By Katie McKy
The energy/gas/utilities industry is moving sustainability solutions forward, which is opening up many bright career opportunities to power the world with clean energy.
Gibellino Supports & Leads FirstEnergy’s JCP&L Engineering Organization
Dana I. Gibellino is the director of engineering services at Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a FirstEnergy subsidiary that services 1.1 million customers in central and northern New Jersey.
“I support and lead the JCP&L engineering organization in its efforts to serve our customers, and to provide safe and reliable services, and in its efforts to support the distribution capital portfolio for all FirstEnergy electric distribution companies,” she notes.
FirstEnergy employs 12,000 professionals across five states. Want to work at this powerhouse? Gibellino offers some insight: “FirstEnergy looks for potential employees whose behaviors align with our core values of integrity, stewardship, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), performance excellence, and safety. We seek team members who represent the communities we serve because we want our customers to see themselves in us.”
FirstEnergy also seeks potential employees willing to help the company to innovate and continuously improve. Its customer-centric focus is something Gibellino appreciates about the company. “I love that my company’s focus is on our customers and making their lives brighter. We provide an essential service, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. It’s really rewarding to know we have a direct impact on our customers’ daily lives.”
Supplying an essential service, whatever the weather, comes from a culture of customer care, according to Gibellino. “Putting the customer first makes it a great organization of which to be a part.”
If you, too, want to serve in such an essential industry and capacity, and you’re still in school, then Gibellino tenders some advice to you: “Find your passion. From the outside looking into an electric utility, you may think all of the engineers have similar roles and responsibilities, but there are so many different ways to grow and contribute both as a future employee and as a steward of your community.”
If you don’t find the right path right away, then keep looking, she continues. “Keep searching until you find the one that does ignite your passion. Take advantage of opportunities to learn and broaden your skill set while you’re searching for the right path because knowledge and experience are always valuable in any role you take.”
If you’re hired, then know there will be challenges. Here’s how Gibellino overcame one of hers: “I was switching from our transmission side of the organization to distribution. This was also the first time I was taking on a formal leadership role as a supervisor. The scary part of this wasn’t only leading a team and being responsible for others, but also taking that on in a role in which I didn’t have a lot of direct experience.”
Gibellino soon learned that leaders don’t have to have all of the answers. “It is, however, critical to ask questions, learn, and, most importantly, recognize and appreciate those who do have the knowledge and experience to help you in your transition.”
Challenges aren’t a one-and-done deal either. “One of the biggest challenges is keeping up with the industry news, initiatives and technology. We’re in a very exciting time right now where technology is quickly advancing,” she observes.
Technological advances are driving benefits for the customer, and the regulatory environments are also changing due to green energy and climate change initiatives. “The challenge is navigating some uncharted territories, but all of these items will help drive positive change across the industry.”
Some parting advice? “Moving into new roles and being invited into new spaces can sometimes be intimidating. A former boss once shared with me I wouldn’t be invited if people didn’t think I had something to contribute. It’s such a simple thought, but reminding yourself of this can really help to reinforce your own self-confidence,” Gibellino concludes.
Learn about Akron, OH-headquartered FirstEnergy via X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Flickr and YouTube. Explore careers at firstenergycorp.com/careers.html.
Abouhassan Beams About Her Role at ComEd Lighting Up Communities
At nighttime, when Najwa Abouhassan, senior manager of engineering standards for ComEd, is on final approach to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport and looks out the window at the great, shining city, she also beams. “I have a strong sense of purpose knowing I have a role in lighting up our community,” she shares.
Working for a utility company delivers that purpose. You see it every day, from radiating cities to lonely barnyard lights. As a result, Abouhassan not only beams about her work there, but also about her team. “I’m a member of an esteemed engineering team dedicated to providing safe, reliable and affordable service to our customers,” she notes.
ComEd’s collaborative culture is clearly empowering, too. “It’s hard not to get energized by my team and colleagues as we share the common goal of serving our customers. The teams at ComEd continuously impress me as all of teams emphasize both innovation and sustainability. We aren’t only meeting on the needs of today, but also actively shaping the future of energy via forward-thinking initiatives and grid modernization,” she adds.
Abouhassan is one of 6,600 ComEd employees, all hired for the following qualities, as she cites: “Our company seeks those who are adaptable, innovative, and courageous, and who take the time to develop themselves and others.”
Sharing these qualities facilitates the tight teamwork that powers ComEd, according to Abouhassan. “I love the collaborative environment, the deep dedication to innovation and impactful projects that service our communities.”
