The energy industry is one of the largest and most essential industries in the world. Companies and people who work in the energy industry locate fuel and energy sources, harness them, process them, and then distribute them for the world to use. Energy is needed for individuals to function in daily life as well as for all other industries to operate. It is consumed to heat our homes, provide light in the dark, operate production lines, power and operate vehicles, and for almost every task humans perform.
There are three primary categories within the industry:
There are many sectors to choose from for those who would like to launch a career in the energy industry:
Traditional Energy
Petroleum & Oil, Natural Gas, Nuclear Energy
Renewable & Sustainable
Solar Energy, Geothermal Energy, Wind Energy, Biofuels
Other areas of the energy industry include sectors focused on the delivery, support, and consultation of power:
- Electric Distribution & Delivery
- Electric Generation
- Energy Services & Consultation
The industry will continue to change as renewable and sustainable sources of energy are explored and developed. Additionally, people around the world are advocating for reduced use of fossil fuels and increased use of energy sources with less negative impacts on the environment.
Although renewable energy sources have less impact on the environment than fossil fuels, the use of some are still controversial because of the potential impact on individuals, communities and the environment if the power is not contained properly.
Industry summary sourced from FirstHand Vault Guide.
SAMPLE JOB TITLES
- Associate Engineer
- Distribution Engineer
- Energy Engineer
- Energy Efficiency Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Electrical Systems Engineer
- Engineering Analyst
- Fleet Reliability Engineer
- Material Quality Engineer
- Network Underground Engineer
- Nuclear Engineer
- Power Line Distributions Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Protection & Control Fields Engineer
- Systems Engineer
SAMPLE HIRING ORGANIZATIONS
- Bernhard
- Chevron
- Duracell
- EnergySolutions
- ExxonMobil
- FM Global
- General Electric
- Jacobs
- Li-Cycle
- Miller Electric Company
- NextEra Energy
- PacifiCorp
- Rivian
- Schneider Electric
- Southern Company
- Southern Nuclear
- Spire Energy
- Synopsys Inc.
- Tennessee Valley Authority
- U.S. Department of Energy
- U.S. DOE Labs (Brookhaven)
- U.S. DOE Labs (Los Alamos)
- U.S. DOE Labs (Oak Ridge)
$73K
Average starting salary
*based on 143 responses from AU Engineering Graduates on the First Destination Survey
RECRUITING TIMELINE
Depending on the type of employer and the role, the recruitment timelines vary. Governmental organizations, large companies, and manufacturers recruit most heavily in the fall for positions starting in the spring or summer. Opportunities still exist beyond the fall but are often more niche opportunities with smaller companies. Additionally, companies will hire throughout the year depending on the needs and demands of their projects or government contracts.
Seek opportunities to connect with employers at fall events such as the fall Engineering Career Fair, as well as at employer table talks, employer-in-residence, Ask Alumni Anything chats, and student organization meetings. Search for posted opportunities on Handshake and other sources referenced below.
SAMPLE OPPORTUNITIES
Student Organizations & Academic Programs
- American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
- Eta Kappa Nu
- IEEE Student Branch
- Nuclear Power Generation Systems Minor
- Sustainability Minor
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS & INDUSTRY RESOURCES
- American Association of Petroleum Geologists
- American Public Power Association
- American Solar Energy Society
- American Wind Energy Association
- Association of Energy Engineers
- Association of Energy Services Professionals
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- World Nuclear Association
Internships + Co-ops
With sample hiring organizations and companies recruiting through
- Engineering Career Fairs & Industry Days
- Handshake job platform
- USAjobs.gov
Meet with an Engineering Career Coach for more information about accessing opportunities + strategizing your search for co-ops, internships, research, and more.
ALUMNI IN THE INDUSTRY
- Ashley Barnes, '13 Civil & Environmental | Renewable Operations O&M Project Manager | Southern Power
- Ben Carmichael, '00 & '05 Electrical, Civil & Environmental | Business Development Manager - Advanced Energy Systems Research & Development | Southern Company
- Brandon Teal, '15 Electrical | Project Support Engineer | Southern Company
- Carey Holland, '06 Electrical | PD Engineering Training Manager | Alabama Power Company
- Cassie Saide, '21 Biosystems | Project Development Manager | Schneider Electric
- Hagen Kaylor, '13 Biosystems | Renewable Operations Engineer | Southern Power
- John McCracken, '08 Chemical | Global Projects Planning Advisor | ExxonMobil
- Jordan Beaumont, '04 Mechanical | Lead Fixed Equipment Inspector | Chevron
- Jordan Rice, '12 Mechanical | Director of Risk Informed Engineering and Safety Analysis | Southern Nuclear
- Jordan Ryle, '18 Mechanical | Global Basestocks Product Development Advisor | ExxonMobil
- K-Rob Thomas, '01 Civil & Environmental | Vice President, Origination & Acquisitions | Southern Power
- Rachel Lynch, '22 Biosystems | Licensing Engineer | Kairos Power
- Shelby Booth, '18 Chemical | Account Engineer | FM Global
- Susan Story, '82 Industrial & Systems | Retired Chief Executive Officer | American Water Works Company
- Tyanna Malone, '18 & '24 Biosystems & Computer Science | Preconstruction Engineer | RWE
You can access alumni such as these to learn about career paths, skills for the industry, and build your network through LinkedIn. Create an account and build your profile, then search for Auburn alumni by major, company, location, or other criteria on the Auburn University LinkedIn page. Chat with an Engineering Career Coach on strategies for networking and reaching out to connect.