Join us for an inspiring seminar with Michele Nielson, Manager of Engineering at Sioux Valley Energy, as she shares her remarkable career journey spanning more than three decades in the electric utility industry. From her early experiences in system planning and distribution engineering to her leadership role in a member-owned electric cooperative, Michele will offer a firsthand look at what life as a power engineer is really like. In this session, Michele will discuss the pivotal role of electric cooperatives in supporting communities and enabling the nation’s clean energy transition. She will also share insights on professional development milestones such as obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license, building a meaningful engineering career, and adapting to a rapidly evolving power landscape. The seminar will conclude with Michele’s perspectives on the future of the power industry—including how the rise of renewable energy, distributed energy resources (DERs), electric vehicles (EVs), and data centers is reshaping grid operations, workforce skills, and engineering opportunities. Whether you are a student exploring career paths or a professional navigating the next stage of your journey, this talk offers valuable lessons and forward-looking insights for anyone passionate about powering the future. Speaker(s): Michele Nielson, Room: EEP 253 , South Dakota School of Mines, Rapid City, South Dakota, United States, 57701, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/514183