In another article in a series, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives a voice to Zoraida Bejarano, Head of Talent Management at NextEnergy Group. She says the underrepresentation of women in solar industry recruitment processes complicates efforts to highlight inclusivity and address unconscious bias.
Early in my career, like many women, I doubted my potential for success in a technical sector like solar energy. A supportive mentor helped me develop a credible approach, which boosted my confidence. On reflection, this was crucial.
They encouraged me to create a strong value proposition and consider my contributions to the sector. To some extent, I found myself delving into the delivery of niche talent in cutting-edge markets, often tackling top-tier projects. Thinking carefully and providing solutions became the norm, an experience I recommend to anyone looking for growth.
The sector has recognized the importance of promoting diversity within its workforce, highlighted by an ongoing skills shortage and demand in recent years. At entry level, ESG is increasingly valued by job candidates, which has a major impact on their career choices. This presents an opportunity for the industry to achieve its mission.
However, achieving gender balance in leadership and technical positions remains a challenge. IRENA (2019) highlights global gender gaps between senior positions and highlights the potential to address traditional practices inherited from the conventional energy sector.
The continued underrepresentation of women in leadership and technical roles remains a significant challenge for solar organizations. According to a recent report from PwC, only 16% of board positions at energy companies in the UK are held by women.
However, within these challenges also lie opportunities. The growing skills gap in the market has increased demand for diverse talent, leading to a revaluation of outdated models. Women professionals must take a proactive approach by asking questions, taking calculated risks and building self-confidence. Rather than focusing solely on gaining qualifications, it is essential to cultivate relationships and increase visibility within the sector.
The main problem in acquiring talent is the relatively low number of women pursuing a career in this sector – something we clearly need to address. This is compounded by the underrepresentation of women in recruitment processes, which complicates efforts to highlight inclusivity and tackle unconscious bias.
Women may face barriers to accessing opportunities due to differences in academic backgrounds and career paths, especially early in their careers. Balancing caregiving responsibilities often hinders women’s career advancement, along with prejudice and self-doubt.
As companies examine reports and studies on these issues, the question arises: are organizations prepared to address these challenges, embrace change, and adopt more flexible models and policies that are inclusive of all?
If you are a young professional entering the industry, maintain a positive attitude and avoid overly criticizing or doubting your abilities. Embrace curiosity, take calculated risks, and foster confidence in your skills. As you pursue your career goals, look for companies that align with your values and offer growth opportunities. Aim for roles that challenge you and provide opportunities for advancement.
Additionally, focus on building relationships and increasing your visibility in the industry. Spend time networking and staying up to date on market trends. Many exceptional women are willing to mentor and provide references. Let’s leverage these valuable resources to advance our professional journey. Together we can achieve remarkable growth and success.
Zoraida Bejarano is Head of Talent at NextEnergy Group, a leader at the forefront of Human Resources within the renewable sector. With more than a decade of experience in shaping recruitment strategies, Zoraida has spearheaded initiatives to make NextEnergy a career destination of choice and has driven internal projects to deliver meaningful career progression for NextEnergy’s workforce. Before joining NextEnergy Group, Zoraida worked with leading renewable energy companies across Europe, MENA and LATAM, designing high-level recruitment campaigns that ultimately contributed to growing the industry’s talent base.
Interested in joining Zoraida Bejarano and other female leaders and industry experts at Women in Solar Europe? Find out more: www.wiseu.network
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the author pv magazine.
This content is copyrighted and may not be reused. If you would like to collaborate with us and reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
