Electrical Engineer

When you think of engineering does the word creativity come to mind? Well, in Laurel Brandt’s career at TVA, she has found the two words go hand in hand.

For Laurel Brandt, creativity and engineering go hand-in-hand.

She works as a reliability and analysis electrical engineer with power operations at TVA. She’s worked on many projects, including TVA’s first battery energy storage system.

A Day in the Life

In school, Brandt gravitated toward engineering.

“To me, objectivity – being graded on right or wrong – felt safe. If you didn’t get the answer, you didn’t get it. But at least you’d know,” she said.

But, as she’s progressed in her career, she’s also developed the creative, collaborative nature of her work.

“When you start off, you won’t know everything. But there are lots of people to support you. Don’t be afraid of saying what you know. Speak up. Sometimes there’s not one right answer,” she said.

Problem-solving is at the heart of engineering. The career often includes:

• Designing, maintaining or improving products or systems.
• Overseeing project construction or production.
• Directing or coordinating manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support and testing activities.
• Performing calculations.
• Operating design software.

Becoming an Engineer

Becoming an engineer requires a college degree in engineering. You’ll study math, engineering and design. You’ll develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking and reading comprehension. 

TVA offers an internship program for college students. These paid opportunities can last a semester or longer. Interns work with TVA’s employees on critical projects across the region. 

TVA hires many different types of engineers, including: 

• Electrical engineering 
• Civil engineering 
• Nuclear engineering 
• Mechanical engineering 
• Environmental engineering 

Starting pay for an engineer is about $75,000 a year.