Alumni Career Day

November 24, 2008Class of 2010 at SMCHS

Chris AbbamontoUCI – Manager, Energy Projects

• SMCHS Class of 1996• Concordia University, Irvine 2005

– Major: Biology– Minor: Business

• UC Irvine, MBA (expected June 2009)• Skills: Spanish Language

A Day in My Life• Married: Sandra - July 24, 2004• Kids: Lucas and Sofia• Work: Full Time• Grad School: Part Time

– 2 nights per week– 27 month program

• Summary: Life is Busy!!

My Skill Set• Analytical Problem Solving – Weighing the

facts and making decisions• Conceptual – Mechanically inclined• Not strong in algebraic math. Strong in

geometry and physics.• Communication skills and follow through• Critical reading and writing

My Philosophy• Medicine, Policy/Government, and

Construction have the biggest impact on people’s quality of life.

• High growth industries have the most potential for high pay and job growth.

• Turn your skills and natural abilities into a high potential career!

Working at UCI• Pros:

– Vacation time and holidays are plentiful– Health benefits and retirement are excellent – Job security, especially in a recession– Other benefits

• Cons:– Pay is below private sector (~75%)– Government bureaucracy

Construction• Not a new industry, traditionally:

– Engineering– Construction Management– Contractor/Trades

• New technology sectors:– Renewable power generation– Energy reduction technologies

Green Jobs• Obama Presidency

– Promise of Green Jobs– Sectors (Manufacturing, Installation, R&D?)– Cost

• Governor Schwarzenegger’s Initiatives– Energy Reduction– Solar

Going Green• Environmentally Responsible • Sustainability

– “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” epa.gov/sustainability

• We are bumping up against resource constraints we have never felt before

UCI Sustainability Projects• Solar – 1MW PV array• Energy Conservation

– Lab Buildings– Mechanical Systems– Lighting

• Other Clean Power Generation• Natural Gas Cogeneration• Water Saving Fixtures

How to Make a Difference• Get involved

– Student Groups– You can be influential

• Lifestyle Habits– Turn off lights when you leave a room– Set auto sleep mode on equipment– Set thermostats to cool to 78° and heat to 70°– Try reusable grocery bags– Go paperless– Take or buy only what you need

UCI Facilities Management

Chris AbbamontoCampus Energy Manager201A Interim Office Bldg.Irvine, CA 92697-5444

(949) 285-3172cabbamon@uci.edu