Josh Showalter
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
I am currently attending Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis majoring in Electrical Engineering graduating in Spring of 2018. My areas of interest include Power Flow, Power Systems Analysis, Electrical Distribution Systems, Transmission, Electrical Infrastructure and backup generators.
I started this career path after I completed a summer internship in the summer of 2015 with Duke Energy. Previously, I had done an internship with General Cable doing electrical testing on wires and cables at a Research and Development Center. After completing that internship in Fall of 2014 I applied for an internship with Duke Energy hoping to move toward the power industry where the cables I was doing testing on were actually being used. After I completed the internship with Duke Energy, I knew I wanted this to be my career of choice so I started taking all the power courses I could at my University.
I love being in the power engineering field because I can't imagine my life without power. Think of every day to day activity that you do and try to imagine your life without using electricity. Think of all the innovative technology that has come out in the past decade or two. All of this could not have happened if a company like Duke Energy didn't generate, transmit and distribute this power. Everyone's life whether they like it or not revolves around power and energy. This is why I like the power engineering field.
How has been selected as a PES Scholar impacted you?
Since I have received the scholarship my career opportunities in the power industry have, sky rocketed. With having access to the PES careers website it allows me to stay up to date with all the job opportunities there are. The PES scholarship has given me a lot of networking opportunities as well. I have gained connections on LinkedIn to many other PES scholarship recipients and power related companies. Also since I am a PES recipient I am a IEEE student member which increase my network of professional employers and my knowledge base in the industry that allows me to stay up to date on recent technology.
January 2017
