Have you ever wondered about becoming an electrician? Interstates’ Keith Vollink answers questions below about his career path and what you might expect in the daily work life of an electrical superintendent.
What is your role at Interstates?
I am an electrical superintendent at Interstates. I supervise and coordinate the activities of team leaders and craft professionals on job sites.
What is your educational background?
I studied industrial and commercial wiring at Northwest Iowa Community College. I started with Interstates in May of 2000 as an intern while I was still in school then hired on as an apprentice once I graduated. I got my Journeyman’s license in 2003.
What made you want to pursue being an electrician?
I didn’t really know what I wanted to do after high school, but I had an uncle who was an electrician, and that seemed interesting to me. I liked what I learned in my classes at NCC and made friends who were also pursuing the same occupation, so it helped to have that support. My internship at Interstates was a great experience, and I knew that I wanted to continue that kind of work.
What is your typical day like?
We always start with a morning safety meeting and lay out what needs to get done that day. We meet again after lunch for a quick safety update to keep the crew members aware of what’s happening across the job site. You wear a lot of hats throughout the day – you’re HR, you’re Safety, you’re a crew lead, you’re a foreman, and you’re a superintendent. You do all kinds of things.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Figuring out how to work with different people is probably the hardest part of any job. The electrical part is easy – it’s figuring out how to work well with different personalities that can be a challenge. The more time you spend with someone, the easier it is to get to know how best to approach them, manage them, and work alongside them.
What do you find rewarding about your job?
The best feeling is when you get a project done and it’s up and running, and all the hard work that everyone has put in has paid off.
What personality traits are suited for life as an electrician?
We have all kinds of personalities that are successful in this position – any type of person can become an electrician.
Find out more about current job opportunities at Interstates.
