ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. -- To recruit top talent from area colleges and universities, Dominion Energy representatives in Wyoming proactively reach out to students through a series of educational workshops, career fairs, and other community gatherings. These special events allow employees to connect with students face-to-face and explore everything from in-state career opportunities to specialized internships with the company.
On Jan. 30, a group of engineering students from the University of Wyoming traveled from Laramie to Rock Springs for an educational day, including interactive presentations and personalized site visits facilitated by Dominion Energy employees.
Jeff Bybee, Dominion Energy Wyoming Regional Operations Manager, notes that Dominion Energy partners not only with the University of Wyoming, but also other colleges and trade schools in the state to identify and often hire graduates eager for real-world experience.
"A lot of students are shocked when they realize just how many career opportunities are open to them after graduation," said Bybee. "In addition to engineering jobs, we have entry-level positions in DEQP and Wexpro, as well as different utility and field service positions."
Ann Jones is the Associate Director with the Center for Advising and Careers Services at the University of Wyoming. She notes on-site visits allow students to see daily operations and interact with professionals in the field.
"Before our trip, I asked many of the engineering students if they had any educational, company site visits while at school, and the majority had not," Jones said. "These visits allow students to step out of their comfort zones in the classroom and return with valuable nuggets of information."
During last month's Rock Springs event, several Dominion Energy staff members helped create an informative plan. The plan was designed to prepare students for post-college life, especially if they're considering Dominion Energy as a prospective employer.
During the five-and-a-half-hour event, several Dominion Energy employees engaged in meaningful dialogue and offered sound advice for approximately 20 students.
The Dominion employees included in the dialogue were:
- Cole Wright, Engineer III for DEQP Operations
- University of Wyoming grad Brian Nosich, Senior Environmental Compliance Coordinator
- Tim Sheehan, Supervisor Gas Operations with DEQP Construction Services
- Travis Marchetti, DEQP Lead Field Operator
- Dan Bryan, DEQP Supervisor Gas Operations
- Kraig Blackburn, DEQP Director Area Transmission Operations.
In addition to the locals who participated on-site, Human Resources and Talent Acquisition Staff Specialist Marlene Rivera echoed sentiments of employees and students in attendance at the event. Her role at Dominion offers her year-round opportunities to connect with interns and students in Wyoming and Utah.
"I came from and was raised in a small town in Ohio," said Rivera. "I understand the appeal of living and working in such communities. For a lot of people, living in a rural area is a great place to raise a family."
Dominion Energy knows the best talent is often homegrown, as evident with the Rock Springs event.
