Breaking Barriers: My Journey in the Energy Efficiency Industry Without a Degree 

As the Director of Programs and Partnerships at the Building Performance Association (BPA), I lead our state team in identifying and advancing energy efficiency programs and partnerships nationwide. My role involves collaborating with a diverse array of stakeholders, including building performance contractors, businesses, federal, state, and local agencies, advocates, and non-profits. By sharing my journey to this point in my career, I hope to inspire others to find their own path in the energy industry. This field is vast, but I want to be clear that not every career within it requires a degree. 

My Background 

Nearly a decade ago, I found myself at a crossroads in my personal life and decided to make a significant change by moving out of state. Born and raised in California, I relocated to Nevada in 2016. With this move, I began searching for a new career path. After spending more than 13 years in the escrow and title industry—and surviving the 2008 recession —I was ready for something different. That summer, I was hired as an administrative assistant at the Nevada State Energy Office, where I was introduced to the expansive world of energy. 

Growing up, my family consisted mostly of construction workers and contractors. However, I never paid much attention to the energy aspect of their work, especially since energy codes weren’t as prominent in the ’80s and ’90s. My passion has always been to help people. As a teenager, I aspired to become a child psychologist. In the escrow and title industry, I helped people navigate one of the most significant and stressful purchases of their lives. 

When I was a senior in high school, my dad and I had a conversation about college. Unfortunately, our family couldn’t afford to send both my brother and myself to college. In 1998, my dad decided to invest in my brother’s education. This left me with three options: incur my own debt to attend college, work hard to figure out my own path, or join the military. I chose the military but was medically discharged a week before graduating boot camp, returning home without a plan but a new work ethic.  

To forge a new path forward, I explored coding and web design, tried my hand at sales, and ended up at the previous escrow and title company I had worked for before the military.  

Finding My Career  

But it wasn’t until 2016, when I began working at the state energy office, that I truly found my career calling. I quickly advanced from an administrative assistant to supporting the Energy Efficiency Program Manager with state-run energy efficiency programs, policies, and funding. During my time as an admin assistant, I learned about the various programs and initiatives the agency was responsible for, and I fell in love with energy efficiency. When an opportunity arose to work directly on these programs, I eagerly applied and was selected. 

I also supported the director with cabinet meetings, legislative committees, and events, which allowed me to connect with individuals from all facets of the energy industry. This involvement provided me with a unique perspective on the energy world, enabling me to gain knowledge that I might have otherwise learned in a college course. I realized that energy policy and programs often have a middle ground, contrary to the one-sided views commonly discussed. 

As I progressed in my career, I delved deeper into the energy efficiency industry, learning about green building standards, weatherization, energy codes, appliance standards, utility programs, and energy audits for both commercial and residential sectors. I participated in every webinar, training session, and volunteer opportunity available. I immersed myself in code books, rating systems, legislative processes, and any other sources of knowledge I could find. I obtained multiple certifications in contract management and green building practices. 

Eventually, my mentor, the program manager I supported, moved on, and I applied for their position.  I was selected for the role and my real work began. In this position, I was responsible for overseeing the state’s energy efficiency initiatives, impacting all Nevadans and, often, people nationwide. I collaborated with advocates, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and many others on policies and programs aimed at reducing energy consumption in the built environment, saving millions of dollars in unused energy. The connections I made as an admin assistant and in my subsequent roles provided me with access to industry resources and experts, which was invaluable for my continued growth and success. 

Overcoming Challenges Again and Again 

I have faced numerous challenges in my career and personal life. I was part of a generation that was told you either had a degree and made good money or you worked hard and made decent money. Without a formal degree and only 19 years old, I had limited options, so I spent much of my early 20s working multiple jobs just to survive. My parents, who did not have college degrees, did not support us financially past the age of 18, so asking them for help was not an option. This was my first challenge. 

When I discovered my passion for energy efficiency, I faced fewer challenges than others because of my strong work ethic and eagerness to learn. However, I still had to convince people that I knew what I was talking about. This was difficult because public speaking was a fear of mine, and speaking to a group of people with degrees and more knowledge was intimidating. There is no experience like testifying in front of a legislative body to defend the policies and programs you are responsible for implementing. Additionally, attending a conference for the first time, not knowing anyone except your co-worker and not knowing much about the topic, was daunting. My first conference was the National Energy Codes Conference, where I met many amazing, knowledgeable, and respectful people. This community valued each person’s contributions and believed that collaborative efforts would advance the foundation of an energy-efficient built environment. This experience made me greatly appreciate energy codes. 

