Every day at Howard Vitality Companions begins with the identical goal: to ship constructive power that powers our communities safely, reliably and with intention.
As Senior Director of Engineering, I’ve a entrance row seat in making that occur, by means of main a group centered on engineering, mission execution, and operational expertise throughout a various power infrastructure portfolio.
I used to be born in South Korea, and my household at all times inspired me to broaden my horizons and acquire publicity to the world. That help led me to take part in an alternate pupil program right here in Texas — an expertise that in the end impressed me to remain and pursue greater schooling in the US.
In 2008, I enrolled at Texas A&M College to review chemical engineering, although on the time, I didn’t have a transparent concept of what would come subsequent. With no household or mates within the power business, I used to be navigating new territory. Then one summer season, I used to be lucky to land an internship at an power firm.
That hands-on expertise opened my eyes to a dynamic, collaborative surroundings that was each enjoyable and filled with potential. I noticed a spot the place I may develop and make a significant impression, and I’ve been within the business ever since.
At this time, I work at Howard Vitality Companions, a San Antonio-based midstream firm that develops and operates infrastructure throughout the US and Mexico. Our property span throughout fuel gathering and processing, pipelines, terminals and logistics. We’re additionally exploring new frontiers like energy technology and offering power for knowledge facilities. My group is on the heart of turning these concepts into actuality.
Most of my workdays begin at our San Antonio headquarters. On any given day, I’m in conferences with our enterprise improvement, operations, and finance groups or collaborating with exterior stakeholders to maneuver a mission ahead. My position entails frequent interplay with contractors, whom we prefer to check with as companions as a result of they function a important extension of our group. I evaluate conceptual designs, price estimates, and mission scopes, ensuring we’re on observe technically, financially, and strategically.
Recruiting and useful resource planning are a serious a part of my scope as nicely. Making certain that our group members are supported, balanced of their workload, and arrange for fulfillment are prime priorities. When I’m not reviewing contracts or mission updates, I could also be visiting considered one of our websites for M&A due diligence, a development check-in, or a post-startup go to. These visits supply priceless alternatives to attach with our area groups, acknowledge the efforts of these on the entrance strains, and keep related to the aim of what we do as an operations-driven firm.
One of the fulfilling points of my position is how dynamic it’s. At Howard Vitality, considered one of our core values is “Embrace Change, As a result of It’s the Solely Fixed.” A mindset that really resonates. It retains me curious and consistently studying, an strategy I carry into conversations with all types of stakeholders — from senior leaders to interns, contractors to group companions.
I additionally deeply worth the alternatives to present again by means of group outreach and college engagement. This 12 months, I’ve had the pleasure of main our internship program and mentoring the following technology of engineers, one thing I discover extremely significant. I’ve additionally volunteered as a choose for college senior design tasks, which jogs my memory how a lot expertise and keenness is arising on this business.
Outdoors of labor, I shift gears into my most necessary position — being a mother. Like many working dad and mom, balancing residence and profession will be hectic, however it is usually what retains me grounded. Spending time with my household and exchanging tales about our day brings every little thing into perspective.
Trying again, I’m grateful that an opportunity internship led me into this business.
Now, being a part of an organization like Howard Vitality Companions the place core values usually are not simply phrases on a wall, they’re guiding ideas that we reside by. I’ve grown not simply as an engineer however as a frontrunner, due to the mentorship, tradition, and relationships constructed alongside the way in which. It’s thrilling to be a part of a group serving to form the way forward for power in a manner that’s considerate, forward-looking, and deeply related to the communities we serve.
