CLASS OF 2016
WORLD-GENERATION FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
22
While much of the power industry is
experiencing a downturn in hiring and
career movement those who have, and
maintain, professional-personal relation-
ships will continue to succeed regardless
of the direction of employment in our
industry.
Through a full and aggressive sched-
ule of industry participation in trade-
shows, association meetings, and the
course of daily business it has become
obvious that the overall feel of employ-
ment opportunity in the industry is “flat”.
That said, dealing with hiring authorities
and candidates, Huckeba sees that there
are opportunities for career advancement
continuing to be offered. In such a mar-
ket, should a change in employment or
need for a new-hire exist, it is ever more
important to have a network of industry
contacts to rely upon.
“From a career’s start through its com-
pletion, the power of personal interactions
will prove time and again to be as valuable,
if not more valuable, than education and
experience,” Huckeba points out. The abili-
ty to use your network (both peers and
industry leaders) for access to knowledge,
information, and people, is like money in
the bank – always ready, always available.
Add to this the incredible positive return
that is gained from giving back to your net-
work, and you’ll understand a professional
recruiter’s mindset.
DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS
Consistency in developing
relationships is key. Extend yourself.
Whether in a relationship-creating
environment such as a tradeshow, in an
elevator, or in an airport terminal when
you see another passenger carrying an
industry hard-hat, extend yourself and
watch what happens. You simply never
know where the addition of one new
contact to your professional network will
lead. For those of you less inclined or
comfortable in meeting new contacts this
skill can be acquired. Some research into
topics such as how to work a room, how to
meet new people, and similar subjects will
lay-out for you the basic steps you can take
to master these skills.
And, while the opportunities to
expand your network through technology
(social media, recruiting boards, etc.) is
an attractive shortcut, the reality is they
also require you to create and share con-
tent, as well as take an active role in dis-
cussions to establish yourself as a thought
leader and remain relevant. As in any per-
sonal or professional relationship the idea
of investing time and energy, by giving
back is critical.
“Ask yourself, when was the last time
you were asked to help someone within
your network with career or technical
advice,” Huckeba shared. How did you
respond? Enthusiastically, or with resent-
ment that someone infringed on your
time? I’ve identified a common thread
among successfully selected candidates.
Each has excellent peer references and
has been referred to as being helpful, a
team player, and a trusted resource.
Giving back to your network not only pays
emotional dividends, it also has tremen-
dous positive impact on how you are per-
ceived within your network.
Loving what you do is important, lov-
ing or at least caring about those you work
for, around and with, is equally as valuable.
“For what it’s worth, take the extra
step to make yourself known and build
both a strong network and positive reputa-
tion within your industry,” Huckeba said.
The idea of spending at least one night
each week dedicated to expanding your
knowledge and influence through associa-
tion memberships, industry leadership
positions, and reading industry blogs can
become an easy and enjoyable routine.
You will be amazed at the career opportu-
nities that become available through this
small investment of time.
Strategic Contract Resources, LLC
(SCR) is an international supplier of per-
sonnel to the petrochemical, oil & gas,
power, renewable power, and process
industries. We provide highly skilled proj-
ect personnel and candidates for direct-
hire employment to help organizations
source and hire more efficiently, access
better talent, and better control hiring and
turnover expenses.
SCR’s responsibility is to provide project
personnel in a timely manner and minimize
its clients’ costs. SCR fully screens all per-
sonnel for both qualifications and soft skills
required to be successful within its client’s
environment. Industry knowledge and stren-
uous screening process results in SCR pro-
viding only the top qualified personnel, sav-
ing time and money. Visit SCR’s website
(
to discover the benefits of
our direct-hire recruiting services, innova-
tive personnel delivery programs, 24-hour
access to management, and flexible cost-
effective solutions for your workforce needs.
ABOUT DAVID HUCKEBA
David Huckeba’s experience includes
over 24 years serving the power genera-
tion and energy industries. His back-
ground and expertise span a wide variety
of consulting and support activities includ-
ing recruiting, direct hire placement, proj-
ect management, documentation develop-
ment, training and e-learning activities.
With previous titles including vice presi-
dent, Power Industry consultants; direc-
tor, General Physics; and manager,
PennWell Publishing, he possesses a
broad and deep network of consultants
and clients. Mr. Huckeba served 20 years
in the Submarine Service for the U.S.
Navy. He attended the University of
Alabama and holds a bachelor of science,
management and marketing from
Charleston Southern University.
DAVID HUCKEBA
Vice President
SCR
