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Ryan, Senior Engineer, Operations Coordination at Northeast Power Coordinating Council, Inc.: Advize Career Interview

A career in power systems engineering offers a dynamic and rewarding path, as evidenced by a Senior Engineer at the Northeast Power Coordinating Council.

The journey began with an undergraduate electrical engineering degree, unexpectedly shifting to a focus on power systems.

This led to graduate studies, an ERCOT internship, and nine years as a shift engineer before assuming the current role coordinating operations across five interconnected power grids.

Daily tasks are diverse and crucial, encompassing training, emergency preparedness, and real-time system analysis.

Success requires technical expertise combined with leadership, coordination, and communication skills, all while navigating the constant evolution of the industry, particularly the integration of renewable energy sources.

Entry-level positions often start in operations, providing valuable foundational experience before potentially transitioning into other areas.

A key takeaway is the 24/7 nature of the work and the importance of readily admitting mistakes in high-pressure situations. The most exciting aspect?

Every day is different, a far cry from a monotonous desk job, and the work, while often unappreciated, is critical infrastructure.

Exploring new opportunities, as evidenced by the pivotal power systems lab course, can unexpectedly lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Ryan McSherry

Senior Engineer, Operations Coordination

Northeast Power Coordinating Council, Inc.

University of Texas Austin (2009)

University of Texas Austin (Power Systems Engineering)

Engineering - Electrical

Energy & Utilities

Operations and Project Management

Student Athlete

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Career Path Of A Senior Operations Coordination Engineer At Northeast Power Coordinating Council

Ryan's career path, beginning with an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, unexpectedly shifted after "fall[ing] in love" with power systems engineering during their senior year. This led to a graduate degree, an internship at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), nine years as a shift engineer there, and their current role supporting real-time power operations at the Northeast Power Coordinating Council.

Career Path Of A Senior Operations Coordination Engineer At Northeast Power Coordinating Council

Main Responsibilities of a Senior Engineer in Operations Coordination at Northeast Power Coordinating Council

Ryan, a Senior Engineer in Operations Coordination at the Northeast Power Coordinating Council, Inc., facilitates and supports working groups overseeing coordination between five interconnected power grids in northeastern North America. This involves "real time operations between those five independently operated Power Systems," encompassing areas like New York, New England, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada.

Main Responsibilities of a Senior Engineer in Operations Coordination at Northeast Power Coordinating Council

A Day In The Life Of A Senior Operations Coordination Engineer At Northeast Power Coordinating Council

A day as a Senior Engineer, Operations Coordination at Northeast Power Coordinating Council, Inc. is "very dynamic," involving diverse tasks such as developing system operator training, supporting emergency preparedness calls across five power systems, and assisting colleagues with real-time power system analysis including "low flow or voltage stability analysis." This highlights the crucial role the position plays in maintaining reliable power operations across northeastern North America.

A Day In The Life Of A Senior Operations Coordination Engineer At Northeast Power Coordinating Council

Most Important Skills For A Senior Engineer Operations Coordination At Northeast Power Coordinating Council

Ryan, a Senior Engineer at Northeast Power Coordinating Council, Inc., emphasizes that while strong engineering skills—"understanding the inner workings of a power system"—are foundational, leadership, coordination, and active listening skills are equally crucial for effective communication and collaboration with various independent system operators across the northeastern US power grid. This highlights the multifaceted nature of the role, demanding both technical expertise and interpersonal abilities.

Most Important Skills For A Senior Engineer Operations Coordination At Northeast Power Coordinating Council

Favorite Parts of Being a Senior Operations Engineer at Northeast Power

Ryan, a Senior Engineer at Northeast Power Coordinating Council, Inc., appreciates the variety inherent in the power industry, stating that "every single day is a little different than the last," unlike the monotonous desk job feared after college. This unpredictability, ranging from "very exhausting" to "very exciting," is what makes the role engaging and avoids boredom.

Favorite Parts of Being a Senior Operations Engineer at Northeast Power

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Senior Operations Coordination Engineer At Northeast Power Coordinating Council

Ryan's biggest challenge as a Senior Engineer is the often-unappreciated nature of power system operations; despite the critical role in ensuring "consistent and reliable electricity," the work of maintaining this "critical infrastructure" is often taken for granted.

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Senior Operations Coordination Engineer At Northeast Power Coordinating Council

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Power Industry As A Senior Operations Coordination Engineer

Ryan, a Senior Engineer, finds the constantly "evolving" nature of the power industry most exciting, particularly the shift from traditional to renewable energy sources. This transition presents "new problems" that require innovative solutions, keeping the work challenging and invigorating.

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Power Industry As A Senior Operations Coordination Engineer

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Power Industry According To A Senior Operations Coordination Engineer At Northeast Power Coordinating Council

Success in real-time power industry operations requires individuals who are "extremely diligent" and "confident in their decisions," while also possessing strong teamwork skills to effectively collaborate within a control room environment, solving problems "to maintain reliable operations."

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Power Industry According To A Senior Operations Coordination Engineer At Northeast Power Coordinating Council

What A Senior Operations Engineer At Northeast Power Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Power Industry

Ryan, a Senior Engineer, Operations Coordination, revealed the demanding 24/7 nature of the job, emphasizing that "the power grid never sleeps" and requiring constant availability for calls at any hour, a reality that surprised Ryan but has led to greater appreciation for the dedication of those in similar roles. The lack of public awareness regarding this demanding aspect of the career is a key takeaway.

What A Senior Operations Engineer At Northeast Power Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Power Industry

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Operations Engineers

Ryan's career began with an entry-level role as a "real-time operating shift engineer in the control room" at ERCOT, a typical starting point in the industry. Many entry-level power system engineering positions begin in operations, providing a strong foundation and "larger understanding and appreciation for how the power grid actually works," before transitioning into planning, marketing, or business-focused roles.

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Operations Engineers

Significant Career Lesson From a Senior Engineer Operations Coordination at Northeast Power Coordinating Council

Ryan, a Senior Engineer in real-time operations, emphasizes the crucial lesson of readily admitting mistakes, stating, "never be ashamed to admit when you're wrong," a vital skill in high-pressure situations demanding quick decisions and collaborative problem-solving. This humility allows for efficient correction and prevents potentially serious consequences from errors.

Significant Career Lesson From a Senior Engineer Operations Coordination at Northeast Power Coordinating Council

College Experiences That Helped a Senior Engineer in Operations Coordination at Northeast Power Coordinating Council Succeed

Ryan's career path highlights the value of exploring uncharted territory; the decision to take a "power system engineering lab class," outside of their initial focus on software or microelectronics, unexpectedly ignited a passion that shaped their career trajectory into a Senior Engineer position. This experience underscores the importance of embracing new opportunities, even if "outside of your bubble," to discover unforeseen career paths.

College Experiences That Helped a Senior Engineer in Operations Coordination at Northeast Power Coordinating Council Succeed
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