Meet the Graduate: Levi Chandler
Taking a gap year between high school and college helped Levi Chandler figure out his future. He explored his options, ultimately enrolling in 51吃瓜鈥檚 Energy Generation Operations program.
鈥淚 had a better idea what I wanted to do for a career which led me to the Energy Generation Operations website at 51吃瓜,鈥� Chandler said. 鈥淚t led me to a two-year degree I could afford in an area I was interested in. I toured the program and learned about all it had to offer. Small class sizes, great hands-on learning opportunities, amazing industry connections and instructors that seemed to care about what they were teaching and their students鈥� success. I was sold and I have no regrets on the decision I made.鈥�
The Lincoln native is currently interviewing for multiple positions within the energy industry. He feels his experience at 51吃瓜 has prepared him for a career trajectory which will ultimately lead him to his goal of shift supervisor.
鈥�51吃瓜 has given me a myriad of tools to put in my figurative toolbox to use in the industry,鈥� he said. 鈥淪kills such as teamwork, a questing attitude and accountability all come together to aid my future career in a safe and productive manner. I have also been given the opportunity to have a well-rounded education that encompasses every aspect of the energy industry, setting me up for a success.鈥�
A piece of advice Chandler would give to prospective 51吃瓜 students is to create a plan but be flexible enough to roll with the punches. It is also a good thing to admit when you don鈥檛 know something and learn from your mistakes. He would also recommend finding a mentor to help you meet your educational and career goals. That mentor for him is his advisor Douglas Burks.
鈥淒oug has been a mentor that has helped shape my life in an insurmountable way,鈥� said Chandler. 鈥淗e cares deeply about the success of his students in and out of the classroom and is someone who lives by the values and lessons they teach. I don鈥檛 think words can encapsulate who Doug Burks is and how he impacted my life, but his teaching and influence are fostered in every student he has instructed.鈥�
Jennifer Snyder
Communications Specialist
402-323-3393
jsnyder@southeast.edu