Within the teams, individuals prosper. “ComEd fosters an environment that fosters both personal and professional opportunities. Moreover, the supportive and collaborative atmosphere within our teams encourages everyone to contribute their perspectives. Whether it’s overcoming challenges or celebrating successes, I appreciate the mutual respect that defines our work environment,” she elaborates.
Abouhassan is invigorated by being part of something so profound, supportive and collaborative at ComEd. “I love being part of something greater than myself and having a sustainable impact in the lives of millions while driving positive change in the journey to electrification,” she reflects.
If you’re still in school and also want to be part of something bigger than yourself, then Abouhassan has some advice: “Learn about the different topics such as renewables, energy policy, electrification, generation, transmission and distribution. It’s also important to learn about how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact the industry.”
Students learn these things by joining industry groups at their universities and expanding their network. “Doing so can help open opportunities for internships and research opportunities,” she further points out.
Doing so will also prep you for inevitable challenges. Here’s how Abouhassan overcame one: “There was a piece of equipment that failed, and the replacement part in stock was damaged, and lead time to order the equipment was several months. I had to come up with a plan with the parts available to find a solution.”
Abouhassan tapped teamwork, seeking advice from some engineers in her network and collecting additional insights from the crews.
“This collaborative brainstorming helped me consider new angles to tackle the problem. I remained persistent and resilient, and recognized I had a strong team at my company who was supportive. We were able to get the equipment energized, and the customer was restored. This challenging problem taught me the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and adaptability in navigating difficult situations,” she concludes.
Learn about Chicago, IL-headquartered ComEd via Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Instagram. Explore careers at jobs.exeloncorp.com.
López Facilitates Wind, Solar & Battery Storage Energy Projects for Avangrid
Lourdes López is the unit manager, customer-funded projects New York at Avangrid. “I lead our team in facilitating the execution of interconnection of wind, solar, and battery storage energy projects from developers into the NYSEG and RG&E territories, in addition to supplying electricity to major industrial and commercial customers for the region’s economic development,” she details.
López is one of approximately 8,000 Avangrid employees. They’re connected by more than profound purpose, as they share traits, too. “Avangrid seeks individuals with a combination of skills to contribute to its success in the energy industry, including adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership and a customer focus,” she explains.
If you’re hired, then you might share López’s appreciation of Avangrid. “I love the abundant opportunities for personal and professional growth. Moreover, I deeply appreciate the company’s commitment to inclusivity and equity, and fostering an environment where we feel valued and empowered to succeed,” she elaborates.
And if you’re still in school? “I advise students to actively seek mentors within the energy industry. A mentor can provide invaluable guidance, insight, and support tailored to the specific challenges and opportunities within the industry. Additionally, mentors can offer personalized advice about career development, networking opportunities and navigating the complexities of the sector.”
López leaned on mentors and others to meet one challenge. “One of the hardest times was the decision to pursuing my master’s degree while balancing a full-time job and family commitments. I knew trying to handle everything at once would be a lot, but I’ve always had a deep love for learning, and that kept me going through the tough times,” she shares.
López counted the little victories that each day brought and got by, “with a little help from [her] friends,” just like The Beatles song.
“I leaned on the support of my mentors, teachers, and peers who encouraged me, and who helped me navigate through rough patches,” she recalls.
And she learned an essential lesson. “This experience has reinforced my belief that growth comes from embracing challenges and remaining open to new opportunities.”
New opportunities have transformed her career as much as Avangrid transforms the energy landscape.
“My journey from a technical background in electrical substation design to advancing as a principal engineer and later transitioning into project management has uniquely prepared me for my current role as a unit manager,” she reflects. “My extensive experience in both fields provided me with the overview I needed to fully understand the complexities and difficulties my team may encounter while completing our projects.”
Her preceding roles enables her to effectively lead, too. “After gaining experience in various engineering sectors such as industrial and generation, I found myself gravitating toward the utilities industry due to its direct impact on communities. Working in utilities allows me to contribute to providing an essential services like electricity to people’s homes and businesses. Knowing my work directly improves the quality of life for others is incredibly fulfilling and meaningful to me.”
Her current role might be her favorite, however. “I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to lead and collaborate with a talented team on impactful projects that drive positive change in the energy industry. Working with customer-funded projects places me at the intersection of sustainability, innovation and engineering. Overall, the dynamic nature of my role and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the renewable energy sector are what I find most fulfilling at Avangrid,” López concludes.
