Nebraska is the only state in the nation where all electric utilities are publicly owned, operating as municipal or cooperative systems. This structure presents unique challenges and opportunities as the state works to meet the energy needs of its agricultural, industrial and growing technology sectors.

Industry professionals and University of Nebraska–Lincoln students explored these issues Oct. 8 at “Powering Nebraska: Careers in Energy.” The event, co-hosted by the Foundry (thefoundry.co), University Honors Program, and the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, brought together 120 students and energy industry leaders to discuss the future of energy production and career opportunities.

“For the state of Nebraska and the rest of the country, there is a growing importance of energy within our economy. As such, we should be elevating this relevance with students. The skills and knowledge students are developing will be vital to addressing the state’s needs,” said Hunter Traynor, executive vice president for legislation and policy at the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “It isn’t just linemen and engineers, though these types of jobs are in high demand. Companies will be looking for students who can contribute to solving our toughest challenges.”

“The event showcased something that people don’t always think about. Hearing about how our energy providers power our experience with 100 percent public power sparked my interest in
the field,” said Roosevelt Wilken, a first-year history and political science major.

Industry leaders from organizations such as Black Hills Energy and Lincoln Electric System discussed building resilient infrastructure as extreme weather and technological advances increase energy demands. Issues such as nuclear power and data center development also prompt debate.

“Our state is undergoing a transformational moment with growing energy demands. Ensuring we are keeping the best and brightest is pivotal so that we can meet that challenge,” said Dustin Marvel, government and community relations manager for the Omaha Public Power District.

Representatives from the Nebraska Public Power District and New Power Nebraska emphasized the importance of writing, public speaking, leadership, problem-solving and curiosity.

“Through interdisciplinary learning and collaboration, hands-on experiences, and authentic engagement with industry leaders, Nebraska’s Honors programs help students connect what they learn
in the classroom with everyday challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing world,” said Adam Britten, director of recruitment and student success at the Raikes School.

Career opportunities in the energy sector extend beyond engineering to fields such as public relations.

“This was an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the world of energy production and its career opportunities,” said Jack Reason, a third-year Honors mechanical engineering and math major. “It kickstarted my interest, and the connections formed through events like this are essential to further my career and open new doors.”

Zoe Ordway, a second-year Honors agricultural economics major, agreed.

“Meeting working professionals in the energy sector let me explore new career opportunities and showed me so many possibilities,” she said.

Learn more about events like this one at thefoundry.co or email hello@thefoundry.co.