“It’s an exciting time to be an engineer at AEP.”
You can’t help but feel the enthusiasm when Mary Berkley delivers this line in AEP’s video highlighting the importance of engineers in the energy industry and at AEP. Mary, director of transmission strategy and grid development, is one of several engineers featured in the 30-second video.
To celebrate Engineers Week, we wanted to know more about Mary and how she chose engineering as her career.
You first joined AEP through the co-op program. Did you always want to be an engineer when you grew up?
Mary: When I was five, I wanted to be a ballerina. My dad said, “You can do that, honey, as long as you get your electrical and computer engineering degree from The Ohio State University.” I’m the youngest of five Buckeyes. Four of us are electrical engineers who specialize in power. But many people, whether they’re finishing school or looking for a career change, don’t consider the energy industry.
What’s one reason you decided to work for AEP?
Mary: After college, I interviewed at engineering consulting firms, including those in the power industry. At the IEEE Power and Energy Society conference, I spoke to someone from a company I had applied to, expressing my interest in working there. I mentioned my internships at AEP and my passion for the power industry. The person advised me to pursue the opportunity at AEP, highlighting the unique insights and experiences I would gain as the most extensive transmission owner in the United States. I am grateful for that advice to this day.
Why do you say it’s an exciting time to be an engineer at AEP?
Mary: This is the exact time to be an engineer who wants to solve big, meaningful problems. You leave work and see the impact of your work everywhere you go. In our society today with all of the changes on large loads, particularly the renewable transformation, everything is changing on the power grid. This is the industry to see those cutting-edge technologies that are going to keep powering our lives.
If you’re interested in a career engineering the future with us, follow us on LinkedIn and visit AEP.com/careers to find current opportunities.
Listen to the Engineers Week AEP Podcast feature here.