Career transitions can be messy, uncertain, and incredibly rewarding. I know this firsthand—I’m in the middle of one. I’m Brittany Cullen, a 2024 graduate of the XMNR program, and after years in project management at Fidelity Investments, I’m shifting into the world of sustainability and renewable energy. Through XMNR, I deepened my understanding of environmental challenges and began charting a path toward the clean energy sector. In this process, I’ve had countless questions: How do people make this leap? What does it take to translate past experience into a new field? To help answer those questions—not just for myself, but for others—I had the pleasure of interviewing a panel of XMNR alumni who have successfully transitioned into the renewable energy space.

These conversations weren’t just informative—they were inspiring. Hearing how each panelist leveraged transferable skills, navigated uncertainty, and stayed mission-driven offered insights that felt both practical and deeply motivating. I saw parts of my own journey in theirs, and I hope others considering a career pivot—into clean energy or any new sector—will find their stories equally valuable.

Here’s a snapshot of each:

Patty Fisher  – Vice President of Marketing at Envelio

Patty started her career at AOL in product marketing. She was first exposed to sustainability through a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative at a data center company she worked for. Now, as VP of Marketing at envelio, a German software company helping utilities modernize energy infrastructure, she leverages her experience in marketing, tech, and sustainability to impact the clean energy space.

Beck Long – Director of Workforce Services and Apprenticeship at SEIA

Beck’s journey started with planning global industry tours for the International Trade Administration, which sparked an interest in sustainability. After completing the XMNR program, Beck joined the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), where they now focus on helping the solar and storage industries recruit, train, and retain talent as the workforce grows.

Tyler Whitford – Senior Customer Success Manager at Transect

Tyler pivoted into climate tech from customer success by leveraging his soft skills in a mission-driven environment. At Transect, a renewable energy software company, he helps streamline site selection and due diligence for solar, wind, and battery projects. His persistence and relationship-building led to his role at Transect after initially not landing a job at a previous company.

Here are some key takeaways from the panelists regarding career change:

Patty’s Top 3 Takeaways:

  1. Leverage Existing Networks: Use alumni communities and LinkedIn to connect with professionals, conduct research, and follow influencers in the renewable energy space.
  2. Get Involved to Gain Exposure: Volunteer with environmental organizations or join boards, and participate in fellowships and certifications to build your sustainability knowledge and network.
  3. Confidence Is Key: Don't let imposter syndrome stop you—your skills and experiences, even from different industries, are valuable in the renewable energy sector.

Beck’s Top 3 Takeaways:

  1. Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills like project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement on your resume—these are highly valued, even without direct renewable energy experience.
  2. Networking and Curiosity Are Essential: Reach out to industry professionals, even informally. Building a network can create new opportunities, and asking questions helps you learn and gain confidence.
  3. Mission-Driven Professionals Thrive: The clean energy sector needs professionals with a passion for sustainability. A mission-driven mindset will make you more successful and fulfilled in this field.

Tyler’s Top 3 Takeaways:

  1. Relationships Matter More Than You Think: Building trust and rapport with hiring managers—even after rejections—can lead to future job opportunities.
  2. Soft Skills Are Powerful: Communication, relationship-building, and trust are often just as important as technical expertise, especially in customer-facing or client success roles.
  3. Stay Engaged with the Community: Networking in the renewable energy space isn’t just about following companies—it’s about engaging with the community, attending panels, and connecting with key individuals who share common interests.

Hosting this panel was more than just a professional opportunity—it was a moment of reflection on my own career journey and the paths of so many peers I've spoken with who are navigating change. What stood out to me most was not just what the panelists did to make their pivots, but how they did it—with intention, community, and persistence.

I’ve also found value in many of the same strategies they shared: reaching out to people in roles I’m curious about, being active in alumni and professional networks, and continuing to build my fluency in the language of sustainability and energy. Some of the best conversations I’ve had recently came from sending a thoughtful LinkedIn message or attending niche events and just showing up—something each panelist touched on.

For anyone exploring a career shift into renewable energy or purpose-driven work, here are a few additional resources I found helpful:

●      Slack Communities like Work on Climate
●      Books like Switchers by Dawn Graham and Good Work by Shannon Houde
●      Networking Organizations like Women in Cleantech & Sustainability (WCS) and New England Women in Energy & the Environment (NEWIEE)
●      Volunteer Opportunities like Seed Consulting Group

Above all, the throughline of this conversation was clear: you don’t have to have a traditional background to thrive in this sector—you just need clarity on your values, commitment to learning, and the courage to take the first step.

If this panel sparked any questions or if you’re in the midst of a career pivot yourself, I’d love to connect or hear your story.