Bright Futures: How a Veteran Transferred Military Skills into a Career in Solar Energy
Serena Hahn is a proud U.S. Air Force veteran and military spouse. After a decade of military service, she embarked on a new career journey when she joined McKinstry as a Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellow through the Solar Ready Vets program. Following a successful fellowship, Serena was hired as a project manager in their Distributed Energy Resources business unit. Today, she oversees the construction phases of commercial rooftop solar projects.
From Combat to Clean Energy
With ten years of service as a Force Support Officer in the Air Force, Serena faced a pivotal decision about her transition to civilian life. While she had a successful military career, her passion for renewable energy solutions pushed her toward a new path. “I did not want to be a bystander but part of the solution,” she reflects about her motivation for a career shift.
During her military career, Serena honed essential skills that proved invaluable in the solar industry. She developed resilience, creativity in problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams. “The military taught me to approach challenges with a positive attitude and to manage conflict,” she shares. These “soft skills” became critical assets as she began her new career journey.
Harnessing Opportunities for a Sustainable Career
As she navigated her transition, Serena attended a Hiring Our Heroes hiring fair. It was there she learned about McKinstry’s initiatives in renewable energy and an opening for a project manager position. Recognizing an opportunity that aligned with her career goals, she applied for an HOH Fellowship through Solar Ready Vets. Amidst life changes including marriage and relocating with her active-duty husband, Serena pursued the fellowship head-on. This entailed interviewing while on their honeymoon overseas and unpacking boxes just in time for her first week of orientation. “It was stressful and hectic, but the military had prepared me to handle the chaos,” she recalls.
In her current role at McKinstry, Serena manages the construction phase of commercial rooftop solar projects across California and Washington. As a project manager in McKinstry’s Distributed Energy Resources business unit, she oversees project implementation for two portfolios. This includes coordinating stakeholders, ensuring client satisfaction, and managing project financials—all tasks that utilize her leadership experience from military service.
“For those interested in the renewable energy field, this industry is the future of our national energy infrastructure and there is plenty of room for growth. There are also increasing numbers of veterans in the renewables space.”
Serena Hahn
A Pathway to Success
Serena credits Hiring Our Heroes for connecting her with opportunities that facilitated this significant career shift. “Being a Hiring Our Heroes fellow enabled me to tap into an expansive network that I would never have had access to on my own,” she explains.
For fellow veterans considering a move into renewable energy or any new field after service, Serena has encouraging words. “I am grateful to Hiring Our Heroes for connecting me with opportunities that led to my current position after the military.” She emphasizes leveraging connections within the veteran community: “Don’t be afraid to reach out to other veterans. Being a veteran affords you a wide network that most job seekers do not have, so make the most of it.”
