Power Profile July 2026: Ariel Coreth
Can you share your perspective on the opportunities available for veterans transitioning into the energy industry? How can the industry better recognize and leverage the valuable skills and experiences that veterans bring?
Veterans represent one of the energy industry’s strongest talent pipelines. They bring a mission-focused mindset, adaptability, technical discipline and leadership under pressure—all qualities that align naturally with the challenges of the energy sector.
The opportunities are extensive. Utilities value veterans for their experience in highly regulated, safety-critical environments, while developers, consultants and infrastructure firms recognize a veteran’s ability to lead teams, communicate with stakeholders and execute complex projects in rapidly changing environments. There are so many organizations such as DoW SkillBridge, Troops to Energy Jobs, Military OneSource, Veterans in Energy, and countless others not mentioned, that continue to create meaningful pathways for veterans to transition successfully into the industry.
To better leverage veteran talent, we first need to help employers recognize the “military equivalencies”—the direct connection between military experience and civilian roles. As the founder of WSP’s first-ever SkillBridge program, I have seen how education and strong advocates can transform perspectives. It only takes one leader willing to champion veteran hiring. Once the business value becomes clear, that understanding spreads. I like to think of it as a chain reaction: one advocate inspires another, momentum builds, and before long, you create a culture that recognizes veterans not simply for where they’ve served, but for the leadership, resilience, and expertise they bring to the future of the energy industry.
With Plant Vogtle now fully operational, nuclear energy is experiencing renewed momentum. In your view, how close are we to seeing additional nuclear generating capacity come online in the United States?
Closer than many people realize. Right now, we’re seeing strong alignment between federal policy, private investment and rapidly growing electricity demand. President Donald Trump’s 2025 executive orders aimed at accelerating advanced reactor deployment, reforming Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing, strengthening the domestic nuclear supply chain and expanding construction on federal lands represent one of the most significant policy pushes for nuclear energy in decades.
At the same time, developers are finding innovative ways to improve project economics through gas-to-nuclear strategies, partnerships with hyperscale data centers, creative financing models and public-private collaboration. These approaches could accelerate deployment timelines beyond what many thought possible just a few years ago.
I also believe the Department of War offers a valuable model. Military installations clearly demonstrate the connection between energy security and national security, and their ability to leverage federal partnerships and streamlined development pathways offers important lessons for the broader industry. If we continue to pair policy momentum with innovation and disciplined execution, I believe we’ll see new nuclear generating capacity online sooner than many expect.
Looking back on your career to date, what project has been the most rewarding, and why?
The first is a large-scale bus depot microgrid project featuring solar, battery energy storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and future hydrogen fueling capabilities. It also happens to be my very first project as a project manager here at WSP. I learned more on that project than I ever imagined—from navigating a design-build contract and a complex, tiered client structure— to managing countless change orders, a notoriously demanding Authority Having Jurisdiction and a team of highly specialized technical experts. It reminded me of leading a group of seasoned sailors and chiefs aboard a warship as a young Naval officer. The experience was humbling, the lessons were invaluable and many of those professional relationships remain strong today.
The second is a project I’m currently supporting for a small modular reactor developer pursuing a gas-to-nuclear approach for a future nuclear facility. Returning to the nuclear industry has allowed me to reconnect with my roots as a Navy Nuclear Surface Warfare officer while contributing to a first-of-a-kind design. I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate closely with WSP colleagues in the United Kingdom, whose project management discipline, thoroughness and attention to detail have continually impressed me. In many ways, the project reminds me of my time in Nuclear Power School, where procedural compliance, technical rigor and a strong work ethic laid the foundation for mission success. It’s incredibly rewarding to see those same principles continue to drive success in today’s nuclear renaissance.
What advice would you give to a second- or third-year college student who is considering a career in the energy industry?
It’s an exciting time to join the energy industry. Personally, few industries offer the same combination of long-term stability, meaningful work, and rewarding career opportunities. As our nation’s demand for reliable, affordable, and secure energy continues to grow, the energy industry will need the next generation of engineers, project managers, scientists, analysts, and leaders to help meet that challenge.
With that in mind, I think there’s a simple three-step process.
First, create a resume you can truly be proud of. Your resume is your brand—your billboard of information—and, quite frankly, someone may spend less than 10 seconds looking at it. Tailor it to each position, use language from the job description and clearly communicate how your skills align with the role.
Second, be prepared to talk about every line on that resume. Know your experiences well enough that you can answer any question confidently, genuinely and humbly.
Third, have conversations, not just interviews. Reach out to people in the energy industry, schedule informational interviews, and ask about their career paths, day-to-day responsibilities and lessons learned. At the same time, refine your own elevator pitch and stay informed by reading industry news, listening to podcasts, attending local events or simply stepping outside your comfort zone. One conversation leads to another, and before you know it, you’re building both your network and your personal brand. Those relationships often become the opportunities that launch a career. I was hired by a fellow veteran thanks to a high school connection who shared my resume with him. You know who you are!