Gorby Jandu
ConsultantCRA Corporate Risk AssociatesFrom Safety Management Consulting to Nuclear Energy: Gorby's Unique Journey
A Diverse Background
Gorby’s career path is a testament to the versatility required in today’s job market. With a background spanning product design, sales, and marketing, he brings a unique perspective to the nuclear sector. One that considers attributes alongside experience to get the outcome needed.
A Strategic Shift
Unlike many, Gorby didn’t begin his career in nuclear, his career change into the industry came in 2023 after attending the CRA Risk and Safety Forum, a popular nuclear industry event. This deepened his interest in an area he was slightly familiar with through news and the global energy and national security news.
Gorby’s academic background in political science and national security further sparked his interest in the nuclear sector - his doctoral research focused on the role of politics in maintaining economic and sovereign national security. This provided him with a strategic understanding of the industry’s importance to national security in terms of energy and national deterrent programmes. This combination of academic expertise and a national need for self-sufficiency in national agendas tied in with his growing awareness of the sector’s skills shortage. Hence, a career change from general consulting into nuclear.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
Transitioning from consulting more generally to doing the same in the nuclear industry presented its challenges. Gorby had to overcome initial perceptions of his skill set and had to demonstrate very quickly his ability to contribute to the sector. However, he found an immediate supportive environment within CRA and Assystem that valued diverse perspectives and offered opportunities for professional growth. Furthermore, the nuclear industry's focus on long-term planning and commitment to work-life balance also appealed to him.
A Career for Life
Having a career that allows him to work around his family was one of the most important things to Gorby. “I had a daughter, Maya, just as I began my PhD a decade ago and I wanted a career that would allow me to spend time with her. The nuclear sector does just that. Flexible working patterns and using outcomes rather than schedules to apply yourself has meant I work around school diaries, take time off for special occasions and be around at the weekends. This has also had the surprising impact of increasing my productivity - something I know now is well known about the nuclear sector.”
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Gorby's journey highlights the importance of transferable skills and a willingness to explore new opportunities. So what’s his advice to those considering a career switch into the nuclear industry?
Network with Industry Professionals
Building relationships with people already working in the sector can provide valuable insights and guidance. It can be hard at first, but the rewards are significant. They need us more than we actually know!
Understand the Industry's Breadth
The nuclear industry encompasses a wide range of roles, from engineering to central government policy making. Find one that suits your attributes and natural skill over technical knowledge and qualifications, there will be so many to choose from that aren’t obvious at first.
Gorby's story shows that a successful career in the nuclear industry is accessible to anyone from most backgrounds. By combining expertise with a strategic mindset, individuals can thrive in this dynamic and rewarding field. As Gorby says, in nuclear, attributes and attitude is no less important than qualifications and experience.