Four reasons to work in the energy industry

We need to address complex issues such as energy security, accessibility, affordability and sustainability. Find out the four cool reasons to work in the energy industry.  

The energy sector is an essential pillar of modern life. We rely on it for nearly everything; from charging our phones, powering our homes, schools and hospitals, to manufacturing essential products or driving our cars. In one way or another, the energy industry touches every value chain, affecting all 8 billion people on the planet. 

However, the industry now stands at a crossroads. While it has fuelled progress, it has also contributed to global challenges with huge environmental impact. In 2015, the Paris Agreement marked a turning point, signalling the urgent need for change. Today the energy sector faces immense pressure to address complex issues such as energy security, accessibility, affordability and sustainability. 

Yet, with challenges come opportunities. This industry is evolving rapidly, driving innovation and technological breakthroughs. Whether you’re an engineer, a scientist, or a marketer, working in energy means being part of a transformation that is shaping the future. It goes beyond just a job; it’s a chance to make a real impact on the world. 

Baker Hughes believes in sustainable energy development. Sustainable Energy Development (SED)- where we supply the world with the energy it needs today without adversely impacting abundance and availability tomorrow - is achieved by doing three things:

1. Efficiency and Effectiveness: we must enable hydrocarbons to meet today’s demands while also making them cleaner and more efficient.
2. Energy Expansion: we must tap into every source of energy and find and champion new energy sources. This includes supporting the expansion of natural gas and nuclear and expanding our use of renewable energy resources.
3. Using Energy Responsibly: for example - ensuring our infrastructure is efficient, ensuring we recycle and reuse as much as we can.

Here are four reasons why you should think about the energy sector when looking for a job:  

1. Get to work on cutting edge technology 

The urgent need to accelerate the energy transition and meet climate goals means innovation is essential. Companies are investing heavily in research and development. In 2022 alone, the energy industry spent 23 billion dollars in R&D.  Baker Hughes filed over 1600 new patents in 2024 and employs around 9000 engineers. If creating and innovating is your thing, energy is the place to be.

This push for innovation is driving groundbreaking advancements. 

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) enables the capture of CO₂ from operations. It is then repurposed and safely stored. 

Geothermal energy harnesses the earth’s natural heat to provide sustainable heating, cooling, and electricity. 

Hydrogen fuel cells generate water and heat as byproducts, offering a clean power alternative to hard-to-abate industries such as steel or cement manufacturing. 

The digital transformation of industry is also a reality in the energy sector. Digital solutions, which can be powered by AI, are deployed across the energy value chain. They are creating new efficiencies, thanks to automation and remote operations for example. This in turn has a direct impact on productivity by reducing waste.

Optimizing energy usage in real time can help improve productivity and better manage emissions. Solutions driving efficiency in oil and gas are transferable to mining, manufacturing and transportation, proving that energy innovation extends far beyond its own borders. 

Now is the perfect time to be part of this transformation, where you can drive innovation, solve global challenges, and shape the future of energy. 

2. Help drive change and make progress at scale

Energy powers the world; homes, hospitals, schools, and business rely on it every day. In fact, global energy demand is expected to increase by 47% by 2050, driven by population growth and industrial expansion. However, right now, 770 million people worldwide still lack electricity.

This is the challenge. We need to meet the world’s growing energy demands while reducing environmental impact and ensuring energy access for all. We need sustainable energy development. 

By joining the energy sector, you become part of the solution. Whether its advancing clean energy solutions, or reducing environmental impact, your work has the potential to touch millions of lives. Organizations in the sector are working on game-changing innovations, ensuring that we can meet future energy needs without compromising the planet.

This is an industry where breakthroughs happen every day, and you could be part of them. 

If you’re looking for a career with purpose, where your efforts contribute to a healthier planet, the energy industry is the place to be.

3. Unlock your potential with endless possibilities

The energy industry offers a wide range of career paths. You don’t need to be an engineer, a scientist, or a coding genius to be part of the ecosystem. Energy companies hire communicators, finance experts, legal advisors, auditors, government affairs and HR professionals, and more. Whatever your background, there’s likely a place for you, at every level of an organization. 

With well-established apprenticeships, leadership development programs, mentorship, and up-skilling opportunities, you can explore different roles and specialties within the same company. At Baker Hughes, someone might begin as an executive assistant and take the opportunity to move into the Communications team. Others may start in commercial and business development roles and then join the ASPIRE program to rotate through different functions, like finance, operations and supply chain, over two years. Many start by working in the field, on rigs, and explore other opportunities as they gain expertise. 

For example, Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO, Lorenzo Simonelli, started on a graduate scheme in finance and went on to become one of the youngest CEOs in the company’s history (then GE), earning a spot in the Fortune’s 40 under 40 list in 2009 and 2010. 

As the sector transforms with new technologies and sustainable solutions, new roles are constantly emerging. 

In a global industry built on international collaboration and partnerships, the opportunity to travel, work abroad and experience diverse cultures and perspectives is unmissable. 

4. Be part of a culture where collaboration drives innovation

The energy industry is made up of countless moving parts, all working together toward one ambitious goal: meeting the world’s energy demand in a sustainable, secure, and affordable way. To do this, it brings together experts from a wide range of backgrounds such as engineering, science, business, academia, policy and beyond. 

What makes the work truly exciting is the level of collaboration required. You may work with cross-functional teams, external partners, governments and local communities to tackle some of the most pressing global challenges. 

You’ll constantly be exposed to different perspectives, disciplines, and approaches. It’s this diversity of thought that pushes you to think critically and creatively. Every problem requires teamwork, innovation, resilience and adaptability. It’s an environment where you can learn something new every day. 

Whether you’re in a project meeting, out in the field, or engaging with international stakeholders, you’ll feel a sense of shared purpose. 

Get excited about solving big problems with passionate people who are all moving in the same direction. It sharpens your skills, broadens your perspective, and gives you a strong sense of impact. 

As the energy industry rapidly transforms to meet the urgent needs of our planet and its growing population, there’s never been a more exciting time to start a career in this sector. It’s a unique opportunity to be part of groundbreaking innovation and cutting-edge technology. Work that not only is fascinating but is also making a real impact on global issues. 

Whether you’re drawn to hands-on roles at a customer facility, in a manufacturing environment, or strategic positions at headquarter level, every path plays a vital role in this dynamic ecosystem. You’ll collaborate across borders and professions, tackle complex problems, and contribute to a more sustainable future. 

If that sounds like a journey you want to be part of, explore our careers site and discover how Baker Hughes is shaping the future of energy through technology and solutions that truly matter.