Diversity In Action

Alliant Energy: ‘exponential’ demand for diverse talent

New wind and conventional generation, along with an aging workforce, adds up to an urgent need for engineers with many kinds of experience

Alliant Energy is an energetic proponent of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Its nearly 5,000 employees provide electric and gas service to 1.4 million customers in the Midwest. Besides traditional energy sources, it utilizes renewable energy including wind power, hydroelectric power and a solar energy project. Even landfill gases are being reclaimed and anaerobic digesters set up to convert farmstock waste to energy.

Techies who want to support sustainability can find plenty to interest them here. Through energy-efficiency programs, Alliant Energy customers saved enough energy last year to equal removing 21,970 cars from the road. The company’s continued commitment to protecting the environment also means expanded interest in wind energy.

Alliant Energy employs a wide variety of engineers, who fill positions in power systems analysis and design, equipment analysis and maintenance, telecommunications, thermal performance, system planning, generation work and project management.

According to Preeti Pachaury, the company’s diversity manager, Alliant Energy is committed to creating a diverse workplace that reflects its customer base and welcomes a variety of talents, ideas and perspectives. “We all work to create an inclusive environment and to contribute our best,” she says.

Gregg Lawry directs the electrical engineering and telecommunications departments at the company. He works closely with Pachaury and HR to make sure the company recruits from a diverse slate of candidates.

He notes that the number of tech employees at Alliant Energy has grown significantly in the last few years.
“The diverse and innovative ideas that come with the new talent are crucial in meeting our customers’ needs as well as our strategic goals,” he says.

“The need for engineering services is growing exponentially, due to the upgrade and replacement of our infrastructure and the growth in wind generation work,” Lawry notes. The company also has plans to build two baseload plants with biomass capabilities. “Clearly we need specially skilled engineers and technical staff to make that happen.”

The company has traditionally focused on recruiting new grads for entry-level positions in its rotational engineering program. But the recent sale of some Alliant Energy transmission assets meant the transfer of key engineers, so the company is also looking for experienced personnel to fill their roles. About 70 percent of new hires in 2008 will have significant experience, Lawry estimates.

“The labor market for engineers is extremely tight, so we must work hard to recruit a talented and diverse group of engineers, including women and minorities,” Lawry notes. The company seeks its diverse pool of candidates through career fairs, networking with industry organizations and partnering with professional societies like NSBE, SHPE, SWE and Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE).

Alliant Energy wants to be sure its managers and supervisors understand its diversity goals, says Pachaury. A day-long, skills-based diversity training program was implemented recently and is receiving a positive response.

The company also provides internal networking opportunities for its employees. “Support groups are important,” Pachaury says. “Our company is geographically spread out. Having a network is a way to connect and be able to relate. People know who you are; it builds some bonds.”

Community outreach is managed through Alliant Energy’s charitable foundation, which provides high school, technical and vocational school and university scholarships, in addition to event sponsorships and community grants.

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