On International Women’s Day, we are proud to highlight some of the women who help BVGA be a leader in strategic wind energy consultancy. These women bring unique skills and experience to deliver amazing results for our clients.
We hope that their experiences will inspire more women to pursue careers in offshore wind and drive the development of renewable energy.
What is your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part of my job is that I really get to make a difference in the energy transition.
From supporting Governments, industry enablers and development banks on the development of frameworks and industry in emerging offshore wind markets, to engaging directly with supply chain and developers on forming their offshore wind strategies wind, every project we get involved with really feels like it helps facilitate the growth of offshore wind.
I also enjoy all the stimulating conversations I get to have with people in the industry. It feels incredible to be part of an industry full of so many passionate, interesting and accomplished people!
How important is diversity and inclusivity to the offshore wind industry?
Diversity and inclusion is important in every sector, and brings a huge amount of value to the offshore wind industry. A diverse and inclusive team offers a much wider range of perspective and insights, which in turn will bring innovation and help solve the challenges facing the industry. In an industry growing so rapidly as offshore wind, this is especially important.
What advice would you give to other women considering a career in offshore wind consulting?
Go for it! There is often a misconception that the energy sector is only for people with very specific backgrounds, but industry needs people with all sorts of skill sets and experience, and there nothing to lose by throwing your hat in the ring! Offshore wind consulting is exciting and varied, and a great way to contribute to the much-needed global energy transition!
Mona Pettersen
Managing Consultant
Mona delivers strategic wind energy projects across the globe, and her expertise includes offshore wind industry building, supply chain, decarbonisation, emerging markets, policy & frameworks
Shovana Talukdar
Senior Consultant
Shovana helps clients answer their most difficult business problems. She also plays a key role in developing our models, research and economic analysis.
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your work?
There are quite a few rewarding aspects of my work. Some of them are:
• My work in the offshore wind sector is part of a much bigger picture – fighting climate change impacts through a global energy transition.
• I get to work with governments, institutions, and organisations from developing and underdeveloped countries toward developing their energy transition, and
• I get to work with people who are like-minded, deeply passionate, and driven by the need for the global energy transition.
How important is diversity and inclusivity to the offshore wind industry?
Diversity and inclusion are crucial for the offshore wind industry. The devastating impacts of the climate crisis are mostly felt by minorities and underprivileged groups. Increasing diversity and inclusion will allow the industry to be more reflective of society and to better understand how the industry can grow towards contributing to the just energy transition.
What advice would you give to other women considering a career in offshore wind consulting?
The world of offshore wind consulting is relatively new. So there is still a lot of ‘unknown’ in the sector. Having a curious mindset and a can-do attitude is useful. Voicing one’s concerns and having a good support system among women co-workers is necessary. Always remembering that we are all working for the greatest cause in the history of mankind – fighting climate change
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your work?
I really enjoy problem solving, so knowing that I have helped someone out (whether that be colleague or client) is important to me. This means that I am always learning, which BVGA always provides me the opportunity to do. I also love that BVGA is influencing how the offshore wind industry evolves, and that I get to play a part in it.
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How important is diversity and inclusivity to the offshore wind industry?
Not seeing people ‘like me’ in the industry can sometimes be tough. I imagine that candidates who are trying to picture a career in offshore wind find this difficult too. It can be all too easy to doubt yourself for a role if you do not see people like yourself already in it. This applies to positions of leadership too. I believe that improving diversity and inclusion will improve our current and future workforce and encourage it to go from strength to strength.
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What advice would you give to other women considering a career in offshore wind consulting?
Be the difference you want to see! The industry needs people like you, with your strengths and skillset (whether it knows it or not!)
Belinda Church
Project Support Coordinator
Belinda provides administrative support on projects and coordinate our Quality Management System, as well as delivering GIS and desk-based research for clients.
Alex Russell
Consultant
