What does it take to keep the lights on, businesses running and communities powered? Wilson Talent Center students recently had the opportunity to find out firsthand during Careers in Energy Week with the Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL).
Students from Welding, Auto Technology, Engineering, Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics, and Business & Risk Management programs visited BWL's REO Depot location for an immersive career exploration experience designed to connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities.
The event featured a reverse career fair, giving students the chance to interact directly with industry professionals representing more than 25 career pathways. Rather than moving from booth to booth to learn about individual companies, students explored the many different roles and responsibilities that contribute to the operations of a major public utility.
From technical trades and engineering to information technology, business operations and risk management, students discovered that the energy industry offers opportunities for a wide range of interests and skill sets.
The experience also included behind-the-scenes tours and opportunities to see the heavy equipment and technology that support BWL's daily operations. Students gained a closer look at the people, processes and specialized equipment involved in delivering essential services to the Greater Lansing community.
Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics students also participated in a tour of a BWL natural gas power plant on October 22. During the visit, they learned how the facility uses two jet engines and turbines to cogenerate electricity and steam for homes and businesses throughout the region.
Students connected with employees from more than 15 BWL departments, including Operations Technology, to explore career opportunities and learn how technology supports critical infrastructure. They also heard about a ransomware attack that affected BWL several years ago, providing a real-world example of the importance of cybersecurity in protecting essential community services.
For students studying digital security, the visit offered a valuable connection between classroom concepts and the challenges faced by organizations responsible for keeping critical systems operational.
Together, these experiences demonstrated how many different professions work collaboratively to power a community. They also gave students an opportunity to ask questions, explore potential career paths and better understand how their developing skills might translate into future employment.
Career-connected learning experiences like these are an important part of preparing students for life beyond the classroom. By engaging directly with employers and exploring professional environments, students can make more informed decisions about their futures while building connections with the industries they may one day enter.
Wilson Talent Center extends its appreciation to the Lansing Board of Water & Light and the many professionals who shared their time, knowledge and expertise with students during Careers in Energy Week.
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Wilson Talent Center students explored careers in the energy industry during Lansing Board of Water & Light's Careers in Energy Week. Through facility tours, hands-on demonstrations and conversations with professionals, students discovered how their classroom skills connect to careers in technology, engineering, operations and more.
