Vivek Thomas

Q: What advice do you have for potential students considering attending Penn State and EMS?

Meet as many fellow peers as you can! This can be done by getting involved in groups that interest you or through societies and organizations held internal to EMS! These will be your friends for a lifetime as well as ones you may see pretty frequently in class!

Q: How did Penn State help prepare you for your career?

Penn State molded me into a very effective team player and leader. A lot of work done in the Energy Industry is collaborative and having opportunities to work with classmates on projects and events taught me organizational and time management skills, both of which are essential in today's day and age!

Q: Did you career turn out as you planned?

No... and that is ok! I assumed I would have worked for Schlumberger Oilfield Technologies for the remainder of my career. I had a long progression plan laid out and was able to work in sectors of the Oil and Gas service industry that I was very interested in. Unfortunately after some acquisitions I left, accepted an offer and am currently working for ICF on a Energy Consulting team reporting to the Department of Energy and other energy companies. In this position I am able to help with key decisions made by our government regarding our country's energy usage.

Q: Did you participate in any extracurricular activities like student clubs, organizations, internships, sports, study away or study abroad? Did they have any impact on you/your career? How?

Yes! I was very active in College of EMS Student Council, College of EMS THON, Society of Petroleum Engineers, and EMS Ambassadors. Being involved in so many extracurriculars taught me effective time management skills, as well as project management, leadership and public speaking (interpersonal skills). These were critical to my development as an employee because it allowed me to responsibly handle the required tasks of my position, as well as network/collaborate with coworkers who could help in devising optimal solutions for the company.

Q: What one piece of advice would you like to give to students who are graduating?

If possible... take some time off between when you graduate and when you begin working (maybe 3-5 months). This break allows you to properly prepare to enter the workforce, as well as gets you some time with your family and friends before you leave. I took my first position 20+ hours away from home, only 28 days after graduation. I enjoyed my time with my new company, but still wish I could have been closer to home for a longer time before shipping out.

Penn State Traditions

Q: What’s the best thing about being a Penn Stater?

Football Season & the Alumni Network

Q: What is your favorite memory of your time at Penn State?

Dancing in THON 2017!

Fun Stuff!

Q: What’s your favorite holiday and why?

Thanksgiving - It is the main holiday when all my family gets together!

Q: What’s something about you that might surprise people?

I love to cook!

Q: What sports teams do you root for?

Penn State Football and New York Giants :(