One small decision I made, that might have changed my career...

Ever made a seemingly small career decision that completely changed your trajectory? A real ‘Sliding Doors’ moment?

One of mine was saying "yes" to joining the Young Energy Professionals (YEP) Forum Steering Group. An ex-colleague moving back to Germany handed it to me - no strings attached. All I had to do was dial in every couple of months (this was pre-COVID when work calls were desk-bound, audio-only affairs), which I did at first, half-listening while multitasking (oh come on, we’ve all done it!). But then, I decided to attend in person. That’s when everything changed.

I met a bunch of cool people (bearing in mind my definition of cool is “nerdy about energy”) who I genuinely enjoyed working with and were as geeky and passionate as me. We bounced off each other, made things happen, and had fun doing it.

The YEP Forum isn’t just a networking group; it’s a launchpad for the next generation of energy leaders. Open to anyone with up to 10 years in the sector - students included - it’s a place to connect, learn, and grow.

They host incredible events; think free site visits to places like the National Grid control room, offshore wind farms, parliamentary receptions, and an annual awards ceremony. Speaking of which, here’s where you come in.

Nominations for the 10th annual YEP Awards close on August 22. Categories are broad and inclusive, from Team of the Year to Innovator for Net Zero, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, all the way to the prestigious YEP of the Year. The best part? It’s free to enter.

So, if you know someone who deserves recognition or better yet, if you can spread the word within your company, here's the info you need. A nomination can boost someone’s confidence, profile, or motivation. I know it did for me. I won two YEP Awards before joining Energy UK, and it meant the world to me.

And if you’re reading this and thinking of nominating yourself, do it! I once had a manager mock me for nominating myself for an award. The joke was on them - I won it. My point is, whatever your background - don’t hold back. Support yourself and be your own cheerleader if you have to.

My second point of writing, because I might as well cut to the chase: the YEP Forum is running a survey to hear from as many early-career (up to ten years) energy professionals as possible. If you’re reading this, please send it to five people you know.

It will collate views from Future Leaders across the sector - from what drew them to the field to their satisfaction with the training and development they’ve received - and shape the YEP Forum’s thought leadership report which will be launched at a high profile event later in the year.

We all know the larger a data set, the more accurate a picture it gives so please help to make this a success by sharing. It only takes 5 minutes and you don’t have to be a member to take part…

…But to be honest, if you have up to ten years’ experience - you might as well become a member. It’s free, and such a brilliant way to meet people from all across the industry in informal settings, really growing your network but not in a pretentious “networking” way. The friends I met through the YEP Forum are genuine friends, and they’ve all gone on to do great things right across the sector. (NB if you don't meet the criteria but want to join the NOPEs - Now Old Professionals in Energy - give me a shout...)

Through the Forum I’ve had opportunities that raised my profile - from chairing a panel at an industry conference, to hosting the first-ever YEP Quiz. Now, by coincidence or design, I’m CCO at the organisation that runs the Forum, Energy UK. (Well, we help facilitate it - they run themselves. Although we do make sure to give them great opportunities - like chairing our first ever podcast series!).

It might just be that saying “yep” to YEP changed my career. And even if it didn’t - no regrets, I had a lot of fun along the way.

So please share with your colleagues, tag someone or better yet, nominate someone. It doesn’t take long, and could be their ‘Sliding Doors’ moment…

Here are the links again:

AWARDS - Deadline 22 August: https://bit.ly/YEPAwards24

SURVEY Deadline 23 August: https://bit.ly/YEPSurvey24