11.08201809/04/2018
Skills you need to succeed in green energy and sustainability jobs

Skills you need to succeed in green energy and sustainability jobs

By In clean jobs, green business, Green Career Momentum, Green Jobs, Green LeadersTags , ,

As the demand for renewable energy continues to increase, the industry is looking to recruit high-caliber candidates to drive green energy business forward.  For example, according to the “2017 U.S. Energy and Employment Report” published by the U.S. Department of Energy,the solar workforce increased by 25% in 2016, while wind employment increased by 32%. “Now Hiring: The Growth of America’s Clean Energy & Sustainability Jobs”, by the Environmental Defense Fund provides examples of jobs spanning energy efficiency and renewable energy, waste reduction, natural resources conservation and environmental education.

Individuals looking to enter these professions in the clean energy and sustainability sectors need to demonstrate competency in communication, an active interest in green energy, and a natural aptitude for all things technical. For those hoping to pursue leadership roles, an energy leader should be able to manage geographically diverse teams, coordinate complex technical projects and possess the ability to identify and run with new ideas.

23.07201807/23/2018
Connecting Individuals with Solar Jobs

Connecting Individuals with Solar Jobs

By In clean jobs, Green Jobs, SolarTags , , ,

How does someone get a job in the solar energy industry? 90% of employers in the Mid-Atlantic area find it either somewhat or very difficult to hire qualified individuals, according to The Solar Foundation’s 2017 Solar Jobs Census. And solar jobs pay well; an installer job pays on average $20 an hour. So how do we bridge the gap between inexperience and jobs?
The answer – job training.

06.07201807/06/2018
Getting the Interview for Your Perfect Green Job

Getting the Interview for Your Perfect Green Job

By In clean jobs, Green Jobs, Green Leaders, Job Creation, UncategorizedTags , , ,

Leaders in Energy conducted a 5-session Green Career Momentum (GCM), from May 17-June 21, 2018, to help those seeking to land or create their dream green job.  At each session, speakers in different sectors, e.g., clean energy, circular economy, natural resources, etc. provided their expertise for participants to learn about opportunities in the green economy. The sessions included interactive exercises to practice skills and opportunities for networking.  Dr. Beth Offenbacker, Principle, Waterford Inc, and Director for Training and Development, Leaders in Energy, was the instructor.

This article provides highlights from the Green Career Momentum session titled “Getting in the Door: Executive Communications, Resumes, and Cover Letter.” Skills were practiced during the session on techniques to develop rapport for successful interviewing.  The session took place virtually on May 31, 2018.

30.06201807/06/2018
The Green Economy: Jobs and Career Trends You Need to Know About

The Green Economy: Jobs and Career Trends You Need to Know About

By In clean jobs, Green Career Momentum, Green Jobs, Green Leaders, Job Creation, UncategorizedTags , , ,

On May 10th, the topic was “The Green Economy: Job and Career Trends You Need to Know About.”   The speaker was Norman Christopher, Executive Director, Office of Sustainability Practices, Grand Valley State University and the author of the book Sustainability Demystified! was the speaker.  The skill was “Identifying Energy Sustainability Jobs in the new Economy.”  The Green Economy focus area was clean energy, energy efficiency, and the electric grid.

23.06201806/30/2018
Green Organizations ‘On the Inside’–Challenges and Opportunities

Green Organizations ‘On the Inside’–Challenges and Opportunities

By In clean jobs, Green Career Momentum, Green Jobs, Green Leaders, Job Creation, UncategorizedTags , , , , , ,

On Thursday, June 14th, Leaders in Energy held the fourth Green Career Momentum (GCM) event at Green America.  The GRM series has been held to assist Leaders in Energy members in find or create a dream green job. Each session has a specialized topic, speakers, skill, and green economy focus area. 

