Brooke Keene | Southwest Power Pool | Senior Engineer, Market Design
Day at Work…Regardless of the day, one consistent theme of my work is that I engage with a diverse group of people from attorneys, to grid operators with real-world experience, to executives at member companies who are all collaborating to solve current and future problems.
Career Evolution…I initially interned at a power generating facility, then later at Southwest Power Pool. At the time, I didn’t realize my first internship would be as relevant to my career. Southwest Power Pool gave me a job offer during the first semester of my senior year of college. I felt relief knowing my senior year didn’t include job hunting and interviews.
Love the Work…Have you ever considered what your life would look like for one single day if you didn’t have electricity? We ensure that 19 million customers across 17 states have affordable electricity today and plan for the future. I love the challenge, the teamwork, and the relevance of the work. Things don’t always go smoothly and we have candid and heated conversations. What we do at Southwest Power Pool is so incredibly important and I love solving relevant and complex issues with my team and with our stakeholders. We’re keeping the lights on, helping lower your electricity bills, and saving the world…everyday stuff.
Surprising But True…Electric utilities may seem boring and the 17-year-old version of me would have said no way, but when I tell you that I love my job and that I’ll never leave this industry, I’m being honest.
Advice…Job shadow – there is no better way to find out if something is for you and it only takes one day. If you think you’ve found the place, intern there. Your career is 40 years and picking a good fit can and will help determine your happiness.
These wonder women are redefining what “full STEAM ahead” means in Arkansas. With exciting careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics – each reflects WIT (Women in Tech) and true grit for making the most of every opportunity. Here’s to the powHER of knowledge.
Photography by Lori Sparkman Photography