The connections I made and the knowledge and experience I gained have continued to serve me in my role at BPA. It is amazing that I can attend conferences today and know who is in the room. Now, I may not know everyone still, but I continue to work with the same advocates I did when I was at the state. I continue to work on energy efficiency policies, which include engaging with and supporting state energy officials that I worked with in my role prior to BPA. The players may change but the game remains the same. 

Through it all, I believe my biggest obstacle has been myself. I often let others’ opinions of me and my work influence how I perceive myself. Although I lack formal training beyond the certifications and hands-on experience I’ve gained, I’ve learned to recognize and value those with formal training. My goal is always to build a team where each person’s skills complement one another, ensuring that the team collectively possesses more detailed knowledge than I do. Additionally, staying up to date on all industry information helps to create a more holistic view of the industry rather than focusing on one specific piece. 

Throughout my career, I’ve not only acquired the necessary technical knowledge but also honed essential soft skills to excel in my roles. I’ve learned to collaborate effectively, communicate clearly, and adapt to diverse environments, personalities, perspectives, and work ethics. Starting from the bottom in each new position, I’ve worked my way up, managing a successful escrow and title pipeline, and leading a 30+ person back-office support center with both onshore and offshore staff. 

When I entered into the energy sector, I quickly excelled by leveraging the skills I had developed earlier in my career. I successfully curbed waste and abuse of tax dollars through enacted legislation, enhanced low-income weatherization assistance programs by securing increased funding for seniors, and built lasting relationships within the energy industry.  

Over the past 30 years, I’ve worked diligently, listened to mentors and experts, absorbed as much knowledge as possible, and maintained self-belief. Today, I can speak confidently on topics, knowing that I am imparting valuable knowledge to others. I believe in the greater good and understand that our individual skills make us a strong team. My drive, dedication, and the support of amazing people have been crucial to my success. 

My Advice on Entering The Energy Industry  

So, how does one enter the industry? My journey may be unique, but it might resonate with others. Whether you lack the funds or desire to attend college, or if you’re already aware of the vast careers in energy efficiency, consider how much it impacts your daily life—from home insulation to school HVAC systems. Energy efficiency is everywhere, and it’s the cheapest energy because, as they say, it’s the energy we don’t use. 

Don’t wait to decide if this is the industry for you. The energy efficiency field offers countless opportunities. Here’s some of my advice for you to make your start.  

1. Start at The Bottom 

You could start as administrative staff at a Community Action Agency and work your way up, become a skilled tradesperson impacting the buildings we live and work in, or even lead the National Department of Energy. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Start at the bottom, find an employer willing to invest in you, and show them why they should. My dad always said, don’t tell someone why you are valuable—show them why. 

2. Don’t Wait 

If you’re interested in the trades, start early. Explore career and technical education (CTE) programs offered in high school. If your middle school offers a STEM or STEAM curriculum, sign up and learn the basics. This foundation will help you secure an entry-level position and advance in your career. 

3. Seek Real-World Experience  

Whether you have a degree or not, always seek real-world, hands-on experience, build a strong network, and remain adaptable. Perfecting your soft skills is equally important. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, time management, and emotional intelligence are crucial in almost every job and can significantly impact your career success and personal growth. 

4. Don’t Give Up 

I don’t have a degree and didn’t start out in this industry, but when I discovered it, I fell in love. I worked hard, didn’t quit, and used every available resource to support my journey. You don’t need a degree, and there’s a growing movement away from pushing this path. Choose the right one for you and pursue your dreams. 

5. Find a Mentor 

Finding a mentor early in your career is essential. It can happen organically, or you can sign up for a mentorship program, or you can actively seek out a mentor by asking someone whom you respect and trust. I recommend having multiple mentors throughout your professional journey. Each one of them will provide unique and invaluable guidance, insights, and advice based on their own experiences—and they’ll be a champion for you in the industry. All of this will expand your professional network and open doors to new opportunities.  

Feel free to reach out to me to chat. I’m always happy to mentor the next generation of energy professionals and share my story and journey.