From fairways to power grids: PBSC graduate finds new career in renewable energy

When Kevin Rooney graduated from Florida State University with a degree in hospitality management, he imagined a future running pristine country clubs, surrounded by the sport he’d loved since high school—golf. For four years, the Lake Worth native worked his way up in the hospitality field, gaining responsibility, fine-tuning his communication, and managing teams. Yet, as he looked ahead, he didn’t see the kind of future he wanted.

“I realized the next step wasn’t something that inspired me,” Rooney recalled. “I saw where the general managers were headed, and it just didn’t feel right. I wanted to pivot before I got too far down that path.”

That pivotal moment sent him searching for a way to retrain without starting completely over. He explored options across Florida but found his answer close to home—Palm Beach State College’s Alternative Energy Systems Technology College Credit Certificate.

“With my bachelor’s already done, I didn’t want to spend four more years in school,” he explains. “PBSC offered a fast track into a high-demand field, and renewable energy seemed like the future. Everywhere I looked, power and electrification were big topics—EVs, AI, solar—and the need for skilled professionals was only growing.”

Through the program, Rooney immersed himself in hands-on learning that brought classroom concepts to life. Led by Professor Oleg Andric, students toured facilities like Power Systems Manufacturing (a Hanwha Company) in Jupiter, a solar farm in Fort Pierce, and a renewable operations control center. “We got to see every side of the industry—from hands-on fieldwork to computer-based system monitoring,” Rooney said. “It helped me figure out I’m better suited for problem-solving in an office setting.”

He completed the certificate in just two semesters, finishing in spring 2024 and landing a job soon after at Entrust Solutions, a firm that designs power systems for new housing developments. His role? Creating detailed, CAD-based schematics that map underground electrical infrastructure.

“It feels like solving a puzzle every day,” he said. “My salary is about what I earned before, but now what used to be my ceiling is my floor. There’s real opportunity to grow.”

For Rooney, Palm Beach State provided more than technical training—it offered a bridge to a thriving career sector anchored right in his community. “PBSC does a phenomenal job preparing students for the workforce, especially here in Palm Beach County. Professor Andric has amazing industry connections and introduced us to so many employers through field trips, expert panels, and career fairs.”

His advice to anyone thinking of changing careers: “If your goal is to get a job fast in a field that’s going to grow, this is an excellent program,” he says. “It gave me confidence, real-world skills, and a new direction.”

Now, at 26, Rooney sees himself building toward a future in project management within the renewable energy sector—a career powered by curiosity, resilience, and one timely decision to retrain.