Why Utilities Are Ideal for Electrical Engineering Grads

by Mason Curtis, Recruitment Team Lead

The prospect of graduating from college without a job secured is a scary one. And for electrical engineering graduates, the sky is the limit in terms of where you can take your new skills. One of the most stable places to take your talents is the utilities industry. That’s right—the company that delivers power to your community is also an incredible place to get started (and perhaps even spend your entire career) in the electrical engineering field.

While utilities might not initially be thought of as a “glamorous” career, it’s a recession- and even pandemic-proof path worth considering for recent grads with electrical engineering skills. When compared to other sectors like manufacturing or automotive, which are both subject to economic ups and downs, power is a critical need year-round, no matter what. If the idea of stable, long-term work is appealing to you, consider the following ways to break into utilities:

Get some experience under your belt before you graduate

Whether it’s through internships or a co-op program at your college, being able to get first-hand experience while you’re still in school can give you a big advantage. More importantly, it can help introduce you to what the field is like so you can decide if it’s right for you.

Develop transferable skills

Utility employers and staffing agencies understand that not all junior-level applicants will have direct utility experience. However, they will be looking for people with key skill sets that will help them succeed. These include general abilities like project management and problem-solving, as well as technical skills from prior industrial or telecommunications positions.

Another type of relevant experience involves automation and controls—such as a junior-level engineer with an automation controls background at an Amazon facility.

Understand the landscape

Utilities work is almost always project-based, which is why many people spend their entire careers as contractors. Contracts usually start at 6 to 12 months but can be longer. Of course, some people spend their entire careers with one company, such as an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firm, eventually moving into project management roles as they advance.

For contractors, the workdays can be long—but that also means there is a lot of available overtime to be earned.

Be willing to travel

Especially for young individuals new to the job market and ready to see the world, this could be a huge bonus. If you’re open to moving around the country, you’ll unlock a floodgate of additional opportunities.

You don’t necessarily have to bounce around, but being flexible will provide more options. Utility workers usually stay with a project until completion, then move to another area to start a new one. Think of it like a trial run—not just for your job, but potentially your future hometown if someplace really resonates with you!

Stay Open to Different Paths

Working in utilities can certainly mean working directly for a utility company. Because all utilities operate in similar ways, if you work for one, you’ll develop the skills to work for others. You can grow your career within engineering as you gain experience.

Though it can be tough to land a role with a utility company initially, once you do, job security is strong. Because capital improvements are always needed, there is generally a low risk of layoffs.

Another route to consider is working with EPC firms on the utilities aspects of their construction projects. This experience can help open doors to consulting opportunities and other roles across the industry.

Pay attention to trends

Areas prone to tornadoes or hurricanes often have a high demand for utility professionals, as more power lines are being moved underground. Renewables are also on the rise, and massive infrastructure updates are needed nationwide to support a more sustainable grid.

Furthermore, with the rise of electric vehicles, even more infrastructure is required to ensure cars across the country can charge quickly and efficiently. Understanding how the industry is evolving can help you identify where the job openings are.

Work with a recruiter

When you’re just starting out, a staffing agency can help introduce you to a variety of projects and employers. A recruiter will guide you through the hiring process and connect you with strong job matches based on your background.

Convinced?

We work with utilities across the country—and if you’re looking for a stable career that pays well, we want to hear from you. Reach out today.