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Exciting MBA Job Opportunities In Energy—From Tidal Power To Digitization

Despite job cuts by some major firms, there's plenty of places for MBAs to build careers in the energy sector

Fri Aug 10 2018

BusinessBecause
In recent years, business schools have enjoyed a boom in applications from students coming from the oil and gas sector who face the threat of redundancy.

The slide in the price of crude oil, from $115 a barrel at its most recent zenith four years ago to a nadir of near $20 in 2016, has led the major energy companies to slash jobs, including Halliburton, Schlumberger, Shell, and Chevron. In 2017 more than 440,000 oil and gas workers globally had lost their livelihoods since the downturn, according to a report by the consultancy Graves & Co. The oil price has settled at about $70 today.

The tougher climate for oil and gas workers has been good news for business school admissions teams, but has required that careers departments adapt to the new job opportunities that are on offer for MBAs.

Schools say applications from oil and gas workers spiked between 2014 and 2017, and have now remained fairly stable. What has changed recently is that MBA candidates from the oil and gas sector are looking to move around within it, rather than leave the industry entirely.  

“We see as many students who are looking to build their skills and knowledge in order to continue working in the sector, as we see planning an industry change,” says Crystal Grant, director of admissions at the business school of Imperial College in London, a highly-regarded STEM university. “Many oil and gas providers are themselves diversifying into alternative energy and technology.”

Roughly 20% of the Global Online MBA cohort at Imperial is from the energy sector and many of them are working full-time jobs, she says.

Many of them see business school as a way to plan for industry change and give themselves an edge as the sector evolves, Crystal adds. Energy companies are investing in clean energy solutions such as tidal, wind and solar power, for example, with renewable energy now accounting for one-quarter of the UK’s energy needs.

Meanwhile, workers in the sector are having to get to grips with new technologies that can improve power quality, lower operating costs and reduce carbon emissions.

mba-energy

Duke Fuqua MBA students visit a wind farm

Katie Kross, managing director for the Center for Energy, Development and the Global Environment at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, says: “The energy sector is an exciting place for MBAs right now, because it is both so vital to our economy and so dynamic. 

“We are seeing a tremendous amount of industry change right now—whether the transformation of the utility industry business model, or the operational efficiency and digitization of the oil and gas industry, or the expansion and adoption of new energy technologies like renewables, electric vehicles, or energy storage. There are so many interesting places for MBAs to build careers in the energy sector.”

She says that there has been no slowdown in MBA hiring across the industry— oil and gas, utilities, renewable energy development, energy finance and consulting. Some of this year’s graduates, for instance, went to Chevron and ExxonMobil, but others went to NextEra Energy, National Grid, ScottMadden, Siemens, and Tesla. 

Katie notes that the MBA prepares candidates to adapt to change and to be mobile. “Between their MBA training, quantitative abilities, leadership skills, and energy-specific industry expertise, our graduates are prepared to be top candidates in any of the energy industry verticals,” she says.

“Our value proposition to students is that they will not be locked in to one particular energy perspective, but will be prepared to be great leaders anywhere in this rapidly-changing sector.

“If hiring is slow in any given year in one vertical, they can compete equally well in another.”

Student Reviews

Duke University Fuqua School of Business

Student

Verified

31/10/2023

On Campus

Supportive atmosphere

The professors at Duke university exhibit exceptional commitment to the success and well-being of their students by ensuring their academic growth and fostering a supportive social atmosphere. Moreover, the entire community is recognized for its amicability and inclusiveness.

Maxwell

Verified

30/03/2023

On Campus

Diversity

The people or the students are without a doubt Duke's greatest asset. While all students are driven to succeed, they are also enthusiastic about a variety of hobbies. You run across a huge lot of diversity. It is the ideal example of a school with well-rounded students and the ideal balance of campus life in a metropolis.

Anabelle

Verified

27/02/2023

On Campus

Happy to school

All I could ever hope for is Duke University. That really epitomizes the "work hard, play hard" philosophy that elite colleges frequently pursue. Even though you'll have a lot of schooling to complete over the week, it's simple to keep focused because all of your friends are putting in similar amounts of effort. Many events taking place on and around campus on the weekends provide a great way to unwind. The combination of demanding academics and traditional college fun strikes the perfect balance.

Monica

Verified

27/02/2023

On Campus

Good schooling

Living, eating, learning, and developing who you want to be as an adult are all fantastic at Duke. I participated in student athletics, and I couldn't have asked for a better interaction with the faculty and other students. I appreciate all of the help I get from the Duke community more than anything. Furthermore, the teachers take the time to get to know you, and the lectures are diverse and demanding (if you do the same). I'd give it a 10 out of 10.

Aline

Verified

26/11/2022

On Campus

Beautiful School, Nice Classes

DU remains one the greatest and best universities that I have ever stepped in. The school is beautiful and neat. The classes are spacious and also very nice. I enjoyed attending my Lectures in those lecture halls. I also loved the Lecturers because of the good work they did. The university also has very good dorms that are given to students on first come first serve basis and they are affordable

Student

Verified

29/06/2022

Blended

Amazing experience

I received my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Global Health with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. I was able to grow as a student, scientist, and global health advocate with the help of my friends, professors, and other mentors I met along the way. A lot to learn if you look and ask, a great place to learn for those who want to learn.

Student

Verified

29/06/2022

Blended

whirlwind of growth and change

An amazing 2 years, with covid and everything else happening Duke has been a place of growth for me. The courses , classes were one of a kind, online and on campus. But the valuable lessons learned in the classes are irreplicable. The students are amazing here, so much diversity , I had no problem fitting in. The teachers are down right brilliant and so helpful. Don't be afraid to ask them anything. Graduated with my MBA with Duke and now my future awaits.

Student

Verified

29/06/2022

On Campus

One of the best for Business students

Graduated with an MBA. The classes were very insightful and engaging. The staff are very easy to deal with. The teachers and students, are truly amazing people. Grateful to all the people I've met along the way at Duke. I've learnt a great deal that will help me in my future endeavors. The campus itself is a marvel, it is beautiful.

Student

Verified

16/06/2022

On Campus

The university campus is awesome

I graduated with a masters degree in Religious Studies from Duke University. One thing I really liked about the university is its huge campus. It is spread in a large area with a lot of greenery and also have the facilities of reading rooms for single person also. My department building was very well taken care of. The library is immensely populated with books for all your needs. The faculty is very nice to students. The classes are equipped with latest technology to cater the needs of students. The University also provides room rentals for international students. They are very well maintained and priority is given to the International students for a comfortable stay there. There are weekly events conducted by the University as well as Student clubs for the entertainment of students. Anybody can take part in them and show their talents. I enjoyed my degree and I graduated in 2021 and was very happy that I had graduated from a reputed University.

Dhanush

Verified

12/07/2024

On Campus

Program Flexibility and Vibrant Campus Life

Duke University is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life. The university offers a diverse range of majors and research opportunities, supported by world-class faculty. What I particularly liked about Duke was its strong sense of community and the wealth of extracurricular activities available to students. The campus is beautiful, with top-notch facilities and a supportive atmosphere that fosters both personal and academic growth. Overall, I would highly recommend Duke University for its excellent educational offerings and strong alumni network. If you're looking for a place that challenges you academically while offering numerous opportunities for personal development, Duke is an excellent choice.

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