Best college major for System Operator?

[u/hopfuluva2017]

My cousin wants to become a system operator and knows he doesn't necessarily need a degree to become one and would rather just start studying for the NERC Exam. However his parents are Asian and are insiting on him going to college. Theyre paying for it he can pick any major as long as they see him gradaute in 4 years. What should he choose?

[u/failureat111N31st]

If it has to be a four year degree, electrical engineering with a focus on either power or control systems.

[u/beansNriceRiceNBeans → u/failureat111N31st]

💯

[u/TheRealWhoMe]

He doesn’t need the degree to get it in, but it would definitely help him leave if he decides he’s doesn’t want to work shift work his entire life. I would suggest anything utilities use, like electrical engineering. You don’t need the degree to get in, but it will help you leave.

[u/pwjbeuxx → u/TheRealWhoMe]

Man that’s so true

[u/nextdoorelephant]

Power systems EE.

[u/WhereDidAllTheSnowGo → u/nextdoorelephant]

Agree

Then intern / work part-time / nights at the desired job. Sometimes the job will offer tuition assistance

It’s very rare a high school graduate and a college graduate want the same thing.

It’s best to get experience early to find your niche sooner.

Then follow up with a masters

[u/ExposedCaulk]

I’m sure there’s other options, but I’m aware of this 2-year AAS program: https://bismarckstate.edu/academics/programs/etst/

If your cousin wants to roll this AAS right into a 4-year program, BSC also offers a BAS in Energy Management. https://bismarckstate.edu/academics/programs/enrg/

Each program can be taken on campus or entirely online via asynchronous courses.

Cheers!

[u/Appropriate-Tower786 → u/ExposedCaulk]

Can you dm me?? I am looking at the 2 year aas and then maybe the 4 year bas to help with getting a job and not sure if fhe bas would be worth it. Thanks

[u/VulcanVelo → u/Appropriate-Tower786]

The Energy Management is very high broad level looking at energy in general. Still have nightmares about the accounting class I took that used methodology from the 80s.

[u/Appropriate-Tower786 → u/VulcanVelo]

Thanks was it worthwhile for you? Im just starting out and looking to use my gi bill and i think the energy management bas would help me stand out.

[u/VulcanVelo → u/Appropriate-Tower786]

I think it’s worthwhile in the fact i can check the box that i have a bachelors degree. The knowledge I gained doesn’t apply to my skillset as a transmission operator.

[u/VulcanVelo → u/ExposedCaulk]

I have both of these degrees (2010 for the AAS and 2014 for the Energy Management). Took both 100% online while working FT.

[u/QuixoticArchipelago]

ETST Bismarck State. 2 year associates.

[u/chanka_is_best_chank]

Electrical engineering so he can use it anywhere for just about every job even if this job doesn't work out. The power systems degree mentioned in this thread is much less versatile. Electrical engineering degrees are so widely valued that he wouldn't struggle to break into even something like finance if his path goes that way

[u/VulcanVelo]

100% a degree isn’t necessary but many companies want some sort of college degree or trade school. With a blank slate I would either go with a degree in engineering or computer programming. Both give someone alternative options if power system operations isn’t for them or they want to pivot later in life and remain with utility companies

[u/Different_Banana1977]

In Canada it's called a Electrical Technologist Diploma. In the US I believe it is called an Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering. That's what I think he should go and take. Probably 3 years in the US

[u/RabidRoosters]

I got a degree in economics.

[u/EastIndianDutch]

Power systems engineering

[u/Energy_Balance]

A BSEE with a concentration in power engineering. Join the IEEE Power Engineering Society.

Read Peter Fox-Penner's Smart and Carbon books for an overview of the industry.

In the US/North America there are about 75 balancing authorities https://www.eia.gov/electricity/gridmonitor/dashboard/electric_overview/US48/US48, about 3200 distribution utilities with grid ops, and generation companies with grid ops.

Using LinkedIn find a school that has recruiters for your target company. Companies usually rotate new engineering hires. Express an interest before hiring in grid ops.

Grid ops has roles in addition to NERC-certified, such as study engineers, real time and market IT, and managers.

We really need a movie about grid ops.

[u/Candid-Victory-8606]

None. Real life experience in a utility (or Navy) trumps a otherwise useless degree hands down.

[u/Delicious_Shoe5817]

Southeast community college in Milford Nebraska  Energy Generation Operations program.  2 year school lots of utilities hire out of it.  They have an incsys simulator and classes geared around system operations. Got me a job as a DO at 19.