Reshmy Prasad – Climate Professional Interview – Clidemy Careers
Clidemy Careers is a new section at Clidemy where we inputs and insights on career opportunities opening up in the fast growing climate action sector.
The Climate Professional Interview is one avenue through which we provide the insight. In this, we interact with professionals working in the climate action domain to get answers to questions that will be of value to many others who are seeking a career in climate.
We are pleased to have the first Climate Career Professional Interview with Reshmy Prasad, Business Development Lead for Onshore Wind @ DNV.
Reshmy works in the firm’s Bengaluru (India) office.
Here’s Reshmy with her answers and insights.
EDUCATION
Tell us a bit about your educational background
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Renewable Energy.
What made you choose a climate tech-related educational course in your Masters?
During my undergraduate studies, I developed a keen interest in the area of Renewable
Energy. When it came time to choose a subject for my Masters, I knew I wanted to pursue a
topic that I would not only find enjoyable but also allow me to positively impact the
environment. That’s how I enrolled for a renewable energy course for my Masters’.
If you were to start with your college education all over again, what changes would
you have made?
I would have taken up more internships and training that would give me a direct
understanding of the renewable energy market. I would have also tried to gain more hands-on experience in the field to complement the theoretical knowledge and understanding of
real-world challenges.
CURRENT ROLE
What is your current role?
I currently work as a project engineering consultant, mainly providing advisory services for
onshore wind power projects in the Indian market. My role involves providing technical
expertise and support to our clients in various aspects of project development, from initial
feasibility studies to commissioning and post-construction monitoring.
What are the different types of climate roles you have done so far?
I have participated in various outreach programs focusing on sustainability and climate change throughout my academic career. During my previous job, I was involved in research work on different markets, such as solar and electric vehicles in India. Currently, I mainly work on onshore wind projects.
How does a typical week in your work look?
As a consultant/advisor, my work is highly dynamic and unpredictable, which makes no two
weeks the same. My projects typically last 4-8 weeks, depending on the market. In a given
week, I may be involved in conducting due diligence, technical feasibility studies, and business development activities for the team.
What are the components of your work that excite you the most?
The most exciting parts of my work are when we receive unusual scope and brainstorm different approaches. As we mostly work for financial institutions looking to invest in the renewable energy market, it is also fulfilling to know that our work directly impacts investment decisions that have a positive environmental impact. The opportunity to contribute towards a sustainable future is a significant motivator for me, and it is exciting to be part of this growing sector.
SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS
What types of skills are specifically required in your type of role?
In the climate tech industry, it is essential to have a basic understanding of engineering
concepts and the technologies involved. However, having an overall industry perspective
and understanding various customer requirements is more important. Communicating
effectively and working collaboratively with cross-functional teams is also vital skill in this
field.
What types of educational background would roles such as yours require?
An electrical or mechanical engineering background can help me understand the concepts
better. Still, we have a mixed group of people from different backgrounds in STEM, which is
essential for creating a diverse and innovative work environment.
What would your suggestions be for students or professionals keen to have careers
such as yours?
For those interested in joining the renewable industry, having an interest in engineering
concepts and applications is crucial. Along with being up to date with industry trends and
technological advancements, developing strong communication and teamwork skills can
also help you excel in this field.
What are your suggestions for professionals from sectors unrelated to climate tech to
get a foothold in your sector?
Consultancy is an excellent option for anyone looking to shift their career to the climate tech industry. A basic understanding of the technologies involved is required, and any experience with similar nature of the job would be an advantage. As more diverse customers from other sectors enter the climate tech field, we can expect more opportunities for cross-collaboration. Therefore, it is important to have professionals with diverse backgrounds working together to create innovative solutions to climate challenges.
What are your perspectives on your sector’s future business trends and career
opportunities?
I believe the renewable energy industry will continue to offer exciting opportunities for
engineering, technical, and business professionals. As the industry continues to evolve, we
can expect new roles and specializations, such as energy storage engineers, renewable
energy analysts, and sustainability strategists. The industry is expected to grow significantly
in the coming years, creating many new jobs and business opportunities for everyone.
THE FUTURE
What are your future aspirations in your climate tech career?
As a consultant, my future aspirations include increasing my understanding of different technologies and markets to develop a wider perspective of the entire lifecycle of technologies and projects. I am excited to be a part of this dynamic and rapidly evolving industry, and I look forward to playing my part in building a more sustainable future.
What other interesting career roles are opening up in your domain?
As the sector expands to include more Customers from other industries, several interesting career roles are opening up in this domain. There is currently a higher demand for project and stakeholder management professionals.
Additionally, as the industry continues to grow and evolve, there is an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to take up managerial and decision-making roles, bringing diversity and fresh perspectives to the table. Overall, the renewable energy sector presents a range of exciting and meaningful career opportunities for those interested in positively impacting the environment.
THE REST
Have there been some really satisfying events or moments in your career?
There have been several satisfying, most of them stem from getting validation for the good work my team and I do. Especially our recommendations are well received and lead to the successful closure of projects. It’s also fulfilling to know that our work positively impacts the environment and society.
Outside of career, what are your other interests and hobbies?
I enjoy spending my time outdoors, exploring new places and activities. I find it to be a great way to unwind and clear my mind.
Thank you Reshmy. Such a pleasure to get all these wonderful insights – Team Clidemy.
