Associate of applied science, electric power technology
Protection and control technician
RMS Energy
As with most adults, Devin’s career path has not been a straight line. “I started out as a wildland firefighter right out of high school, which gave me a solid foundation for working in demanding, high-stakes environments,” he said, adding, “Over time, I developed an interest in SCADA and PLCs, which eventually led me into the world of protection and control.”
Devin learned about the online A.A.S. in electric power technology (ELPW) program through Bismarck State College from a previous graduate of the program. “When I was trying to break into the power industry, I found that experience alone only got me so far. A lot of doors stayed closed without a formal credential to back up what I already knew. The ELPW program focus meant I was learning things that were directly applicable to the work I wanted to do,” he said.
This was Devin’s first experience with online education, but he found he really enjoyed the format and quality of the program. He noted that “the flexibility of the course made it genuinely manageable alongside a full-time job and everything life throws at you.” Regarding his professors, he said he felt “the professors bring a real wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the material, which makes a big difference. You’re not just learning theory, you’re learning from people who have actually worked in the field.”
Completing his degree helped him land his current position as a protection and control technician. He has set his sights on further education to help him work his way into a field supervision role in the future. Devin is proud of his dedication to his educational pursuits, noting, “Getting a degree has been a personal goal of mine for a long time, so there is a sense of accomplishment that goes beyond the career side of things. I was proud to make the honor roll every semester, and it showed me when I commit to something, I can follow through at a high level.”