From one industry to another and how our colleagues are bringing new skills into energy

Across E.ON, colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds are bringing new skills, perspectives and experiences to help deliver a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for customers and communities.

One of those people is Regan Harris, Corporate PR Manager, who joined E.ON after building her career in the water sector. While water and energy may seem like very different industries, Regan has found many similarities between the two, from the responsibility of delivering essential services to the sense of purpose shared by the people who work within them.

We spoke to Regan about the skills she's brought with her, what has surprised her most about working in energy and why she believes the sector offers exciting opportunities for people considering a career change.

Looking back, which skills from your time in water have proved most valuable in your role at E.ON?

"My time in the water sector taught me a lot about communicating around services that people rely on every day. Whether it's water or energy, customers expect reliability, transparency and clear information, especially when something unexpected happens.

What I've enjoyed most across both sectors, though, is the opportunity to tell stories about work that many people probably wouldn't realise is happening behind the scenes. Both industries are full of dedicated people doing important and often fascinating work, and I've loved helping bring those stories to life.

Whether it's highlighting innovation, celebrating colleagues or showcasing the positive impact we're having in local communities, storytelling is a powerful way to help people better understand and connect with the work we do."

What surprised you most about working in the energy sector?

"I think what surprised me most was just how much change is happening across the industry. Energy is at the heart of so many important conversations around sustainability, technology and the journey to net zero, but it's also closely tied to wider geopolitical events and global markets. Things happening on the other side of the world have a real impact on energy security, prices and policy here in the UK and there is real opportunity now to readdress that balance. There's a real sense of momentum, and it's exciting to be part of an industry that's helping shape the future.”

What would you say to someone in another industry who is considering a career in energy?

"I'd say go for it. The energy sector offers the chance to work on issues that genuinely matter to people's daily lives and to the UK's future. There are opportunities for people from a wide range of backgrounds, and many skills are highly transferable. It's a sector that's evolving rapidly and provides plenty of opportunities to learn and develop."

The water and energy sectors both provide essential services. What similarities have you noticed between the two?

"There are actually a lot of similarities. Both sectors provide services that people depend on every single day, often without giving them much thought until something changes or goes wrong.

Two things have particularly stood out to me. Firstly, the sense of purpose. Whether you're helping provide clean water or reliable energy, you're contributing to something that's essential to people's daily lives. That brings a shared responsibility to do the right thing for customers and communities.

Secondly, the people. I've been fortunate to work alongside some fantastic colleagues in both sectors, and they've both been great industries to be part of. There's a real commitment to delivering for customers and making a positive difference, which creates a strong sense of pride in the work we do."

Bringing new perspectives to energy

As the UK continues its journey towards net zero, attracting people with diverse skills and experiences will play a vital role in delivering the energy transition. From communications and customer service to engineering, technology and innovation, there is no single route into the sector.

Regan's experience demonstrates how transferable skills can help people make a successful move into energy while bringing fresh perspectives that strengthen the industry. Her story is also a reminder that behind every innovation, every new technology and every step towards a more sustainable future are talented people working together to make a difference.

At E.ON, it's our people who are powering the transition to a cleaner, smarter energy future and careers like Regan's show that there are opportunities for everyone to be part of that journey.