Eric Shangle

How did serving in the military help prepare you for a job in the clean energy industry?

The Navy instilled in me a sense of ownership and pride in my work. I learned about grit and mission accomplishment. Ensuring that we succeeded while taking safety and resources into account are core functions that all military members learn. These principles along with leadership and management skills are essential in our ever-changing and expanding industry.

The Navy and clean energy are both mission driven industries where I can show up to work with pride in what I do. Working in clean energy gives me a sense of purpose that I had when I put on my uniform every day while on active duty. I enjoy the being able to be part of something larger than myself that is truly doing good in our world.

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What advice do you have for veterans exploring a job in the clean power industry?  

Depending on what you are looking to do, networking and talking to other veterans in the industry helps. We are a newer industry that is evolving each year with technologies and roles to support those technologies. Your role in the military may not translate based on a job description, but there are many training and development opportunities within companies that can help address that skill gap.

Getting to know other veterans and clean energy professionals is the best way to advance your candidacy in this industry. It shows commitment and helps you build your new network. Typically, one conversation will lead to a new experience and other conversations. Be open to where the experience takes you. Although there are similarities to the military and clean energy, you will be entering a new work dynamic that will be new to you. Listen and learn from those that have already made the transition.

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What advice do you have for companies looking to hire veterans?  

HR and recruiting teams need to think beyond prior clean energy experience. Veterans bring a level of dedication and work ethic that is second to none. Being able to leverage this along with the management skills that veterans possess can be force-multipliers for any organization. Unfortunately, not all hiring teams recognize this. We as an industry need to recognize that there is a labor shortage at all levels in our industry and veterans can be a key piece to the longevity of clean energy.

Typically, NCO’s and above have management and leadership experience that surpasses many leaders and managers in clean energy. Leverage this experience!

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