Inga

Inga’s career journey is a compelling example of following your passion and making a difference. After working in IT for several years, Inga decided to make a significant career shift into offshore wind energy project planning, driven by a desire to contribute to a more sustainable future.

"The idea of working in offshore wind energy was the result of a long process of self-discovery," Inga explains. "In IT, I often found purpose, but I started asking myself if I could do more. I wanted to make a tangible difference for future generations. My efforts at home—recycling and reducing consumption—didn’t feel impactful enough in the grand scheme of things."

This growing sense of responsibility led her to explore renewable energy. After much research into various energy sources, Inga found herself particularly drawn to offshore wind energy. "I believed that offshore wind has huge potential to make a real difference. It aligned with my values and goals." With this new passion, she took a bold step to transition from IT to the energy sector.

However, the shift wasn’t without its challenges. Inga had theoretical knowledge of renewable energy but no practical experience in the field. "I worried whether I would be able to succeed in such a different industry," she admits. She knew she would need to start from scratch, gaining experience and working her way up again, even though she had been progressing toward leadership roles in IT.

At this crucial moment, Ignitis Group’s internal career consultations provided Inga with the support she needed. "The consultations helped me clarify my goals and find additional resources to learn more about the field. They gave me the confidence to make the change and pursue my passion," says Inga.

In her new role, Inga quickly realized that many of the skills she had developed in IT were transferable. "Effective communication and the ability to gather the right information are essential in both fields. I often find myself working with experts who have been in the energy industry for years, and my experience in IT helps me navigate complex systems and platforms," she explains.

Although there were challenges, Inga embraced the learning curve, including mastering the technical terminology and industry-specific acronyms. "I created a glossary for myself, and I still add to it," she laughs. Inga also had to adjust to the idea that she couldn’t know everything immediately. "In IT, I always aimed to be an expert in my field. It took some time to accept that not knowing everything right away is okay—it’s part of the learning process."

Reflecting on her journey, Inga is grateful for the support she received from Ignitis Group and her colleagues. "The internal career consultations and the encouragement from my team were key to my successful transition," she says. Her experience has deepened her appreciation for the complexity of renewable energy projects. "These projects involve so much more than just building wind turbines. They are the result of careful planning, research, and the work of many people."

For those considering a similar career shift, Inga’s advice is simple: "Be persistent. It took me four applications to finally land a role in offshore wind energy, but I didn’t give up. Keep learning and don’t hesitate to talk to people in the field. You never know what insights you’ll gain from one conversation."