Find Your Nuclear Fit: Career Exploration Tools for the Future of Energy

In our latest episode of Naked Nuclear, we sat down with Dr. Fiona Rayment, OBE—a global leader in nuclear energy and workforce development. From leading research at the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory to advising international energy policy, Fiona is passionate about building the next generation of talent in nuclear.

One major theme of our conversation?

👉 There are more paths into nuclear than most people think.

Whether you’re into hands-on troubleshooting, long-range policy strategy, public engagement, or data science—there’s a place for you in nuclear. This article is a resource companion to that conversation, designed to help you explore the wide spectrum of careers available in this powerful, purpose-driven industry.

Quick Career Quizzes & Exploration Sites

These tools help you figure out which nuclear roles align with your interests—no PhD required.

🔗 ExploreNuclear.com – Career Explorer Tool

This site helps you filter career options by education, interest area, and skillset. It's user-friendly and packed with plain-language explanations.

💡 Best for: Students, career pivoters, and first-time explorers.

🔗 GetIntoEnergy.org – Career Finder

Take a short quiz that maps your strengths to energy sector roles—including nuclear. Especially helpful if you’re still unsure what roles exist in this space.

💡 Best for: Career changers, veterans, and curious minds.

🔗 Destination Nuclear (UK)

This UK-based initiative—developed in partnership with the British government—highlights career paths in the UK’s growing nuclear sector. While some job specifics are country-specific, the site offers valuable insight into global nuclear job functions and needed skills.

💡 Best for: International job-seekers, policy buffs, and global thinkers.

🔗 Nuclear Matters – Career Pathways

Nuclear Matters provides accessible videos and success stories that showcase the human side of the nuclear workforce—no jargon required.

💡 Best for: Story-driven learners and people who need a little inspiration.

🔗 DOE – 7 Nuclear Careers That Don’t Require an Engineering Degree

This short article busts one of the biggest myths about nuclear: that you have to be an engineer to be part of the solution. Spoiler alert—you don’t.

💡 Best for: Non-STEM professionals and multi-passionate folks.

🧠 STEM & Non-STEM Roles in Nuclear

Inspired by Fiona Rayment’s own career journey—from chemist to policy leader—here’s a snapshot of what’s possible in the field:

🔬 STEM Careers

• Reactor Operators

• Radiation Protection Technicians

• Materials Scientists

• Instrumentation & Controls Technicians

• Health Physicists

• Nuclear Chemists

💼 Non-STEM & Hybrid Careers

• Policy Advisors & Regulatory Analysts

• Nuclear Communications Professionals

• Project Managers & Operations Coordinators

• Skilled Trades (Welders, Electricians, Pipefitters)

• Cybersecurity Experts

• HR & Workforce Development Leaders (like Fiona herself!)

🎧 Listen + Learn More

If this post got you fired up about nuclear careers, don’t miss our episode with Dr. Fiona Rayment.
🎙️ We talk workforce gaps, global collaboration, and the unexpected roles that keep the industry moving.

▶️ Listen now: Dr. Fiona Rayment's Episode