Meet the Graduate: Levi Chandler
Taking a gap year between high school and college helped Levi Chandler figure out his future. He explored his options, ultimately enrolling in Southeast Community College’s Energy Generation Operations program.
“I had a better idea what I wanted to do for a career which led me to the Energy Generation Operations website at SCC,” Chandler said. “It led me to a two-year degree I could afford in an area I was interested in. I toured the program and learned about all it had to offer. Small class sizes, great hands-on learning opportunities, amazing industry connections and instructors that seemed to care about what they were teaching and their students’ success. I was sold and I have no regrets on the decision I made.”
The Lincoln native is currently interviewing for multiple positions within the energy industry. He feels his experience at SCC has prepared him for a career trajectory which will ultimately lead him to his goal of shift supervisor.
“SCC has given me a myriad of tools to put in my figurative toolbox to use in the industry,” he said. “Skills such as teamwork, a questing attitude and accountability all come together to aid my future career in a safe and productive manner. I have also been given the opportunity to have a well-rounded education that encompasses every aspect of the energy industry, setting me up for a success.”
A piece of advice Chandler would give to prospective SCC students is to create a plan but be flexible enough to roll with the punches. It is also a good thing to admit when you don’t know something and learn from your mistakes. He would also recommend finding a mentor to help you meet your educational and career goals. That mentor for him is his advisor Douglas Burks.
“Doug has been a mentor that has helped shape my life in an insurmountable way,” said Chandler. “He cares deeply about the success of his students in and out of the classroom and is someone who lives by the values and lessons they teach. I don’t think words can encapsulate who Doug Burks is and how he impacted my life, but his teaching and influence are fostered in every student he has instructed.”
Jennifer Snyder
Communications Specialist
402-323-3393
jsnyder@southeast.edu