January 21st, 2010

6 Steps to How I Landed My Dream Job in Renewable Energy

BOSTON -

Do you see the guy on the right? This is what I’ll be doing in a couple weeks! 3 months ago I wrote about the 7 things I learned from losing my dream job in renewable energy, and the 7 values that were driving my job search. I guess I like the number 7.

Losing the job wasn’t really that bad, it was a great experience and showed me how to manage a transition so it will be easier in the future. I started the blog to explore what was happening in the industry in Boston and as of last week I will be working with Boston area renewable energy company. I’m really stoked, I think they have one of the best business models in the clean energy industry hands down. I wanted to walk through the 6 steps that I took to get the job:

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Tagged BPI, IGSHPA, IREC, ISPQ, job search, LEED, Nexamp, Renewable Energy |

December 23rd, 2009

The Secret Weapon to Finding a Job Installing Solar Systems

BOSTON -

I’ve been writing about losing my dream job in renewable energy, what’s driving my job search and I wanted to share with you a breakthrough I found in the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry. (Quick lesson: There are two types of solar energy. Solar PV makes electricity, and solar thermal typically makes hot water)

If you’re interested in getting on the roofs and installing solar systems you need to get in with solar staffing agencies.

My goal right now is to leverage my experience doing carpentry work and installing solar domestic hot water systems to get hands on experience installer many types of renewables and efficiency before moving on to sales, financing, project development. I ended up talking with my man Miles who does operations at Alteris Inc and my friend/former boss at Heatspring. They both put me in contact with solar staffing agencies.

As I’m sure you know, the solar industry is growing very quickly, but it’s also very volatile. Here is why solar system agencies are the silver bullet.

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Tagged alteris, GroSolar, job search, Solar PV, trade source, velocity energy partners |

December 18th, 2009

7 Values Driving my Job Search in Clean Technology

BOSTON -

What is my next step? A couple months ago I wrote about 7 things I learned from losing my dream job. Don’t worry, I wasn’t that sad. I’ve decided to share with you my journey to find a new opportunity.

What am I doing now? I’m exploring, meeting people, talking, sharing ideas, waiting for something to grab me. I’m not in a rush, it will happen, it’s like the Wild West out there. If you’d like to connect, I’d love to hear from you.

I’ve done some work with Urgent VC on a new venture call Subsea that will harness hydro power without the devastating effect of dams. I’ve also been installing solar thermal systems in Maine. It’s really fun work, I’m getting a tons of hands on experience, learning how to do site evaluations and steps and considerations when designing a system and how to install the systems. I got both of these gigs just through my direct network.

My goal is to become as knowledgeable as possible about the sales, financing, design, installation and development of wind, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, geothermal and energy efficiency projects. My current years of experience has provided me a strong foundation from which I will continue to build upon.

I believe that it will be a combination of these technologies that is the solution to our energy problems and that the real innovation will come from the business models that deliver these services more so then the technology themselves. Its all about business processes, is McDonalds a worldwide corporation because of their burgers? No! It’s because of business processes are scalable.

I’ve been exploring a couple opportunities in renewable energy companies from project development, to sales, to energy auditing. As I explore the renewable energy industry here are values that drive my search:

• Impact VS Money: I always value decisions based on impact that I can make versus money to make. There’s a subtle difference. Sometimes these go hand on hand sometimes they don’t.

• Being on the Front Lines: By this I mean impacting the business. Could I work for IBM? Probably, but could I see how my action impact their bottom line or cash flow? Maybe with a microscope.

• I want to build something: I am a builder. This is similar to being on the front lines. I need to create or help create something from nothing.

• I need a challenge: I need a challenge so I can learn and constantly improve. I find that I do best when I’m slightly over my head. That way I can rise to the challenge and ask for help when needed.

• Generalist: My skill set is getting the large and most important information from many pieces, seeing the opportunity and how they fit together, and executing the solution. Thus, I need a position where I can do many things and not get in depth on a single subject. Small companies and start ups are perfect for this.

• Clean Technology space: I need to work in clean technology. It is my passion. I live it.

• Vision: I need a company that has a lofty vision but its focused that will inspire me and be a rally cry for our customers, investors, and employees. As Guy Kawasaki says, you need to make a mantra.  Here’s a good example “We are going to cover every home in this country with solar panels”

So what? How can this help you?

If you’re in a similar situation and looking for an opportunity in clean technology keep in mind that there is going to be plenty of space for everyone and that this is just the beginning.

1. Do your homework. Check out my Clean Tech Guide if you’re really a newbie
2. Realize that the two most important traits are passion and ability to learn. The reality is that in a such a new industry barely anyone has a really good idea of whats going on.
3. Ask for help. The best thing about the clean technology industry is that its about collaboration. We’re all in it together and trying to save the world. If you’re curious where you should start, just ask.
4. Clarify what you’re looking for. Its okay if what you are looking for is what to look for.

Tagged Geothermal Heat Pump, job search, Solar PV, Solar Thermal, urgent vc, wind |