Myths and Realities of Working in Energy and Environment

If you are considering working in Energy and Environment, review these common misconceptions about your background and pay.

MYTH: I need a technical background to get into careers in energy or other environmental fields.

REALITY: Do you want to work as an engineer or in another highly technical position? If so, you’ll probably need to study engineering, or at least take classes or gain applied experience in engineering and/or the natural sciences to show that you have the technical skills that employers are seeking for these particular positions. If you’re seeking other positions related to business, policy, or education, a technical background usually isn’t required, although technical experience and quantitative skills may help prepare you for many of these roles. If you are interested in a career in energy or the environment, think about the wide variety of ways you can gain relevant experience in these areas.

TIP: Reading job descriptions is a great way to learn what employers are looking for! If you do this early, long before you look for a job, you can gain the required skills to prepare yourself for these opportunities. 

TIP: Head to LinkedIn and check out the “My Network” tab, and select “Find Alumni.” You’ll get a visual representation of all Duke alumni on LinkedIn and can search by what they studied, where they work, and what they do now! This is a great way to see how other Dukies have navigated paths in your areas of interest. 

MYTH: I won’t make much money working in positions in energy or the environment.

REALITY: Like every field, it depends! Salaries can vary significantly based on company or organization, position title and responsibilities, and location. We encourage you to think about your values, as well as your personal needs and goals as you consider options for internships and your first position out of college. Doing research on sites like Glassdoor.com and Salary.com can help to provide salary data and insight into this question based on your interests, in addition to reading job descriptions and talking to people in the field. Always consider the skills and network you will gain in any particular opportunity, in addition to financial compensation. 

TIP: For even more ideas, check out the Energy and Environment Industry Guide.

By Christina Plante (she/her)
Christina Plante (she/her) Assistant Director of Career Services