We hear a lot about “green jobs,” but do you know exactly what that phrase means? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines green jobs in these two ways:

  • Jobs in businesses that produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources.
  • Jobs in which workers’ duties involve making their establishment’s production processes more environmentally friendly or use fewer natural resources.

Green energy jobs utilize wind, solar, geothermal (using heat from the earth), biomass (natural waste products), and hydroelectric power (dams), among other environmentally friendly technologies.

Perhaps the most important question is, “What do green energy jobs mean for you?” Tremendous career potential is just one answer. Let’s look at some promising green energy job statistics, a few specific roles that you can pursue within the field, and education programs that can help you qualify for those roles.

The Green Energy Job Market Is Booming

There’s no shortage of green energy jobs right now. Growth in this field has been underway for a few years, and the numbers will only increase with time. As one example, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reported the addition of 700,000 green energy jobs globally between 2017 and 2018, for a total of about 11 million jobs. In its Global Renewables Outlook: Energy Transformation 2050 report, IRENA also projects the number of green energy jobs to quadruple over the next three decades.

While the green energy field is expanding, new green ventures are only part of that picture. Many traditional energy companies are leading the drive toward greater dependence on green energy sources. Others are modifying their operational practices to reduce negative impacts on the environment.

Potential Careers in Green Energy

There are numerous professional roles available in green energy, including some you may not have thought of. Many technical and hands-on positions are available for those with the passion and qualifications, as you might expect. But not all jobs in energy involve getting your hands dirty, especially when it comes to clean energy. Qualified professionals are also needed on green energy’s business side to fill many rewarding, high-paying positions, including:

Some of these positions are experiencing considerable growth. For example, the BLS states in its Occupational Outlook Handbook (updated April 2021) that financial analyst jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 5% between 2019 and 2029—faster than average for all occupations. BLS also reports that financial manager jobs are anticipated to grow at a whopping 15% through 2029. That’s much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. Further, the median annual salary for financial managers is $138,180. And these are just a few examples. There are many more jobs available in the green energy sector. Having the right credentials can give you a leg up in the green energy job boom and position you for a career that helps protect our planet and its precious resources.

The Right Credentials

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers energy-focused online degree and certificate programs that can equip you with the knowledge and credentials you need to transition into (or advance within) a career in green energy. Both of these 100% online programs are offered through UT Permian Basin’s AACSB-accredited College of Business:

Master of Business Administration with Certificate in Energy Business

This graduate degree program helps you build highly marketable operational insight and leadership capabilities that will be beneficial to you in the energy industry. By taking specified electives, you can also earn a second credential—a Graduate Certificate in Energy Business—without needing any extra time to complete your MBA. Many people finish this Master of Business Administration degree in as little as four semesters!

Graduate Certificate in Energy Business

If you already have an undergraduate degree and are looking to build some additional energy business expertise without pursuing a graduate degree, this 12-credit stand-alone certificate program is ideal. Through four courses, you’ll adapt your current proficiencies in management, business law, finance, accounting, and/or marketing to a career in the energy industry.

Programs Made With Working People in Mind

All of the courses for these online programs are delivered in an asynchronous format that allows you to complete coursework on your own schedule, 24/7, from virtually any location. That means that you can continue to meet your work and family responsibilities while earning a valuable career credential. Program courses feature the same curriculum and acclaimed faculty as the corresponding on-campus programs, but with added convenience. You can finish most courses in just eight weeks, with summer courses lasting just seven weeks!

Gain the knowledge and credentials required to thrive in a green sector job with one of UT Permian Basin’s online programs.

Sources:

https://www.epa.gov/greenpower/what-green-power
https://www.irena.org/publications/2018/May/Renewable-Energy-and-Jobs-Annual-Review-2018
https://www.irena.org/publications/2019/Jun/Renewable-Energy-and-Jobs-Annual-Review-2019
https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-jobs-in-renewable-energy-energy-efficiency-and-resilience-2019
https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2018/data-on-display/green-growth.htm?view_full
https://www.businessinsider.com/high-demand-renewable-energy-jobs-of-the-future-2019-8#4-software-developers-and-software-quality-assurance-analysts-and-testers-are-expected-to-see-215-job-growth-by-2029-18