I recently went to Los Angeles to learn more about the solar industry and make some contacts.  I learned a great deal at the conference about where in the value chain I wanted to work and where I could make the most impact.  The Penn State connection, however, started to work while I was on the plane.

Sitting in the middle seat going across the country is not exactly anyone’s idea of fun.  But as I was finishing my work on the computer (with my alligator arms) I decided to strike up a conversation with the guy sitting next to me.  As it turns out, he was a PSU alum, a former Accenture senior consultant, and a partner friend of his had just started a solar energy company.  This was right up my alley.  So, we exchanged contact information – and if it pays off, it’s a direct result of working the PSU network…and braving the middle seat!

The Penn State network continued to work as I navigated the exhibit floor.  A 1997 alum had recently switch jobs to work for Yes! Solar Solutions, a subsidiary of Solar Power Inc.  In true form, I was welcomed at the company’s booth, learned a ton about the residential solar market, and made plans to meet up later that evening.

I hear (and often preach) about the network here at Penn State – it was actually a major factor in coming to Penn State.  But the more I contact alumni, the more I realize how important the network is….not that I need to get up on the soapbox and preach some more!

Brian C.