Welcome to the 43rd episode of the #MyEnergyLife series, a weekly LinkedIn feature designed to highlight, engage with, and empower emerging energy professionals across Africa. Through a series of articles, we will explore the many career paths that exist in the energy industry. Our aim is to provide valuable insights and counsel to support the career aspirations of young professionals in the energy industry.
In this episode, we meet Amanda Balogun, an Energy Consultant at GHD. Amanda Balogun shares her story of how she got started in the energy industry, detailing her initial challenges and offering invaluable advice to fellow young professionals seeking their path in this dynamic industry.
Full Name
Current Company Name
Current Job Title
Energy Consultant
Specialization
Technical Consultancy Services
Country of Origin
Nigeria
Tell us about your journey in the energy industry.
I began my journey as an architectural engineering student at Heriot-Watt University, where I graduated with First-class honors. During my degree, I particularly loved studying about energy efficiency in buildings and sustainability, so I decided to pursue a career in the energy sector, particularly sustainable energy. After completing my degree, I joined PwC Nigeria as a strategy consultant, where my primary focus was on energy projects. However, during this time, I became increasingly interested in exploring the feasibility of using energy technologies to achieve net zero, despite having various challenges such as supply intermittency, hydrogen safety concerns, etc. This led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Energy Technologies at the University of Cambridge. I currently work as an energy consultant at Gutteridge Haskins and Davey ( GHD ), where I contribute daily towards achieving a net-zero future.
What do you do in your current role at your company?
As an energy consultant, I engage in a wide range of projects across the EMEA region. These projects range from technical due diligence projects, which involve evaluating electricity assets prior to acquisition to ensure their viability, assess performance, and investigate potential risks associated with acquiring such assets, to innovative projects, such as using nature-based solutions to address challenges within electricity networks, such as flood mitigation.
Could you describe your typical day at work?
My typical day at work is pretty unpredictable! I try to catch up with some of my colleagues on the interesting projects they’re working on. Then, I continue to work on the various projects that I’m involved in. Other days are a lot more fast paced. One of the great things about my typical day at work is that I literally learn something new because we work on so many diverse projects. It’s a job that keeps me learning about new developments in the sector!
“The best thing about my work is the continuous opportunity to solve important problems by being exposed to a wide range of projects.”
What are some of the challenges you have faced in the industry?
When I began my career, finding the right fit was challenging. I was passionate about delivering sustainable energy solutions; however, the sector is broad, and rapidly evolving, so I was not sure what path to take, or how to contribute effectively. It was also challenging to gather enough information to help me find the right fit. However, I was committed to making the right moves to ensure I contribute towards a sustainable future.
Also in my career I have observed various challenges in the industry such as navigating policies and regulations that support innovative solutions, because policies change, and sometimes there are gaps that may affect the rapid implementation of some innovative solutions. Funding to implement sustainable solutions is also a significant challenge. Despite having brilliant technological ideas that can facilitate a Net zero future, they may not be economically viable, or scalable which is a challenge.
What is the most fun thing you love about your work?
I love that I get to work on different projects. It is always exciting to solve new problems, because it offers a different perspective on the wide range of challenges that exist, and gives me the opportunity to keep learning.
How do you balance work and life?
I make sure to effectively manage my time so that I can spend time with my family and friends. Also, I make a conscious effort to explore new activities from my bucket list when I can to maintain a healthy balance between my personal interests and work.
What are the core hard skills someone in your field should have?
It’s important to have technical knowledge about how energy technologies work and the ability to analyze energy data, including consumption patterns and emissions, using software like Python and Power BI. Additionally, skills in policy analysis, energy demand management, and energy modeling are useful to have.
What soft skills should someone in your field have?
It is important to have soft skills such as effective communication, adaptability, the ability to handle pressure and work on feedback, client management, time management, teamwork, and attention to detail.
What is the best thing about your work?
The best thing about my work is the continuous opportunity to solve important problems by being exposed to a wide range of projects. I know I have said this a lot, but it really is the best thing about my work. I get to keep learning about the sector and upskilling to be able to provide value.
What would you consider a highlight of your career?
For now, I would say seeing projects I have worked on come to fruition and the positive impact they have on people’s lives. I would also add seeing the people I have mentored land jobs and receive scholarships that allow them to contribute to a more sustainable future.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work, I am passionate about advocating for access to good education, energy access, and gender equality in less privileged communities. I have other hobbies such as pottery, painting, and horseback riding.
“Read a lot, research a lot, be passionate about what you do, and make sure you try to do your best with every given opportunity.”
How do you think that your work makes a difference in the energy space?
The energy sector globally is evolving rapidly; therefore, I believe the work that I do in supporting strategic energy planning and delivering innovative projects that are both technically and economically feasible plays a crucial role in achieving an emissions free energy sector.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?
Read a lot, research a lot, be passionate about what you do, and make sure you try to do your best with every given opportunity. Someone once told me that it is important to look at everything you do and every skill you learn as compound interest. You may think it is not relevant at the time, but you never know when you will need to use it or when it will be useful to you. I cannot emphasize enough how true this has been for me!
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See you in the next article!
