What a Clean Energy Business Development Director at ABS wishes they had known before entering the Clean Energy industry
Kirk, a Director of Business Development with an engineering background, found the transition to a business development role surprisingly different, noting that "business development requires a bit more...rigor," than the more linear approach of engineering. The learning curve involved adapting their work style, but mentorship and on-the-job experience helped bridge the gap.
Business Development, Clean Energy, Engineering, Career Transition, Professional Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kirk Waltz
Director, Business Development - Clean Energy Transition
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (MS), Rice University (MBA)
Engineering - Civil, Engineering - Environmental
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management
Sales and Client Management
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Business development requires a different skillset than engineering, demanding more flexibility and adaptability.
2. The role necessitates understanding specific business development needs beyond general engineering knowledge.
3. Learning by doing and having good mentors are crucial for success in this field.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
From a general business development perspective, being an engineer by education and by trade in my career, business development is a very unique and different means of operating on a daily basis. There are aspects of my personality, the way I get work done, that are more linear and pragmatic as an engineer.
Business development requires a bit more rigor and certain aspects of my personality that may make it a little more challenging from a business development perspective. I wish I had learned more about the specific needs in a business development role before getting into this.
However, I've been able to learn by doing, which has been really great. I also have some good colleagues and mentors to help me.