Lane Community College Alumna Interview #2

Madeline Jonas

Lane Community College Alumna from the Energy Management Program

Madeline Jonas had always been interested in nature, and was disturbed by what she was learning about climate change. She wondered what she could do to make a difference. While still working as a Special Education teacher, she decided it was time for a career change, so she start taking on-line classes at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon where she lives. First, she took classes in the college’s water conservation program, then more recently in the energy management program. One of the things that attracted Madeline to the energy management program was that they had scholarships for women, and a paid apprenticeship program.

During her first year as an energy management student Madeline was feeling inspired by all of her experiences in the program. The relationships she created, and the information she was exposed to only enhanced her desire to learn all she could about energy and climate change. But she was especially grateful to have a female engineer as one of her instructors to act as a role model as she progressed through the program.

After finishing a year of on-line classes while still working as a teacher, Madeline took the big step to become a full-time energy management student, which included both in-person and on-line classes. When she wasn’t able to find a placement for the apprenticeship program, one of her teachers invited her to do an internship funded by the Department of Energy. This internship lasted four months and involved conducting a commercial energy audit each month. This internship gave her important experience that helped her succeed in the two interviews and skills test for her current job at her alma mater, the University of Oregon, as an Energy Program Specialist in the Department of Sustainability.

Madeline loves her new job. She currently works on utility analysis and reporting for the University, and feels like she’s making a difference in her Department and the University as a whole.

When asked what advice she has for students considering this field, she had two suggestions. First, understand that energy management/sustainability is actually a broad field with a wide variety of career opportunities. These careers range from residential energy efficiency, to commercial building control systems, or even working with utility providers and engineers. She also encourages students to take advantage of any opportunities to do internships or community work and let your interests lead the way to hopefully getting a job that matches those interests.

View all Energy Efficiency Program Profiles