Finding her place at Siemens Energy was smooth, thanks to the company's appreciation for military backgrounds. Caitlin emphasizes, "I was looking on LinkedIn when I noticed this position posted by a military recruiter. I liked the idea of it, so I tried my best to get the job, and here I am," she says, appreciating Siemens Energy for recognizing the value veterans bring to the table. “I didn’t think I would end up here, and I was even nervous about joining the company. But it was a streamlined transition from the military into this job because it's similar in many ways.
In her current role, Caitlin tackles maintenance work at power plants, drawing parallels to her Navy work but on a new scale. "Our turbines were much smaller on the aircraft carriers, but it's a similar concept," she notes. Beyond the technical aspects, Caitlin values the leadership and teamwork skills she gained in the Navy, which have been crucial to her success at Siemens Energy.
Her biggest brag? Being the Top Gun of her class in the EIT training for Field Service Engineers. "I didn't see it coming. Gaining hands-on experience with the turbines, especially during rotor lifts, has been mind-blowing," she excitedly shares about her recent stint at the Grand Gulf nuclear station in Mississippi.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Caitlin had her moments of doubt, such as overcoming imposter syndrome. Yet, she stands firm, empowered by her accomplishments and the knowledge that she belongs. "I didn't go to college, so I just have my Navy experience. It definitely weighed on my mind when I first started that I would not fit in or know what I was doing. But I've proved to myself that I do belong here and that I can succeed," she states.
For Caitlin, it's more than just a job; it's about making an impact. “It's very rewarding. When you arrive on site and the plant is running, you see how it will look when you leave. Then you take it apart, down to the ground and you get to rebuild it. Then, as you're leaving, you see the steam coming out of the stacks and you think: I did that! Seeing the process from beginning to end is a rewarding feeling. At the end of the day, we are keeping the lights on and it's cool to be a part of that. No matter what, we all need power.”
