With Energy for the Future: AIEE Talk Expands the Dialogue on Careers in the Energy Industry to Chisinau

The Association of Energy and Electrical Engineers (AIEE) continues to expand its ‘Career in the Energy Industry’ program by organizing a new landmark event – “AIEE Talk: Career in the Energy Industry”, held in Chisinau in partnership with the Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering at the Technical University of Moldova.

The event brought together representatives from the academic community, companies in the energy sector from the Republic of Moldova and Romania, as well as officials from the Ministry of Energy, providing a framework for open dialogue regarding professional career paths in the industry, current challenges, and strategic development directions within a dynamic regional context.

The Minister of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, Dorin Junghietu, highlighted the importance of involving the new generation in the sector’s transformation: “It was a truly special moment to participate in AIEE Talk: Careers in the Energy Industry and to discuss with young people what a career in the energy sector looks like in reality. It is encouraging to see so much interest in this important field. The future of energy depends largely on the ideas and involvement of the new generation.”

He also highlighted the sector’s strategic directions: “The energy sector is in an accelerated process of transformation, and its development depends on training a new generation of specialists to contribute to the modernization of the Republic of Moldova’s energy system. The energy strategy of the Republic of Moldova for 2030–2050 points toward the improvement of renewable resources. We know what we need to do to improve the energy sector’s infrastructure so that it serves as a backbone. All these things are done by people.”

During the discussions, participants addressed the theme of transitioning from student status to professional, focusing on the necessary skills, integration into the labour market, and adaptation to new technological realities.

Viorel Bostan, Rector of the Technical University of Moldova, highlighted the role of collaboration between academia and industry: “I am very proud that the Faculty of Energy and Electrical Engineering took the initiative to promote this dialogue platform, which is very important for the energy sector. Until a few years ago, it was said that the energy sector in the Republic of Moldova was not at the level it should be for a small country like ours. There was no systemic approach, no platform for discussion between the university and partners in the field.”

He added: “I am glad that things are finally becoming much clearer, much more oriented toward European involvement. I believe that even this dialogue is an extraordinarily good sign. I am convinced that the energy objectives in the Republic of Moldova will be well managed in the future as well. […] Today you have a much clearer perspective, and the country needs you.”

Dumitru Braga, Dean of the Faculty of Energy and Electrical Engineering at the Technical University of Moldova, stated: “We thank the Association of Energy and Electrical Engineers for organizing this event here, with us. We are pleased that partners from the academic community, the government, through its representatives, and the business environment have accepted our invitation to attend this event.”

The event offered participants a roundtable titled “Challenges facing the industrial/business and academic environments,” where the gap between educational curricula and the accelerated pace of technological evolution was discussed.

Sergiu Carmanschi, General Director of State Enterprise Moldelectrica, stated: “We are facing a reality where the skills required by the energy system are evolving much faster than we are sometimes able to adapt educational programs. It is essential to build solid bridges between universities and companies in order to prepare specialists who are relevant for the future.”

Corina Popescu, Chair of the Board of Directors of Moldelectrica, emphasized the importance of investing in young people: “The shortage of specialists is not just a challenge of the present, but a risk to the sustainability of the energy sector. It is vital to offer young people clear career prospects, including through paid internships and traineeships, which allow them to gain practical experience and integrate quickly into the workforce.”

At the same time, she delivered an inspirational message: “I am an engineer. I am a woman in a man’s world, and although no one gave me a chance, I succeeded. […] Anyone has a chance to succeed in the energy sector if they do their job with passion, if they are dedicated, and if they learn continuously.”

AIEE President Mircea Bitoiu appreciated the importance of the collaboration: “I thank the Faculty of Energy and Electrical Engineering at the Technical University of Moldova for the collaboration in realizing this edition of the AIEE Talk program. […] The energy system is a dynamic system, a system that functions in an integrated way, and therefore, the people who form this system must work just as integratedly.”

The participants’ interventions rounded out the perspective on the role of education, discipline, and curiosity in the development of future specialists:

Sergiu Carmanschi, General Director of State Enterprise Moldelectrica: “The foundations are laid here, and it depends on each student how involved they are in creating their own foundation and developing the power system.”

Iurie Besliu, General Director of S.A. RED-Nord: “We thank you for this event and for these platforms for interaction with future engineers.”

Iurie Razlovan, General Director of Termoelectrica SA: “Everything that surrounds us is energy. […] You must test your curiosity as future engineers to always learn something new.”

Marin Pripa, Technical Director of Progress Energy: “Above all, I want to wish you to find balance in everything.”

Sergiu Petrea, Director of the Energy Management Department at ICS Premier Energy Distribution: “Discipline is an essential matter in the energy field. We must understand that a small action can cause serious damage or accidents.”

AIEE will continue the “AIEE Talk: Careers in the Energy Industry” event series, thereby highlighting the essential role of dialogue between the academic community, authorities, and the industry in training a new generation of professionals capable of contributing to the security and sustainable development of the energy sector.

With energy for the future!

About AIEE

The Association of Energy and Electrical Engineers (AIEE) is a professional, non-governmental, non-profit, apolitical, and independent organization with legal personality, founded in 2022. The Association’s goal is to contribute to enhancing the role of energy and electrical engineers in the development and modernization of the energy system—a pillar of economic growth. AIEE promotes the principles of sustainable development within the energy sector and provides an appropriate institutional, material, and social framework for its members. The AIEE team consists of members, employees, volunteers, and collaborators of the association.