Learn about Orange, CT-headquartered Avangrid via LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Explore careers at avangrid.com/peopleandtalent.
Eidam Works on Collaborative Solutions at MidAmerican Energy
For Kristin Eidem, associate gas delivery planning manager at MidAmerican Energy, school was tough, as it is for many engineering students. “My sophomore year of college was a struggle for me,” she reveals.
“I went into engineering because I like to problem-solve and wanted to be challenged academically, but I didn’t quite realize for what I was signing up. I think most people who have gone through engineering school remember the first time you studied countless hours for a test only to get the grade back to find you failed.”
Eidem wondered about her choice. “It made me question my ability to make it through the program and if I even wanted to, I feared that it’d never get better.”
Eidem linked arms with friends. “Luckily, I had a great group of friends in the major going through the same thing as me. We studied together and went to professor office hours. With a lot of hard work – and the help of some grading curves – I made it through school, and I gained skills and perseverance to push through problems I encounter in my daily life.”
Getting the job done via collaboration is also the MidAmerican way. “The atmosphere at MidAmerican is not a highly competitive one. Everyone works as a team and is supportive of each other. Asking questions is encouraged. We all work together toward a common goal and recognize this can only be accomplished when we aren’t working in silos,” she elaborates.
A perk is that workmates become pals, according to Eidem. “While the people do work hard, this openness also lends itself to strong interpersonal relationships and allows us to have fun at the same time.”
Eidem’s collaborative mindset works outside her team, too. “Don’t be afraid to talk to the people your work is going to affect. Whether it be operations or customers, understand the process and their needs. The solution that seems technically obvious oftentimes isn’t best one. You can reach better solutions if you’re willing to approach the problem humbly and ask questions.”
Admitting to the limits of your knowledge takes courage. “It can be scary to let others know you don’t have the answers, but people generally respect you if you’re honest. Listen and work to understand what you can do to help others,” she encourages.
Eidem leads the team that uses modeling software to determine natural gas system improvements needed to provide safe and reliable gas service to customers at the lowest cost. Cost is key in the utility sector.
“The population is growing, yet cost should remain low for the sake of the customer. New technologies are emerging to meet these challenges,” she notes.
Eidem loves meeting these challenges. “Engineering in the utility industry is actually very exciting,” she enthuses.
“People always need heat and power, so it’s stable work, but the means to provide it are constantly evolving. There’s an increased focus on sustainability, efficiency, and environmental factors, as well as a continued focus on safety and the reliability of systems.”
This is all good news for leaders and challenge-meeters like Eidem. “It’s important to bring in a bright, diverse set of minds to navigate the future of an industry that has an intimate effect on everyone’s daily lives.”
Want aboard? Here’s who gets hired, according to Eidem: “We expect integrity as a base standard for anyone in the company. Without it, we can’t build toward anything greater. We promote a culture that allows employees to bring their full selves to work. And we adhere to a set of principles that enables us to provide high-quality service at a low cost. Lastly, we seek opportunities to go above and beyond for our customers.”
Learn about Des Moines, IA-headquartered MidAmerican via Facebook, X, YouTube and LinkedIn. Explore careers at midamericanenergy.com/careers.
Joslin Parlays Her Innate Curiosity into a Dynamic Career at Ameren
Swan Joslin, a system planning engineer for Ameren, was a seriously curious kid. “From a very young age (and to my family’s dismay), I’d dismantle everything I could get my little hands on to understand how it operated. Afterward, I’d attempt to reassemble it and sometimes I was even successful.”
It’s said that curiosity killed the cat, but, in Joslin’s case, curiosity killed her beloved toy. “I wanted to speed up the baking time of my Easy Bake Oven. So I had the grand idea to switch the original light bulb with a bulb that had twice the wattage. Technically, I was correct,” she recalls.
She learned about the best laid plans of mice and girls. “Sadly, it melted my Easy Bake Oven. Although my grandmother was proud of my innovative idea, she didn’t replace my sad, melted oven,” she remembers.
The setback was ephemeral. “Once I became older, I realized my strong inclination toward mathematics, science and technology. Therefore, I aimed to identify a career field that would allow me to integrate these aspects into my daily work. Given the numerous and diverse disciplines within engineering, selecting this career field felt like a natural decision for me,” she shares.
As a system planning engineer, Joslin performs system studies and technical analysis over the various natural gas systems, with emphasis on high pressure and transmission systems, throughout the areas of Southern Illinois. She loves her work and career.
