Getting to know your Renewable Power Committee Members: Jonathan May

As a member of RPC you must have a passion about engineering and the renewable power industry. How did it all start and what was the attraction for you?

It all started for me back at a career day before choosing my A-levels (that’s what they were called then, not sure if they have the same name now?). My career advisor suggested a degree in Mechanical and Computer Aided Engineering due to me being half decent at Maths and Science and having an interest in computers. I haven’t really looked back since then. The attraction was the jobs associated with Engineering sounded like they were reasonably well-paid and felt rewarding.

What is your current position and employer and what attracted you to that role and company?

I’m currently in a business development and technical sales manager role for Siemens Energy UK working in the Grid Technologies business. I was attracted to the change to the Grid Solutions role as I had spent the last 15 years working in Turbomachinery and Gas Turbine businesses and wanted to make a change. 

You mention business culture so I assume this is important for you but how much should this influence career decisions?

It is really important to understand and (hopefully!) value the culture in the organisation you work for. It has a strong influence on how you feel connected to your work and your motivation to perform for the business. 

Have there been any specific risks you may have taken in your career and as you look back you can see the benefit in the risk you took?

I took a risk moving from a familiar role and location within Siemens Energy to a new area and one that I knew fewer people but knew it would challenge me to develop new relationships and connections. 

What examples do you have of good advice you’ve received throughout your career?

Always have a mentor (it helped with my change in roles recently), keep challenging yourself so you don’t become stale. 

Talking of difficult situations, there must have been setbacks or some level of failure you experienced in your career. What have you taken away from these setbacks?

I found that it increased my resilience and determination and also inspired me to keep learning, new approaches and how people view me. 

Outside of your work life what do you do to enjoy life and any reading or other tips to share?

I enjoy fly-fishing, reading and managing junior sports and spending time with my family. 


Your Renewable Power Committee is seeking new members
The Renewable Power Committee is seeking expressions of interest from new members to join the committee. If interested, or want to find out more, please contact us to find out more