EnergyCareers 2021 will be held on October 20th from 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST. Come for the day or select a few blocks of time and join us for the sessions and experiences that interest you most. Rest assured, the day will be powerful, energizing, and it will fuel your interest in energy sector careers.
Note: All times are Eastern Standard Time
11:00-11:30am
Keynote Session
This kick-off session will explore what we can expect in the energy industry of tomorrow. How will the country be powered and fueled? What innovation is required to get there? What will the industry’s jobs look like and what skill sets will be most in demand? Energy companies will hire hundreds of thousands of people over the next several years for essential, dynamic, and well-paying jobs, a trend that shows no sign of slowing. Join us for this stage-setting program to have your eyes opened to all the energy industry has to offer and why a career in energy may be the best job you have never considered.
11:30am-12:15pm
Concurrent Sessions
High School Students: The Innovative and Imaginative Future of Energy and the Cool Careers it Offers
This session will highlight some of the newer areas of focus in the industry, including solar, wind, hydro, EV infrastructure, energy storage, etc., while also focusing on dynamic employment opportunities with more traditional power and fuel sources. Learn about attractive compensation, the chance to make a positive impact on society, and many of the other benefits of industry employment. Prepare to reimagine what you think about energy careers and the incredible opportunities that exist! Presenters: Shachi Magnoli, Florida Power and Light; Carlos Nouel, National Grid
College Students and Recent Grads: Powering Your Future - Engineering Careers in Energy
This session will bring the industry to life for engineering students and recent engineering grads by showcasing the types of projects and challenges the industry is addressing. Interested in creating a national charging system for electric vehicles? What about designing a new electric grid to power every square foot of the country? Perhaps developing wind farms interests you more? Or maybe you want to learn more about gas line operations or working within a nuclear power plant. We will showcase the need for various (read: ALL) types of engineers and career paths in the workforce. Presenters: Sarah Mazich, Exelon; and representatives from AVANGRID and DTE
Career Changers and Job Seekers: Discover Why You Should Consider an Energy Career
This overview session for career changers and job seekers will address top line reasons to work in the energy field, including the essential and stable work to be done, employment in a meaningful industry, the need for problem solvers and technical thinkers, inclusion in a community-focused environment, breadth of jobs, training opportunities, earning potential, and literally jobs for all who all demonstrate the aptitude and commitment. If you are looking for a change from your current role or not progressing, if you are seeking strong benefits and family-supporting compensation, if you seek meaningful and important work, join us to explore what you can find in the energy industry. If you have never even considered an energy career, this session is especially for you! Presenters: Stephanie Krabbe, Mears; Jason Watters, Alabama Power; Kylie Hrubes, Dominion Energy.
12:30-1:15pm
Concurrent Sessions
High School Students: Why Consider Energy Internships and Apprenticeships (and How to Find Them!)
No matter where you are in your high school journey, it’s a good time to think about exploring jobs that might interest you in the future. Whether you plan to work right after school, or attend college, there are tremendous opportunities you have likely never considered in the energy industry. If you want to work outdoors, if you want to be in business management, if you want to create and innovate, if you want to change the future or protect the planet – energy employers can fulfill all of these interests and more. This session will help students begin to consider careers in energy and address ways you can learn more through internships, apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships – and most importantly, how to get connected with them. Presenters: Gabriel Ijjo, Xcel Energy; Daniella Piper, NYPA; Bill Schwarz, Evergy
College Students and Recent Grads: Finding Your Future in the Innovative, Imaginative Energy Industry
This session will highlight some of the newer areas of focus in the industry, including solar, wind, hydro, EV infrastructure, energy storage, etc., while also focusing on dynamic employment opportunities in more traditional power and fuel sources. Learn about attractive compensation, the chance to make a positive impact on society, and many of the other benefits of industry employment. Prepare to reimagine what you think about energy careers and the incredible opportunities that exist! Presenters: Serene Hamsho, Avangrid; John Markowiz, NYPA and a recent graduate who is thriving in his new career as a wind technician.
Career Changers and Job Seekers: Explore Cyber-Security and IT Careers in Energy
This session will target “techy” professionals by explaining entry and transition points into the energy sector. We will overview the kinds of technology careers, offering a special focus on the importance of cyber-security and the kinds of projects on which these professionals work. Cyber-Security is a particularly in-demand area of employment for energy employers. Presenters: Gurdeep Kaur, PSEG; Robert Mims, Southern Company Gas
1:00-6:00pm
Exhibit Hall
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet virtually with energy employers from around the country! If you are actively looking for a job or an internship, don’t forget to get it into the hands of recruiters by uploading your resumé when you register. Stroll the virtual booths and learn more about companies in your area and job and internship openings they have available now or talk with representatives to see how to find the opportunity of your dreams.
1:00-6:00pm
Innovation Lab
Calling all students and educators – join us for a new energy challenge. (Details will be available in September.) Have some fun and meet us in the Innovation Lab to learn how other students used their creativity to showcase their vision on how to enhance the energy industry!
