STEM students often look to private industry when exploring careers, but a recent conversation with Ryan Sandy at the Florida Public Service Commission highlighted another impactful path. Through a discussion on internships, daily work, and industry trends, one theme stood out: technical skills can directly shape how essential services are delivered to millions of Floridians.
Internship Opportunities and Skill Development
According to Ryan, most internship opportunities at the FPSC involve on-site research or data compilation. These experiences build strong analytical skills and expose students to real-world technical and regulatory challenges.
At the same time, motivated students can often leverage their internship experience. Those who are energetic and curious may find opportunities, following an internship, to be considered for a permanent role on the FPSC staff in which their interests or strengths can bring value to public service, whether in engineering or economic analysis.
Learning on the Job
While some roles, such as Engineering Analysts, favor technical majors, Ryan emphasized that the ability to learn is even more important. Much of the work at the FPSC is highly specialized, making on-the-job learning a given.
Students who are adaptable, intellectually curious, and willing to engage with complex material will be well positioned to succeed.
What the Work Really Looks Like
When asked about a typical day, Ryan noted that while schedules vary, three things are constant: reading, thinking, and communicating.
Staff regularly review applications, testimony, engineering and accounting reports, audits, and technical filings. They scrutinize this information to determine whether utility actions are prudent. Just as important, they must clearly communicate those findings to colleagues, Commissioners, and the public.
This often means shifting between conversations with technical experts and explaining complex concepts to non-technical audiences. Many days involve educating others on key aspects of utility regulation.
Current Issues Shaping the Industry
The FPSC is actively engaged in topics that intersect with STEM fields and emerging technologies. Ryan pointed to current work around:
· The reliability and cost impacts of integrating large data centers into the grid
· The consolidation of water and wastewater companies
These issues highlight how engineering, infrastructure, and data-driven decisions influence policy and public outcomes.
Impact on Everyday Floridians
One of the clearest takeaways from the conversation was the direct impact of this work. The FPSC regulates electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater, and telecommunications across the state.
As Ryan explained, the next time you turn on a light switch or a water faucet, the FPSC has likely played a role. Staff decisions help ensure these services are reliable, cost-effective, and in the public’s best interest. For STEM students, this is a tangible example of how technical expertise can influence everyday life.
Advice for Students Interested in Public Service
Ryan described public service as a path grounded in purpose and quality of life. Students interested in this work should be intellectually curious and fueled by a healthy skepticism.
Asking why something happened, or did not happen, is essential. Even when answers are not straightforward, that mindset is critical in regulatory and technical environments.
Preparing for Opportunities
Students can begin preparing now by becoming familiar with industry periodicals and public resources. Developing a working knowledge of the terminology and concepts used in regulated utilities can provide a strong advantage.
To stay informed about opportunities, students should monitor openings through the Florida People First website and stay connected with the FPSC Human Resources team.
Final Thoughts
The conversation with Ryan Sandy reinforced that STEM careers are not limited to traditional industry roles. At the Florida Public Service Commission, technical knowledge is applied in ways that directly impact communities across Florida. For students interested in combining analysis, communication, and public impact, this is a path worth exploring.
