With an abundance of energy jobs available and more expected to be added through the next decade, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will partner with Drexel University to host an Energy Utility Forum on Nov. 2 for Philadelphia-area college students.
“As reported this spring, graduating college students faced a mixed job market in 2012 and most left school without a job offer in hand,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson. “However, recent reports show that a number of employers in Pennsylvania’s energy industry are hiring. The Forum will provide area college students with an opportunity to learn more about careers in the utility and energy fields from industry leaders themselves.”
PUC Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner, said “Many times, only engineering students focus on energy and utility employment opportunities. We want to provide information on career opportunities including networking opportunities in areas such as environmental, finance, human resources, law, and research and development. Students will hear first-hand from experienced executives in the industries and have the opportunity to network with those leaders.”
The Energy/Utility Forum will be held on Friday, Nov. 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Drexel University’s Bossone Research Center’s Mitchell Auditorium (3140 Market St., Philadelphia). College students from throughout the Philadelphia area are invited to participate. Space is limited. Interested students should RSVP to RA-PUCEvent-Drexel@pa.gov.
Three panel discussions will address topics such as industry leadership, opportunities that are available and what employers are looking for in students. Panelists include Federal Communications Commissioner Mignon Clyburn; PECO Energy Co. CEO Craig Adams; AT&T Chief Security Officer Ed Amoroso; Aqua America President and CEO Nick DeBenedictis; Shelly Gross, senior director of talent operations for Comcast; Tim Smith, Verizon Telecom Regional president for Pennsylvania and Delaware; Bob Garland, senior technical advisor for Universal Well Services; Caren Anders, senior vice president of transmission for Duke Energy; Steven Corneli, senior vice president for sustainability, policy and strategy for NRG Energy; and Todd Vernon, senior sales manager for GE.
In addition to the panels, 20 employers will be available to meet throughout the day with students during separate networking sessions. Employers include Range Resources, PECO Energy, Aqua America, EQT Corp., UGI Corp., AT&T and Philadelphia Gas Works.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov.
For more information on the event, contact Jennifer Kocher, press secretary, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, at 717-787-5722 or jekocher@pa.gov