Education and Training Requirements
High School
A well-rounded education is a good foundation for future energy broker work. Take classes in mathematics, science, social sciences, business, and English. Energy brokers use various software programs in their work so be sure to take computer classes.
Postsecondary Education
A bachelor's degree is required for most energy broker positions. Many brokers have a degree in business, economics, finance, marketing, or in the field related to the energy products and services that are sold. College courses include marketing, business management, economics, communications, mathematics, and English. Foreign language classes are also useful.
Other Education or Training
Many organizations—such as theAmerican Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy,Association of Energy Engineers,Global Association of Risk Professionals, National Energy Marketers Association,The Energy Professionals Association,and the Association of Energy Conservation Professionals—offer conferences, seminars, webinars, and other continuing education (CE) opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.
Certification, Licensing, and Special Requirements
Certification
Energy brokers may receive the energy risk professional certification from the Global Association of Risk Professionals. For further information, visit https://www.garp.org/#!/erp. The Association of Energy Engineers offers the certified energy procurement professional designation to professionals in the field of purchasing, selling, and marketing electricity and gas. Find information at https://www.aeecenter.org/certifications. Energy brokers may also receive certification from the Manufacturers' Representatives Educational Research Foundation, which offers the Certified Professional Manufacturers' Representative (CPMR) designation. Requirements include having completed formal training, passing a certification exam, and commiting to yearly continuing education. Learn more at https://mrerf.org.
Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits
Employers prefer to hire energy brokers that have two or more years of experience and a proven track record in making sales.
The job requires strong communication skills and the ability to speak with people of all professional levels and backgrounds. Clear speaking skills are needed to effectively share information about energy products and services. Equally important is the ability to listen closely to customers, to better understand their needs and concerns. Successful energy brokers create a dialogue with customers, always asking them questions to clarify information, which also helps them know which energy products and services will best fit the customer's situation. Self-confidence is essential for contacting prospective clients and presenting information in sales pitches. Strong negotiation skills will help get clients the best prices and increase the broker's client base. Energy brokers must also have strong knowledge of various software programs, including customer relationship planning software such as Oracle Siebel CRM and enterprise resource planning software like SAP.
