Alexander Yachanin

How did serving in the military help prepare you for a job in the clean energy industry?  

The clean energy industry was a natural fit for me after serving in the Navy. Serving for seven years as a Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer required me to quickly learn and master new systems and processes, solve complex technical problems, and lead cross-functional teams. The Nuclear Navy in particular taught me in-depth electrical and power system engineering and provided valuable hands-on experience with electrical power operations. All of these skillsets are in high demand in the clean energy industry,

What advice do you have for veterans exploring a job in the clean power industry?   

First, don’t be afraid to put yourself forward and trust in the veteran network to help you out and open doors. I got a response from every veteran that I reached out to in my initial networking and job searching, and I always pay it forward as new people reach out to me. Second, don’t undervalue the skills gained in your military career, even if they don’t directly translate to what a job posting might say. Being in the military teaches us to be versatile, so we can dive into new roles, quickly get up to speed on complex issues, and then start solving problems and getting results.

What advice do you have for companies looking to hire veterans?    

Establish relationships with local military installations in your area, since they represent a steady source of new candidates, and they often will host career fair events. Also, take advantage of the SkillBridge program, which allows transitioning service members to work as interns at your company while maintaining their military pay and benefits. 

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