1:30-2:15pm
Concurrent Sessions
High School Students – Career Spotlight: What You Need to Know About Technical and Skilled Trade Careers in Energy.
This session will appeal to students looking for an immediate and ”hands-on” career path right after high school. We will overview industry opportunities for those who have technical, problem-solving minds and are eager for on-the-job learning. Learn about entry level positions and how and where employees can grow as they progress through their careers. People are often surprised to learn that many skilled trade positions offer six figure compensation, with no college degree required. Presenters: Tim Herman, Nicor Gas
College Students and Recent Grads: Career Spotlight - Cybersecurity and IT Jobs in Energy
This session will target “techy” professionals by explaining entry and transition points into the energy sector. We will overview the kinds of technology careers, offering a special focus on the importance of cyber-security (and why these professionals are in such high demand right now) and the kinds of projects on which these professionals work. Presenters: Robert Morgan, Southern Company Gas and a representative of PG&E.
Career Changers and Job Seekers: Technical and Skilled Trade Careers in Energy
Join us for an overview of the essential trade jobs that have immediate and perpetual openings, including what they are, earning potential, and how to get started. This is your chance to learn about working as a gas technician, lineworker, plant operator, electrician, welder, and so many other critical and in-demand jobs. This session, and the jobs it will cover, will be particularly beneficial for those who like working with their hands, spending time outdoors, and problem-solving. Presenters: Karen Stanford, Pepco; Juan Ortiz, FPL; and Rishona Harris, Centuri
2:30-3:15pm
Concurrent Sessions
High School Students: Planning Your Path Toward a Career in Energy
If you THINK you might be interested in an energy career, let’s work together to make that happen! During this session, industry professionals will offer guidance on what kind of coursework to pursue, what extra-curriculars may serve you well, and how to start the professional pursuit – whether that’s working in engineering, business, skilled trades, or other technical roles. Presenters: Alex Washington, Entergy; Annie Paskavitch, FPL; and a representative of SMUD.
College Students and Recent Grads: Turning Technical Talents into a Technical Career in Energy
Attention college students and recent grads who want to put your analytical and technical abilities to good use: THIS SESSION IS FOR YOU! Our panel will showcase a variety of job opportunities that will challenge your thinking and provide career growth and opportunity. If you like solving problems (the bigger, the better) or fixing things or are curious how things work, don’t miss this program that will intrigue you with all you can do in an energy career. Presenters: Nicole Fondren, Spire; Rich Asiyanbi, Nicor Gas; Valerie Rollo, National Grid.
Career Changers and Job Seekers: Transferring Military Experience to a Career in Energy
This session, led by military recruiters and former military professionals who now work in the energy sector, will address why so many veterans find their next careers in energy and how to make the career transition. A few hints for you: think leadership, teamwork, initiative; processes, security – to name just a few reasons careers in energy offer such a strong transition to those who have served in the military. Presenters: Michael Arnold, MasTec; Sam Rodriguez, Dominion Energy; Amber Fogarty, Consumers Energy
3:30-4:15pm
Concurrent Sessions
Business Careers in Energy: Calling Accountants, Marketers, Customer Service Reps, HR Pros, and Others
Many of the most visible energy careers are technical in nature and involve outdoor work – but there’s a lot of important work being done behind the scenes as well. This session for adult and college-aged individuals who are business-minded, to offer insight into why they should consider sharing their talents in the energy sector and how to transition into them. Presenters will highlight the array of talents needed to operate an energy company – from HR professionals to C-Suite leaders…accounting managers and marketing gurus…government and policy pros, and customer service reps and analytics specialists. Presenters: Karrie Leza, Mid-American; Mark Greene, Dominion Energy; Sequoia McGinnis and Cailin Daley, Portland General Electric
Who Would Have Imagined? Electric Vehicles and Careers in EV Infrastructure
It seems futuristic to think about cars being electric and non-reliant on gas – but that reality is upon us and the number of electric vehicles (EV) in the U.S. is growing annually. This session will talk about both EVs and the infrastructure needed to support them. We will hear from an electric vehicle manufacturer and an energy company tasked with ensuring our new rides can travel from coast to coast with ease. With the expected growth in this market segment, there will be tremendous number of new job opportunities.
Working Toward Environmental and Energy Justice for All
This session, targeting students and those passionate about social justice issues, will address the altruistic spirit of the industry, showing how the industry is supporting and expanding opportunities for equity in both the social and economic participation in the energy system.
Entrepreneurship in Energy
Think there is a lack of creativity and entrepreneurship in the energy industry? Think again! This session is designed to connect with those who have an entrepreneurial spirit, but don’t understand how to connect it with the energy sector. Participants will learn about starting their own company and/or putting that go-getter, agent-of-change desire into any position in the profession. Presenter: Sarah Valdovinos, Walden Energy
4:30-5:30pm
Ask An Expert
Join one of the sessions below for an opportunity to learn from industry experts, and others who are eager to help students and career seekers find their place in the energy sector.
- How to Network into an Energy Career
- Positioning Your Resume and Professional Profile for a Career in Energy
- Transferring Military Skills into Energy Careers