AIM Magazine 2016 | Page 14

Your pathway to a stable career could start at Black Hills Energy . Recessions can cause drops in construction , sales and other types of businesses . However , people have to heat their homes . They have to have lights . They cannot get by without electricity or natural gas .
Black Hills , based in South Dakota , serves 1.2 million customers in eight states , including Northwest Arkansas . The company has been in business since 1883 when it started serving electric customers in Deadwood , S . D .
“ A utility company is stable ,” said Rich Davis , Black Hills Energy Manager of Community and Government Affairs for Arkansas . “ We don ’ t lay off a lot of people . We have people coming up for retirement that have been here 35 to 40 years .”
Even with the replacement of retiring workers , hiring at Black Hills is growth driven , Davis said . Entry-level jobs can lead to a career in the company ’ s safety , regulatory affairs or pipeline maintenance departments . Other career paths include geographical information system operators , project managers , gas center workers , supervising agents , or subject experts in a call center .
A Black Hills customer care center is located in Northwest Arkansas , one of three in the company . One is scheduled to close with some jobs moving to Arkansas .
The call center is an enjoyable place to work , said Kim Hankins , Operator Support Supervisor . “ Everyone in the company helps create a family atmosphere ,” Hankins said .
Hankins started 10 years ago as a part-time worker at the drivein window where customers pay bills . After deciding the seasonal job could be a career , she became a full agent answering phone calls from customers . She earned promotions to a team leader and floor supervisor .
“ I ’ ve gained knowledge and experience ,” Hankins said . “ I ’ ve developed my leadership ability and learned to be creative , and how to think outside of the box .”
“ Don ’ t be afraid to start at the bottom and work your way up ,” Hankins said . “ You gain a lot of experience that way .”
Angelle Johnson manages the call center , and also has been working for the company for 10 years . She brought experience to the company , having worked in a call center in her native New Orleans . She also worked in human resources and cost control before returning to the call center .
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“ You have to have skill in dealing with the customers ,” Johnson said . “ You have to have charisma ,