Coffee Break Q&A with Adam Starkie

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB ROLE WITHIN THE ENERGY SECTOR?

Powerstar gave me my first taste of the Energy Sector; I joined the Proposals and Tendering Team after graduating in 2018. Last year, I joined an Electrical Design house as a Project Coordinator, before returning to Powerstar earlier this year as Project Accountant. I’m glad to be back!

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY AT POWERSTAR

The only commonality from day to day is being part of a proactive, cooperative and friendly team. The only other constant is change! Our projects are varied and our priorities move fast. It really is an exciting place to work.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT WORKING IN ENERGY?

It’s current (pardon the pun). It is rewarding to know that the work I do is helping our clients to meet their carbon reduction goals which in turn contributes towards a greener planet.

ARE THERE ANY DRAWBACKS TO WORKING IN THIS SECTOR?

Things change quickly in this sector, from technology to legislation, so there is a lot to keep up with. It just adds to the challenge and the fun of working at Powerstar!

WHAT’S YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE?

Helping Barnsley Lawn Tennis Club to achieve both Sheffield and Yorkshire Club of the Year Awards through being part of both a successful junior coaching team, and a competitive league team. It was great to see the junior players develop under our guidance and have our success recognised by the wider tennis community.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF WORK?

My main hobby is tennis; playing, watching, coaching and volunteering, I just love being involved! Together with a friend, I have been playing guitar and singing at a pub local to me – we’ve found our niche with cheesy songs that everybody knows! I’m also learning to play chess but I’m certainly no grandmaster.

ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY OFTEN CAUSE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN MANY INDUSTRIES, SUCH AS ENERGY. WHAT RECENT TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES HAVE HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?

I think communications advancements have had the biggest impact on my personal life. Being able to keep in touch with more people more frequently has improved my relationships with those close to me, and has allowed me to stay in contact with those further away. My friends are important to me so knowing that they’re only a message away is great.

IF YOU HAD TO GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO PEOPLE SEEKING JOBS IN ENERGY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Throw yourself into it! Don’t be deterred by all the technical vocabulary; everyone has to start somewhere and you’ll soon pick it up. The Energy Sector is dynamic and is rewarding to be a part of.

WHY POWERSTAR?

The company strives to go above and beyond for their clients, whilst empowering and investing in its own people. There is always something happening in the office, be it visits or events, but there is also the flexibility to work remotely. At its core is a good group of people whose hearts are in the right place. It’s a great team to work with.

DESCRIBE TEAM POWERSTAR IN 3 WORDS

• Agile.
• Innovative.
• Ambitious.