There is no single path into energy: Lessons from My Energy Future Champions

What do an Operations Coordinator in Senegal, a Project Engineer in Scotland, a Head of Energy Projects in Mexico, an Apprentice Project Officer in England, a Scholarship Research Student in Brazil and a Subsea Commissioning Lead in Scotland have in common?

None of them followed exactly the path they expected.

As part of SCQF Week 2026, we're celebrating the idea that all learning counts and that there are many different ways to build the skills, knowledge and confidence that can shape your future.

Learning doesn't just happen in the classroom. From STEM activities and volunteering to work experience, hobbies and everyday challenges, every experience can help you discover what you enjoy, what you're good at and where your future could take you.

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) helps people understand and compare different types of learning and qualifications in Scotland. Through SCQF Week, we are shining a spotlight on the many pathways people take to achieve their goals and reminds us that every learning experience has value.

To mark the week, we asked our My Energy Future Champions from around the world to share the lessons they've learned throughout their journeys. Working across different sectors, disciplines and geographies, their stories demonstrate that there is no single path into energy and no single route to success.

There is no single route into energy

One of the strongest messages from our Champions is that you don't need to have your entire future mapped out when you're at school.

For Seydina Seye, now an Operations Coordinator in Senegal, a career in energy wasn't always part of the plan.

"I didn't have a clear idea that I would work in energy. My career direction became clearer as I continued my studies and discovered more about the industry."

For Shelda Corrêa, a Scholarship Research Student in Brazil, the ambition was completely different.

"I wanted to be a doctor when I was at school."

Meanwhile, Cynthia Bassey, a Project Engineer based in Scotland, knew from a young age that she wanted to work in energy after seeing how important reliable energy access is for people and communities.

And while Natalia Carrera, Head of the Energy Projects Unit in Mexico, always wanted to work in the sector, her career began in government rather than industry, giving her experiences and perspectives she never expected.

Their journeys look very different, but they all show that there is no single route into energy.

Learning happens everywhere

School, college and university provide valuable foundations, but our Champions highlighted how much learning happens outside formal education.

Throughout his career, Seydina has worked across aviation fuel, maintenance, offshore logistics and operations.

"Each experience gave me something different."

For Natalia, some of the most valuable lessons have come through travelling, experiencing different cultures and learning from people with different perspectives.

"One of the biggest lessons I've learned outside formal education is to keep learning from every place I go and every person I meet along the way."

In England, Leah Kennerley developed a deeper understanding of the role community energy can play in improving energy resilience and supporting local communities.

Meanwhile, Scott Harper, a Subsea Commissioning Lead based in Scotland, believes some of the most important lessons are about people.

"The interpersonal side to engineering is critical to achieve the outcome you need. Nothing major happens without a team."

Together, these experiences reinforce the idea that learning can happen anywhere and often continues long after formal education has finished.

The skills that open doors

Despite working in different roles, countries and parts of the energy sector, our Champions identified many of the same skills as being critical to their success.

Communication emerged as a common theme.

For Seydina, communication, adaptability and curiosity have been key throughout his career.

"I've learned that knowing how to work with people can be just as important as what you know technically."

Similarly, Cynthia highlighted adaptability, communication and problem-solving as essential skills in a constantly evolving sector.

Scott Harper pointed to:

"Clear but concise communication, logical reasoning, respectful challenge and seeing the bigger picture."

While Shelda emphasised communication and teamwork, Leah highlighted innovation and understanding different perspectives.

The good news? These are skills that can be developed through STEM activities, volunteering, school projects, part-time jobs, sports and everyday experiences.

Stay curious about what's possible

Another message shared by every Champion was the importance of remaining open to opportunities.

As careers develop, unexpected experiences often become defining moments.

"You never really know where an opportunity can take you," says Seydina.

For Cynthia, many of the opportunities that shaped her career came from putting herself forward and saying yes to new experiences.

"Very few people follow a linear career path."

Scott shares a similar perspective.

"It's almost impossible to know exactly how you'll feel about something until you do it, and sometimes you grow exponentially in more challenging opportunities without realising that's what you're doing."

And as Natalia explains:

"You don't need to have your entire career figured out from the beginning."

Your future could start anywhere

As we celebrate SCQF Week 2026, the experiences shared by our My Energy Future Champions demonstrate that careers in energy are as diverse as the people working within them.

From Senegal to Scotland, Mexico to Brazil and England, our Champions work in different roles and sectors. Some always knew they wanted to work in energy. Others discovered the industry later through study, opportunity or experience.

What connects them isn't where they started. It's their willingness to keep learning.

A STEM challenge. A volunteering opportunity. A school project. A conversation. A new experience.

Each can help you build skills, discover new interests and open doors you didn't know existed.

Because there is no single path into energy. And that's exactly what makes the journey so exciting.