“I love working for Ameren Illinois because it provides me with ample opportunities for career progression and the chance to diversify my skill set via continuous learning. I have also been quite fortunate to collaborate with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, knowledge and experiences,” she elaborates.
Her enthusiasm wasn’t immediate, however. “When I first started working in the engineering field, I found it to be very intimidating. I was the new person, in a new environment, and I was worried that I wouldn’t be up to the challenge.”
That discomfort didn’t last long. “Day by day, I found myself more comfortable in my new environment and career. Those feelings of anxiousness were temporary, and I had to adopt a new mindset because college had provided me with the tools necessary, and I had an excellent support network of colleagues.”
She recognized her doubt for what it was. “I had to ignore my imposter syndrome and view the situation as it was – a new opportunity to progress in my career and develop/improve upon my skills.”
Joslin is one of the approximately 9,200 Ameren employees who provide energy services to approximately 2.4 million electric customers and 900,000 natural gas customers across 64,000 square miles in Illinois and Missouri. Want to join their number?
“In order to align oneself with Ameren’s core values, Ameren seeks people who have strong collaboration and effective communication skills combined with adept problem-solving capabilities, and who also strive to produce high-quality results.”
And if you’re still in school? “Work on skills and techniques that will prove beneficial throughout your schooling, careers, and life, in general, such as having a good work-life balance, efficiently managing one’s time, and developing a proactive and optimistic outlook.”
And if you’re hired by Ameren, then Joslin even has advice for that, too: “I highly recommend learning about the various aspects and groups of Ameren Illinois. Cross-train with different groups when possible. Doing so will enable you to become a well-rounded employee and position yourself as an excellent candidate for advancement within the company.”
Learn about St. Louis, MO-headquartered Ameren via LinkedIn, Facebook and X. Explore careers at ameren.com/company/careers.
Energy’s Future Is Bright
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the energy sector is booming, adding nearly 300,000 jobs from 2021 to 2022.
The energy categories with notable job growth include the following:
Electric vehicle jobs increased by 26.2%, adding 21,961 new jobs.
Hybrid electric vehicle jobs increased 19.7%, adding 23,577 new jobs.
Solar energy jobs increased by 5.4%, adding 17,212 new jobs.
Wind energy jobs increased by 2.9%, adding 3,347 new jobs.
Energy efficiency jobs increased by 2.7%, adding 57,741 new jobs.
Transmission, distribution, and storage jobs increased by 1.9%, adding 22,779 new jobs.
Sparking this energetic employment growth are sustainability and climate. In fact, clean energy transitions and efforts to decarbonize energy are the prevailing trend reshaping global energy employment.
Accelerating the push to greener solutions to shore up security and resilience of supply are geopolitics, wars and supply chain issues in the wake of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While worldwide job markets remain in flux since the start of the long-ended pandemic, energy has been among the fastest evolving industries globally in the last five years.
Thus, the evolution in the energy workforce on the horizon, the speedier switch from fossil fuels to sustainable solutions via government financial incentives by the billions, and the expected retirements within energy/gas/utilities, the job outlook going forward is sunny for those seeking a bright future in this evolving industry because it’ll ultimately create 14 million new jobs related to clean energy technologies.
Captions & Callouts:
Dana I. Gibellino is the director of engineering services at Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a FirstEnergy subsidiary that services 1.1 million customers in central and northern New Jersey.
“Find your passion….Keep searching until you find the one that does ignite your passion. Take advantage of opportunities to learn and broaden your skill set while you’re searching for the right path because knowledge and experience are always valuable in any role you take.”
Najwa Abouhassan is a senior manager of engineering standards for ComEd.
“Learn about the different topics such as renewables, energy policy, electrification, generation, transmission and distribution. It’s also important to learn about how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact the industry.”
Lourdes López is the unit manager, customer-funded projects New York at Avangrid.
“I advise students to actively seek mentors within the energy industry. A mentor can provide invaluable guidance, insight, and support tailored to the specific challenges and opportunities within the industry. Additionally, mentors can offer personalized advice about career development, networking opportunities and navigating the complexities of the sector.”
Kristin Eidem is an associate gas delivery planning manager at MidAmerican Energy.
“It’s important to bring in a bright, diverse set of minds to navigate the future of an industry that has an intimate effect on everyone’s daily lives.”
Swan Joslin is a system planning engineer for Ameren.
“Day by day, I found myself more comfortable in my new environment and career…because college had provided me with the tools necessary, and I had an excellent support network of colleagues. I had to ignore my imposter syndrome and view the situation as it was – a new opportunity to progress in my career and develop/improve upon my skills.”