Todd Chwialkowski

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

Joining the Air Force helped me develop a great number of core skills and an appreciation for teamwork at a young age. The clean energy industry is a challenging and competitive industry, characterized by uncertainty at times, complexity, and ambiguity. The military gave me the ability to adapt, be flexible, solve problems and be resilient. My service showed me that there is no substitute for those who are self-motivated and demonstrate a can-do attitude. With these attributes, virtually any task or mission can be accomplished.

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

The clean power industry is much more than just another job in the energy. Having the passion to build something better is the kind of mission military members love to be part of. Acting as a good steward of our environment is both a worthwhile and honorable endeavor. Veterans are likely to have talents that are especially valuable to clean power, and the skills that were gained during military service are needed and appreciated in this industry. Being a part of teams of like-minded, goal-oriented individuals are a perfect fit for veterans.

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

The military is truly a cross-section of our society. As a result of military culture and formal training, veterans are likely to have desirable characteristics and talents. Some of these include discipline and respect, the ability to organize, prioritize, be objective, and focus on the task at hand, keeping the overall mission in mind. Military service also teaches personnel to manage stress and do their job while under pressure. All of these are valuable traits in any industry but will definitely help us succeed in our challenge to transition to a clean power industry.

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