Marie Berninger loves the various facets of her job. A mechanical engineer in Con Edison's Third Generation Systems of the Future department, she is currently the team lead for a US$6 million, 18-month smart grid demonstration in Queens, New York, U.S. This research and development project includes implementing and demonstrating new smart grid two-way communication technologies, such as underground switches and smart meters.

Although it will be satisfying to reach the project's goal, Berninger enjoys the process of getting there as much as successfully completing the task. “Each day is different. I mean it is the furthest thing from boring,” she said. “We are dealing with new challenges every day, and we have little successes along the way.”

In one of those successes, Berninger demonstrated the increased flexibility of a remotely controlled 13-kV fast switch to the electric distribution system.

It is not only the hands-on development and distribution that gets Berninger's blood flowing. She also enjoys working with a team. “I basically lead an interdepartmental cross-functional team across the company,” Berninger said. The team consists of 12 to 14 subgroup representatives with which Berninger coordinates and communicates. It's not an easy task, especially when they have to incorporate new technology into an aging electrical grid.

Even though the work is challenging, Berninger has always thrived in a group dynamic. While considering a biology degree at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, U.S., she realized that test-tube experiments were not for her. The results not only seemed intangible but also required a lot of solo work. College sports reinforced these thoughts. “I also played soccer for the college,” Berninger said. “So a group atmosphere was always something I felt comfortable in.” In reference to her job, Berninger said, “I have always loved being on a team and that experience has helped me tremendously with my job. Without good teamwork, I don't think we would be as successful.” This love for teamwork and discernible results ultimately led her to become a mechanical engineer.

It is the new and changing nature of the job that kept Berninger's focus and passion. “I like the theme of new things. 3G is very new, and smart grid is new, so I'd love to stay in that area,” she noted. Even while giving 110% in her current job, Berninger is finding time to pursue a master's degree in business administration at New York University in New York City. She takes six hours a week on top of her already packed work schedule. Her goal is to learn a new facet of the company in order to bring even more skills to the table.

Although her talent as a communicator is clear, Berninger also knows the “hard skills” she is required to talk about — skills she learned in Con Ed's Gold Program before she took her current job. “I came to the company through the Gold Program,” Berninger said. “The Gold Program is an 18-month rotational program that required me to take on three different assignments for six months each.”

Her assignments included work as a shift supervisor in a liquid natural gas plant; in a distribution engineering department, where she was able to perform field work; and in a business policy group, where she got a glimpse at the bigger picture. “It was the best experience I could have had,” Berninger said. “After I got through that, I had the confidence and ability to work at Con Edison.”

The policy group was one training experience that led Berninger to discover her interest in the big-picture issues of the industry. “I enjoy stepping back and trying to look at the bigger picture while at the same time focusing in on the details,” she said. That is where she discovered her love for the business side of the job.

Interdepartmental business became international business when Berninger was given the opportunity to travel overseas. “We also benchmark with utilities internationally,” she said. “I coordinate those annual conferences as a Con Edison representative and travel with my managers to those countries to go see their electric system and work with them. So far, I've been to China, Paris and London. An upcoming trip will take me to Tokyo.”

Berninger's current position at Con Ed requires her to perform the technical in-the-field work of installing switches and smart meters as well as presenting this complicated technology to people who know little to nothing about it. “I think probably my biggest accomplishment is that I've gotten to this job, and I'm able to contribute so much to the company.”

Although Berninger's professional life and aspirations occupy a good chunk of her time, she also has plans for her personal life. “In the future, I would love to coach girls soccer,” she said.

Whether it is soccer, engineering, business or travel, Berninger offers one piece of parting advice: “Don't give up on your interests. I never did.”