The energy sector continues to grow due to its vital contribution to the world. The energy field pertains to services and products linked with energy production. For example, a company in the energy field could focus on fuel extraction, or distributing and refining energy. Other companies are leaders in oil and gas drilling, gas and oil reserves, and energy exploration.
Today, more professionals are looking to work with companies in the energy field, especially if they want to make positive changes to the industry’s environmental impact through solar power and clean energy through renewable sources. Learn more about the best energy companies in 2023 to find work below.
Types of Energy Companies
There are different types of energy companies that play a key role in the life of their consumers. Below are the most common types of energy companies in the energy sector.
Renewable Energy Companies
Renewable energy companies develop and work with energy sources like wind, biomass, solar, geothermal systems, and landfill gas. They create clean energy technologies and solutions that help companies and organizations make the most out of present energy technologies.
Gas and Oil Production Companies
The oil and gas industry is a major energy industry. These companies are involved in the exploration, refinement, and production of oil and gas. The key role of oil in the present day makes these companies high-value and high-cost.
Refining and Pipeline Companies
This type of company focuses on transforming and refining crude oil for petroleum products like heating oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel.
How to Get a Job in the Energy Field
Getting a job in the energy industry is a big deal because its focus is a resource that helps people in their everyday lives. It can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first job as a professional. The list below explains the process to follow to get a job in the energy sector.
- Complete a college degree. Graduating with a college degree is preferred by most employers. It shows your commitment and hard work that will be reflected in any work you complete while working for them. Degrees that align with the energy field are new energy science and engineering, environmental science, electrical engineering, energy science, and energy systems engineering.
- Complete an internship. An internship can serve as a stepping stone for learning more about real-world situations at work. Perform well in your internship and maximize the experience so you can share your experience and the skills gained when you apply for a job in the energy industry.
- Write an effective cover letter and resume. Your cover letter and resume serve as a tool for the employer to know you better. Ensure that your cover letter and resume don’t have any grammatical errors. Share briefly why you would be a great addition to the team and share the skills you’ve gained over time. If you have previous experiences in the energy sector include them in these documents.
- Research about the company. When you know about the company, the employer will see that you’re interested. You’ll also make a great impression during the interview because you’ll be able to share what you like about the company and why you applied for the job. This will increase your likelihood of being hired.
- Prepare for your interview. Preparation is crucial in helping you know what to say and how to answer questions. Research how to answer tough interview questions that employers could ask and rehearse the answers that you would reply with. This can help you be more confident in the actual interview.
The Best Companies in the Energy Field to Work For in 2023
There are many popular and high-ranking energy companies you can join. The companies listed below are some of the best to help you strengthen your skills and knowledge and achieve your career goals.
ExxonMobil
- Annual Revenue: $178.6 billion
- Number of Employees: 72,000
- Headquarters: Irvin, Texas
ExxonMobil is the largest energy company and primarily operates in the production, exploration, transportation, and sale of natural gas and crude oil. The company’s service also extends to the transportation, manufacturing, and sale of petroleum products. Some jobs available at the company are Control Systems Engineer, Process Engineer, Laboratory Chemist, and Researcher.
Why Is ExxonMobil a Good Place to Work?
ExxonMobil is an excellent place to work because it supports the career goals of its employees. They help you meet career objectives through annual performance assessments. They also value diversity, so you can meet talented people learn from them. They also provide opportunities for promotion and continued growth in your career.
Exelon
- Annual Revenue: $33.038 billion
- Number of Employees: 32,340
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Exelon is engaged in the distribution and production of electricity. It’s considered the biggest operator of nuclear plants in the United States. They also generate electric power through hydroelectric solar plants, wind turbines, and fossil fuel plants. Some jobs they offer are Staff Engineer, Analyst, and Project Manager.
Why Is Exelon a Good Place to Work?
This company is a good place to work because of its great leaders. There are also significant benefits within the company. The work is very stimulating and dynamic. They also have employee resource groups which are useful if you want to learn more about the energy industry.
Enterprise Products
- Annual Revenue: $27.2 billion
- Number of Employees: 5,000 to 10,000
- Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Enterprise Products is a crude oil transportation company. The company is involved in several activities like fractioning and processing natural gas, pipelines, storage, crude oil, refined products, and petrochemicals. Some jobs they offer are Systems Engineer, Analyst, Technician, and Data Engineer.
Why Is Enterprise Products a Good Place to Work?
This company offers a good salary and cares about its employees. They also offer health insurance. Moreover, the company keeps on growing, which means it’s stable and has plenty of opportunities for growth.
Duke Energy
- Annual Revenue: $23.86 billion
- Number of Employees: 27,535
- Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina
This electric and natural gas utility company also handles several nuclear, coal-fired, oil and gas-fired plants, as well as hydroelectric power, solar power, and wind power farms. In addition, they distribute electricity to millions of customers. Some jobs the company offers are Customer Representative, Solar Technicians, and Wind Technicians.
Why Is Duke Energy a Good Place to Work?
Duke Energy is an excellent place to work because it has a good working environment and people around you to support you. There are also good benefits and the company has a good promotion plan for thriving employees.
