Tom

Tom's STORY

Communications Assistant, Energy UK

Communications Assistant
Energy UK

Tom began his journey at Energy UK with an internship which eventually turned into his placement year. Since graduating, he is now a member of Energy UK's communications team. Find out more about Tom's varied role and why he loves working in the sector.

What do you do and where do you do it?

I work for Energy UK, a trade association which represents over 100 suppliers and generators of electricity and gas for domestic and business consumers. My role is within the communications team working across press and social media.

I also lead on the Young Energy Professionals (YEP) Forum, a network for those new and interested in the energy industry. We run events across the year, providing opportunities to network and enabling young professional’s access to hear from industry leaders.

What does an average day look like?

One of the most exciting elements of my role, is that there is very rarely an average day! Working within the communications team means the role I do can change in an instant. It can range from creating graphics to writing statements and accompanying directors to interviews.

Above and beyond my role, I also work hard to ensure there is a network for those who are new to the industry. This can range from working with companies to host events to writing guides to finding the next power station or innovation centre to visit!

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The energy industry is fundamental to how we live our lives. It is underestimated in the role it plays in ensuring at the very least we can have your heating on or can cook a meal.

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Tell us about your journey from starting out to your current role?

I went to university not really knowing what I wanted to do, aside from something in business! In my second year I knew having work experience would prove beneficial and started applying to roles for a placement year. I kept persevering and ended up with an initial internship at Energy UK. This got extended twice, before turning into a placement year.

I stayed in the YEP Forum after my placement year to ensure I could benefit from the events it holds and the access to a network of peers and industry leaders. Following the completion of my degree, I returned back to Energy UK within its communication team.

What attracted you to join the energy and utilities sector?

The energy industry is fundamental to how we live our lives. It is underestimated in the role it plays in ensuring at the very least we can have our heating on or can cook a meal.

It is not just the role it plays which is intriguing, but the transformation the energy industry is going through, the use of technology as one example is increasing making it even more interesting to work in. There is a more digitalised system, cleaner new technologies such as solar and wind turbines, and now electric vehicles, it is a fascinating time to be in energy.

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In my second year at university I knew having work experience would prove beneficial and started applying to roles for a placement year. I kept persevering and ended up with an initial internship at Energy UK.

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What do you think of career opportunities in the sector?

Energy is one of the most exciting industries to work in, with every area of the industry changing from applications to manage energy usage to batteries changing how we store energy. This in itself is creating an array of opportunities for those new to the industry, which many people do not even realise. One of the surprising and stimulating elements of working in energy and with the YEP Forum is learning every day of the breadth of openings for apprentices, graduates and professionals.