Generational Perspectives: Starting a Career in Energy 

The energy sector is undergoing a generational transition. A new cohort of early-career talent is reshaping how the industry thinks about work, technology, and purpose. We spoke with Scharmensey Fine, a Market Research Analyst on the Market Intelligence and Strategy team, to hear her perspective on starting a career in the energy industry and the next-generation energy workforce.

Fine joined the company as an intern in March 2024 and began her full-time role in May 2025. In this Q&A, she reflects on what it means to start a career in energy at a time when two powerful forces – market urgency and AI adoption – are intensifying. Her perspectives on the energy industry’s dynamism and the meaningful impact she’s made early in her career offer a window into the industry’s next chapter.

Q: What sparked your interest in the energy industry and what specifically led you to Mitsubishi Power?

Fine: It was driven by curiosity. I didn't see myself in the energy industry when I was in school, and I knew very little about it. But when my professor shared an opportunity with Mitsubishi Power, it sounded interesting. I realized how little I understood about an industry that has such a major impact on our daily lives and our collective future. That piqued my curiosity, and I wanted to explore what the industry was really like.

Q: Was there a moment at Mitsubishi Power when you realized that you could see yourself here longer-term?

Fine: I felt an instant sense of comfort as an intern, honestly, two months in. I was calculating the potential emissions for our hydrogen projects and reporting those findings to the team. At one point, I led my first meeting without my manager, and I was able to answer all the questions and share insights confidently. It seemed like it was well received, and the team used my work in their projects. In that moment, I could see how I was contributing in a meaningful way and felt that not only did I belong, but that I could influence.

Q: With how quickly the energy industry is evolving, what skills have proven most important in your day-to-day work?

Fine: Adaptability and innovative thinking. The energy industry is constantly changing. There are so many different factors that we have no control over, so it's important to think on your feet and create ways to work through headwinds and be willing to adopt new tools and trends to stay competitive.

I think it applies no matter what your role is or what technical skill you have. Even as a data scientist, the way data is structured is never the same. You have to approach data, and therefore even similar problems, differently every time, so being adaptable is key.

Work-life balance is also big for my generation. I think it's important to prioritize not the hours logged, but the impact you're creating. I think that can be overlooked.

Q: How do you use AI in your work and where do you see it going next?

Fine: I use AI almost every day, especially for market research. It speeds up the process and helps with efficiency. Another way I use AI is to help maintain and update our Data Center database. I use it to extract key information, such as capacity and project details, from large amounts of data and then to help classify each project. This allows me to spend less time on manual data cleanup and more time on creating insights.

We learned a lot about AI in school – how it's built, how to use it effectively, and how it shouldn’t be used. For example, a lot of people don't understand that it can hallucinate and that not everything it produces is accurate, but I know its limitations.

Agentic AI will be the next step. We're beginning to use AI agents and I’ll be part of a 12-week training program focused on how to use them safely and effectively, starting with identifying high-value business use cases then moving into building, deploying, and monitoring a small number of agent solutions. For me specifically, an agentic AI could help monitor news and public sources, extract key project details, and organize that information into a structured database, making insights timelier and measurable.

Q: Do you have a mentor and how has that shaped your growth so far?

Fine: I would consider my manager, Andrea Willwerth, as my mentor because she's given me the most personal and career advice, along with background information on the industry. She encourages me to not undervalue myself and to go after the things that I want. She regularly shares personal development opportunities and understands that growth isn’t just professional skills, but also confidence, boundaries, and self-advocacy. I often go to her for advice on navigating situations outside my immediate team, whether it’s handling challenging interactions, understanding corporate dynamics, or figuring out the best way to approach a situation.

Q: For someone early in their career, what makes energy an exciting field to consider right now?

Fine: Energy is for everyone, everywhere, and that means the industry isn’t limited to engineers or academics. If you want to be a part of the story, you can be. Right now, in particular, the energy industry is booming and stands out as a bright area of opportunity in the broader economy. There’s a wide range of power industry jobs available because the industry needs all kinds of skills sets. You’ll find opportunities in digital and IT, skilled trades, data and analytics, finance, planning, project management, and more. It’s an exciting time to enter the field because there are so many different ways to get involved and build a meaningful career.

Q: What kind of impact do you hope your work has on the future of energy?

Fine: I want to continue working in analytical, data‑driven roles that support strategic business decisions. By using data to evaluate trends, risks, and opportunities, I hope to help guide decisions that move us toward a future with cleaner, more reliable, and more abundant energy that works for both people and the planet.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Mitsubishi Power?

Fine: How open and approachable people are. You can talk to anyone, even senior leaders, and they’re always willing to listen and answer questions without judgment.