Senior Manager, Vistra Energy
Michelle Ketsler, whose MBA studies included a concentration in finance and strategic management, is the senior manager for demand management and account service management at Vistra Energy. She is responsible for establishing and managing the governance of Vistra Energy’s retail technology investment portfolio and ensuring approved projects are aligned with the company’s strategy. She also leads the account service management team for both Texas and out-of-state operations, ensuring large commercial customers receive necessary customer service, communication and support.
Briefly, tell us how your degree has impacted your career.
Going back to school for my MBA substantially changed the trajectory of my career. While corporate experience is critical, a graduate degree is the new standard for many employers. While my performance, work ethic, attitude and networking have enabled me to grow and move through the organization, I believe that pursuing a graduate degree helped accelerate that growth within the company.
What do you enjoy about your current position/profession?
I serve as the central conduit for many diverse efforts throughout the organization. As a result, I interact with a wide variety of individuals and departments from which I gain invaluable knowledge, build significant relationships and gain insight into how they strategically work together.
What is a professional highlight of your career, either where you currently work or in the past?
I began my experience with my current company roughly six years ago. The day I arrived for my interview was the day my professional career took off. While it was a leap of faith to move into the energy industry, it was definitely a career highlight to join such a growing and vibrant field. I would encourage everyone to follow his or her instincts and seize those rare opportunities to dramatically grow your career.
What characteristics do you look for when hiring people into your workplace?
While the interview defines my first real impression, the applicant must put his or her best foot forward starting with the resume. Triple-check your spelling, grammar and formatting. Small things like these go a long way to showing your attention to detail. Before you arrive for the interview, build an understanding of the industry and how your previous experiences and education will be valuable to the sought-after position and the company. Finally, arrive with questions for the interviewer that demonstrate interest in the role and show off your efforts leading up to the interview.
What advice do you have for college students hoping to succeed professionally?
As a young professional, you are constantly looking for the next ladder rung to move up. However, some of the best advice I received early in my career was to take advantage of lateral opportunities. While those moves may not seem as exciting, they bring diversity to your resume and lead to accelerated growth down the line.
What makes an effective leader?
An effective leader is flexible, relatable and accessible. It can be anyone who serves as a mentor representing growth, strength and opportunity. As a senior manager, I always keep my door open and ensure my team feels supported. To that end, I strive to understand their personal needs and lives, set a positive example and often share my experiences. Moreover, their success is my success. An effective leader does not benefit from taking credit.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my spare time, I relish spending time with my son and husband, playing tennis, indulging in reality television and dominating several NFL fantasy football leagues in the fall.
