Science & Engineering Student Climbs High with Multiple Degrees
Student Rachel Davis knew she wanted to pursue a degree in a field that would advance her career and provide her with a variety of options. With that in mind, she came to OSU-Oklahoma City’s Division of Science & Engineering. Little did she know, she would be seeking two degrees in a field dominated by male employees.
“OSU-OKC offered a program that allowed me to pursue my educational goals while continuing my full-time job and focusing on my family,” Davis says. “I wanted to obtain skills and experiences that would set me apart from other candidates.”
Last fall, Davis graduated from the Power Transmissions and Distribution Technology program and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Applied Science in Electronics Engineering Technology.
“Since I have had great success completing the Power Transmission and Distribution Technology program, I know I will receive the same results completing the Electronics Engineering Technology program,” Davis said.
Davis currently works as a Distribution Operator at OG&E. She is responsible for analyzing service outages, dispatching and directing the operation of distribution/transmission substations, lines (34.5 KV and below) and feeder control devices throughout the company.
Some of the biggest challenges she says she has faced in the field are the expectations others have of her. Despite this, Davis says her OSU-OKC professors have been supportive and encouraging throughout her time on campus.
“I realize this is a male-dominated field and it takes time for others to realize the contributions I have to offer as a woman,” Davis said. “I believe my commitment has helped me obtain the respect of my peers and professors.”
For the future, Davis hopes to continue to grow and succeed. “I want to improve my knowledge and education along the way so that I can make a valuable contribution to a utility company by allowing them to benefit from my experiences.”
OSU-OKC will help her realize those goals by “continuing to provide tools that will make it easier for me to pursue the goals I have set before me,” she says.
Davis offers this advice to anyone interested in pursuing a degree in OSU-OKC’s Division of Science & Engineering: “Never let others define what you are and are not capable of, but decide on the goal and pursue it wholeheartedly.”
“Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it.” – Bill Cosby
