations, perhaps being prepared to take an initial drop in salary; in time and with dedication, your salary will rise. Salaries will vary across different industries financial firms, for example, usually pay more than management consultancies.

www.acre-resources.com +44 (0)845 257 8030 mail@acre-resources.com What next? The climate change sector is still establishing itself. New areas and job functions continue to emerge as a result of research and innovation as well as legislation. Take time to research and think about the sector. Find the areas that really interest and excite you. Look into the types of companies and job roles. What transferable skills do these roles use? Evaluate your skills and experience to date. What skills do you have that can transfer across and add value to a position within climate change? Are there any gaps? Use your networks; elements of climate change are permeating into all areas of business. Find out what your current company is doing and look at getting involved from within. Use the Acre Linked In group to start discussions with professionals already in the sector and benefit from their advice and experience. (Click here to see the Acre Linked In Group) Acre can advise you on your career change; however for this to be effective it must be driven by you and what you want to achieve. The more research and energy you put into your career change the more likely you are to find a new role to suit you. Keep an open mind, and explore all avenues those with a genuine focus and real passion will find their dream job. Current research is pointing to a sustained growth within the climate change sector our view is that as the sector matures, climate change mitigation and renewable energy systems will become a core part of the solution to the issues that are facing the world today. This growth will open up a wealth of opportunities for people interested in the space but also bear in mind that other commercial skills may be equally important for climate change specialists in the future. Career Coaching Acre Career Coaching offers interactive and tailored support to help you learn the techniques and gain the confidence to reach your career goals in the environment, CSR, sustainability or climate change fields. Our coach, Shannon Houde, MBA, has coached, hired and trained CSR professionals for more than 10 years. She has worked with a range of levels of sustainability professionals - from recent graduates to senior management. She will motivate you to identify your skills and values, to write an irresistible CV, and to design an action plan for success. To find out more about how Career coaching can help you in your job search visit www.acre-resources.com/coareer-coaching

www.acre-resources.com +44 (0)845 257 8030 mail@acre-resources.com Useful links Sustainable buildings BREEAM www.breeam.org/ The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers www.cibse.org/ UK Green Building Council www.ukgbc.org Renewable Energy British Wind Energy Association www.bwea.com/index.html Renewable Energy Association www.r-e-a.net/home.fcm?subsite=1 Carbon Finance Carbon Finance www.carbon-financeonline.com/ Reuters Interactive www.reutersinteractive.com General Climate change DEFRA Climate change www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/index.htm Carbon Trust www.carbontrust.co.uk BERR Climate change www.berr.gov.uk DECC www.decc.gov.uk/ Ethical Corporation www.ethicalcorp.com/