Some people find their next role through networking with friends, while others find theirs through meticulous online research. More rarely, however, a role can find you. That’s exactly what happened to Jessica Pullis, an International Projects Project Manager with Hitachi Energy, who stumbled upon her next career step while working out.
“I was at my CrossFit studio when a new drop-in came in for class,” she says. “Little did I know, she worked for Hitachi Energy and was in town for DistribuTECH.”
What followed was a friendly conversation as Pullis tried to make the newcomer feel welcome. Soon, the two bonded over their shared interests and work experience. Eventually, the conversation shifted to what it was like working at Hitachi Energy.
“Once we started talking about Hitachi Energy work life, I knew it would be a great fit,” Pullis says. “Shortly after, I applied, and the rest is history.”
Here, Pullis shares what the interview and onboarding process was like, how she navigated changing careers, and why teamwork is important in every setting.
Tell us about your career journey. What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?
I have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. It was the only subject that ever made much sense to me, so I stuck with what I understood best! I previously worked with a utility company for five years and knew I wanted to continue growing in the power industry.
What was the interview process and onboarding experience like with Hitachi Energy? How have they made you feel welcome?
The interview process was much more relaxed than any other interview I’ve been a part of. It was more of a conversation, hitting all the points without making me feel uncertain or nervous. During my first week, my manager (who is normally in Canada) was in Raleigh to greet me and introduce me to the team. The team has always been very welcoming and our personalities all mesh together.
What are you responsible for in your current role? What is the most rewarding part about it?
My current role is international projects project manager. I’m responsible for managing domestic sales orders that are manufactured in our overseas factories. The most rewarding part of my job is being part of a team that is consistently working together and doing the best we can to ensure the customer is satisfied and happy with their product. There are many challenges along the way, but knowing you have team support is the best part.
How does Hitachi Energy empower its employees to succeed and thrive in their roles? How have you been personally supported by leadership?
Working with a driven team, we’re all here to support and empower each other through the day. One of my goals is to become Project Manager Professional (PMP) certified. Leadership has been very supportive of this goal and Hitachi Energy has specific training to help me achieve it. I’m able to set time out of my week for specific training that will help me succeed.
What do you like best about the company culture at Hitachi Energy?
My favorite part of working for Hitachi Energy is the work-life balance. Fitness is a huge part of my lifestyle and a major component of my mental health. I love that I’m treated as an adult in my position and can get my work done. It’s a great feeling knowing that once work is done for the day, I’m able to go to the gym without having to worry.
You’ve held multiple roles and worked in multiple industries throughout your career. How have you parlayed the skills you’ve learned from previous positions into your current role?
Through my previous work in utility, I began in administration before moving into engineering. Working in distribution design engineering, being the first face the customer sees when they need power installed in their new home, made me realize the impact a smile and a positive attitude can have on the entire project. We’re impacting people’s lives every day. This made my appreciation and respect for the transformer world grow exponentially.
What is the biggest challenge you faced when changing careers, and how did you overcome it?
For me, the biggest challenge was not only changing and learning a new job but changing and learning a new team. Whether we know it or not, we rely heavily on the people supporting us to be successful at our jobs. Being open and honest about my strengths—and weaknesses—has helped me gain the support I need within my new role, and also achieve professional and personal growth.
What advice do you have for people—particularly women—hoping to make a career change?
Within the power industry, there are still hurdles that we women are trying to overcome, but the work is so incredibly rewarding. Once you realize your potential, the opportunities are endless. The biggest lesson I learned is that no one is going to make the change for you. You have to be open and willing to put yourself in situations where opportunities can find you. It may be scary at times, but the jump is definitely worth it.
What have you been watching or reading lately? Do you have any suggestions for someone looking for their next show, movie, or book?
I’m currently reading You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero. It’s hilarious and puts things into perspective. I tend to take things too seriously in life, and this book is a refreshing reminder that most things aren’t that serious and, more importantly, you are greatness, you just need to tap into it.