Sivaram Pillai of Proklean – Climate Recruiter Interview – Clidemy Careers
Clidemy Careers is a new section at Clidemy where we put inputs and insights on career opportunities opening up in the fast growing climate action sector.
The Climate Recruiter Interview is one avenue through which we provide insights. In this, we interact with Recruiters 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 present the first Climate Career Recruiter Interview with Sivaram Pillai, Co-Founder and Director at Proklean Technologicals Private Limited which brings pathbreaking innovations in Green Chemistry that help make the world a better place to live for our future generations.
Proklean believes in sustainable science- to provide holistic solutions that are cost-effective, aid in conserving critical natural resources as well as reduce pollution in the long run. Proklean Technologies is a company based out of Chennai, India, established in the year 2012. It was founded to explore industrial applications using probiotics with a core intent of contributing to making the world a better place by reducing pollution and conserving natural resources. Their products have proven to show performance in Textile (ProAvita), Leather (Proviera), Hospitality & Waste Management (ProKlean) and Paper (ProCharta) equal to or better than the chemical alternatives while saving natural resources and reducing pollution.
Team Clidemy thanks Sivaram for his insights.
CURRENT ROLES AND SKILLS
What types of climate technology or climate-related career opportunities are available at your firm?
My firm, Proklean, has a unique low energy, low water consuming manufacturing process for products which replace toxic chemicals used by multiple industries, with a non-toxic and biodegradable alternative. We consume 98% less energy and 99% less water compared to the chemicals we replace. So far, we have prevented over 17,000 MT of chemicals being released into the atmosphere and reduced more than 11,000 MT of CO2. About 150 people work in the firm with about 25 people in R&D, about 50 in sales and marketing, about 50 in manufacturing and about 25 in other functions
What are the key skill sets you look for in the top three roles?
We look for people with Biotechnology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pulp & Paper Technology, Textile Technology education with a passion to make the world a better place to live for the future generations.
How can freshers starting off in a climate tech career gain an entry into companies such as yours?
As and when openings are available, we do take freshers with the required educational background to join and build a career with us. They can send their CVs to contact@proklean.in
What types of training and skill development do you provide for professionals in your firm?
We provide on the job training and skill development to equip our employees to meet the needs of the function that they will be working in.
CLIMATE AS A CAREER OPTION
Why do you think highly skilled professionals should choose climate technology as their career option?
The race to achieving net zero is dependent on specific actions. This needs the involvement of literally millions of young, motivated people to work in the climate tech area. This will not only offer an excellent career opportunity, but also have the satisfaction of contributing to making the world a better place to live in.
How can professionals with fundamental skills (e.g., electrical engineers, biochemistry professionals, excellent marketing professionals, etc.) but no experience in the climate tech field you are operating in transition into climate tech?
Climate Tech is a multidisciplinary challenge. Young professionals can learn by just opting to work in this area.
How can companies in the climate tech domain attract top-notch talents who are
currently are more interested in working in high growth, high paying careers such as finance & infotech?
Companies need to offer a reasonable career growth plan and at the same time highlight the opportunity to contribute to the well being of the future generations.
Most climate tech jobs appear to be engineering oriented. What types of non-engineering career options are opening up in climate technology?
Our work is primarily in Biotechnology and this field will play an important role in Climate Tech in the coming years
CARRER GROWTH IN CLIMATE TECH
Are salaries and incentives in the climate tech sector as good as the conventional engineering & industrial sectors?
Depends on the firm. Our salaries are on par with other segments.
Can professionals expect career growth in climate tech that are similar to those in other attractive career domains – finance, tech, analytics etc.?
For the next 50 to 100 years, the growth opportunities are likely to be very high
FUTURE TRENDS
As climate efforts become far more prevalent and widespread, the demand for talent could fast outstrip supply. What can be done to increase the climate tech talent pool?
I think this problem is probably another 20 years away and we should devise appropriate strategies at that time
Do you foresee new career opportunities opening up in your domain and in your company in the near future?
Other than what I have already described, no new activities are planned in my firm for the next 5 to 10 years.
OTHERS
Are there fundamental differences between climate tech jobs and jobs in other fields?
It is an evolving area. As such there will be differences due the nature of how new technologies get developed for Climate tech.
I will choose the first. I always look for people with the right attitude. Skills can always be developed.