Southern Company
- Annual Revenue: $21.4 billion
- Number of Employees: 10,000+
- Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
Southern Company is an electric utility company that offers its services in Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, and Alabama. Right now, it’s also operating multiple coal-fired natural gas power plants, nuclear energy, and other renewable energy sources. Some of the jobs they offer are Network Engineer, Accountant, and Procurement Specialist.
Why Is Southern Company a Good Place to Work?
People enjoy working at Southern Company because the pay is competitive and you’ll be able to learn a lot from your peers. A healthy work-life balance is also encouraged to support employees’ growth and development.
ConocoPhillips
- Annual Revenue: $19.256 billion
- Number of Employees: 9,900
- Headquarters: Houston, Texas
ConocoPhillips specializes in gas and oil exploration and production. In addition, the company helps in enabling human progress and global economic development. Some of the jobs they offer are Engineer, Human Resources Representative, and Information Technology Professional.
Why Is ConocoPhillips a Good Place to Work?
This company is an excellent place to work because it offers great compensation. This company also has a good culture, and you’ll be surrounded by intelligent people you can learn a lot from. They also have travel benefits for qualified employees.
American Electric Power
- Annual Revenue: $14.9 billion
- Number of Employees: 16,787
- Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio
American Electric Power is known as an electric utility company. The company operates in power generation through coal-fueled power plants. They also operate natural gas and nuclear plants, hydro, wind, pumped storage, and other sources. Some jobs it offers are Energy Sales Representative, Technician, and Engineer.
Why Is American Electric Power a Good Place to Work?
The company is a good place to work because of the benefits and salary. There’s also a great teamwork atmosphere and it has strong executive leadership. There are also great colleagues that are fun to work with.
Dominion Energy
- Annual Revenue: $14.2 billion
- Number of Employees: 17,300
- Headquarters: Richmond, Virginia
Dominion Energy is a natural gas and electric utility company. It runs power generation from natural gas, coal-fired, hydroelectric plants, nuclear and solar power farms. They provide their services to 2.6 million customers residing in North Carolina and Virginia. Some jobs that it offers are Engineer, Customer Service Representative, Technician, and Line Worker.
Why Is Dominion Energy a Good Place to Work?
The company is a good place to work in the energy sector because the company is dedicated to its customers, environment, community, and shareholders. You’ll also be able to meet talented colleagues who will support you and offer help when needed. There’s also vacation pay for those who are hired.
Sempra Energy
- Annual Revenue: $11.37 billion
- Number of Employees: 19,000+
- Headquarters: San Diego, California
Sempra Energy is a natural gas utility and electric company. It expands and operates natural gas and electric infrastructure, electric distribution lines, distribution networks, and liquefied natural gas facilities. Some of the jobs it offers are Security Specialist, Tax Manager, and Financial Analyst.
Why Is Sempra Energy a Good Place to Work?
Sempra is a good place to work because it genuinely cares for its employees. They also have good pay and the company is flexible. The culture is also great and employees are friendly to each other.
Chevron
- Annual Revenue: $6.1 billion
- Number of Employees: 47,736
- Headquarters: San Ramon, California
Chevron is an integrated company that transports and produces natural gas and crude oil. The company also markets, distributes, and refines fuel. They’re also into mining and chemical operations, energy services, and power generation.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Why Is Chevron a Good Place to Work?
Chevron is an excellent place to work because the company offers retirement and welfare benefits. The company also provides vision, dental, and health benefits and offers long-term disability insurance for illness or accidents. The company also values work-life balance, which is preferred by many of its employees.
Is It Hard to Get a Job in the Energy Field?
No, it is not hard to get a job in the energy field, especially if you have the educational background aligned with the position you are looking for. Like with any other job, you’ll undergo a series of interviews, so you must prepare for that to land the job you want.
Should You Work in the Energy Field?
Yes, you should work in the energy field, especially if you have project management and collaboration skills. Depending on the position, there is technical knowledge that you must have. If you’re interested and passionate about working with energy efficiency or clean energy technologies, then you should work at Lockheed Martin, Exxon, or other energy companies.
Best Energy Companies FAQ
The best energy field company is ExxonMobil which had annual revenue of $178.6 billion last year. A company of this size can offer a wide range of career opportunities.
The five largest companies in the energy industry are ExxonMobil, Chevron, Nextera Energy, Duke Energy, and Southern Company. For now, the role of oil is still strong across the world, but as environmental pressures experience continued growth, companies who focus on clean energy technologies and energy efficiency could take over.
Energy companies are growing and expanding. One advantage as you work with these companies is that there will always be opportunities. You’ll also be learning a lot from others who have been in the industry, plus there are great benefits in the companies mentioned above. You’ll also be able to be at the forefront of the emerging transition to low-emissions fuels, clean energy technologies, and more responsible energy consumption.
Energy companies focus on various areas of energy development. Some focus on the development of oil or gas reserves, such as natural gas producers. In addition, some companies focus on clean energy investment goals including solar power generation, energy efficiency, net-zero emissions, and other clean energy transitions. Some are creating innovative solutions such as using solar water heating systems to make hot water for homes.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.