01.06201806/02/2018
GREEN LEADERS RETREAT is JUNE 8th! Accelerating Local Community Solutions Using the UN Sustainable Development Goals

GREEN LEADERS RETREAT is JUNE 8th! Accelerating Local Community Solutions Using the UN Sustainable Development Goals

By In alternative energy, clean energy, clean jobs, climate change, economic development, energy, Green Jobs, Resilience, sustainability, United Nations Sustainable Development GoalsTags , ,

By Janine Finnell, Executive Director, Leaders in Energy On Friday, June 8th, 2018, green leaders from across the Washington Metro region will explore how to...

13.05201805/15/2018
Recruiting expert shares industry insight with green career professionals

Recruiting expert shares industry insight with green career professionals

By In clean energy, Green Career Momentum, Green Jobs, Job Creation, Leaders in Energy, Networking, sustainabilityTags , , , ,

Over the years, Leaders in Energy has been a conduit to connect employers with job seekers, suppliers with the emerging demands of the market, innovators with investors, and thought leaders with an action network. Each year Leaders in Energy organizes a series of events and workshops to help people explore different options to build a career in the green economy and to assist them in tailoring their expertise to the requirements of the rapidly evolving sector.

The first session of the Green Career Momentum Series was held on April 19th, 2018 at The McCormick Group, Arlington VA. Chery Bedard, Principal at The McCormick Group, spoke about her several decades of experience in recruiting specialized talent to match the requirements of clients.

15.04201804/15/2018
Highlights from Sold-Out January Green Career Workshop

Highlights from Sold-Out January Green Career Workshop

By In Green Jobs, Networking, sustainability, UncategorizedTags , , , ,

This past January I led a sold-out Green Career Workshop for Leaders in Energy, and I left feeling quite inspired by all the energy that was in the room!

In her welcoming remarks, Executive Director Janine Finnell highlighted how Leaders in Energy is building a community of leaders to advance solutions for a sustainable energy system, economy, and world.

During the workshop that followed, participants discovered insights about their career strengths and preferences and how these can be tailored for application to the new green economy, e.g. clean energy, sustainability, circular economy, resiliency, etc.

07.03201803/14/2018
Career Perspectives from Women Leaders in Cleantech

Career Perspectives from Women Leaders in Cleantech

By In CWEEL, energy, Extravaganza, Green Jobs, Leaders in Energy, Monthly Events, Networking, sustainabilityTags , , , , , ,

Gender inequality is acute in the energy sector, especially in fossil fuels. People interested in the clean energy space recognize that the sustainability of the energy sector is increased when stakeholders make diversity and inclusion a priority. Therefore, as energy systems are reconfigured toward more renewable systems, gender equality should be addressed and prioritized.

The 4th Annual Energy and Sustainability Extravaganza at University of Maryland (UMD), College Park on February 23, 2018 began with an opening luncheon panel for the Council of Women in Energy and Environmental Leadership (CWEEL). The panel showcased three exceptional women who have championed sustainable energy movements in their respective fields.

20.01201806/26/2018
Leaders in Energy 2017 Year in Review

Leaders in Energy 2017 Year in Review

By In Business, Green Jobs, Innovation, Leaders in Energy, Leadership, Networking, Our members, Renewable Energy, Resilience, Smart Grid, sustainability, Sustainable Solutions, Utilities, Year in ReviewTags , , , , ,

In 2017 Leaders in Energy continued to mature in its mission to build a community of leaders and a global action network to advance clean energy and sustainable solutions for a more sustainable energy system, economy, and world.

Our membership continued to grow in the Washington DC area, with 1,500 members on our mailing list, in addition to our LinkedIn group with over 2,900 members. We have a presence in most major U.S. metropolitan areas and over 100 countries.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Janine Finnell and our Board, Team Members and Advisors, the organization has provided important forums for clean energy and sustainability in the DC area, as well as nationally and globally. Our events last year came at a time of immense change and new threats, but also new opportunities to cement the transition to a green economy.