Neil Patel

Neil Patel’s journey with ACES began in May 2022 as an intern, while finishing his degree at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), before transitioning seamlessly into a full-time role. His story, though early in his career, is one of growth and the pursuit of aligning his work with his academic background.

Neil holds a degree in energy engineering, a unique major offered at IUPUI, which blends mechanical and electrical engineering with a focus on energy systems. His coursework involved real-world applications like planning wind farms and understanding how turbines function within traditional generators, providing a solid foundation for the energy sector. “One of the cool things about my degree is that it gave me a broad overview of energy-related challenges,” Neil shared, “but working at ACES has given me a deeper understanding of the energy market, especially aspects like the day-ahead and real-time markets, which were completely new to me.”

Neil initially interned with ACES’ Hourly Trading team before transitioning to full-time employment immediately after graduating in December 2022. He fondly recalls how his internship, which extended into his final semester, was an invaluable learning experience. “I got to shadow different departments and get a sense of how everything comes together. It was almost like taking another class, one that I didn’t get to experience in school.”

The transition from trading to his current role as a Transmission Engineer occurred after nearly a year as a Trading Analyst Scheduler Power, where Neil decided he wanted to use more of his engineering background. “The trading role gave me the foundation and perspective to more easily transition into the Transmission department,” he said. “What I like most about ACES is that the energy industry is constantly evolving, and I get to be part of that change. I get to see the bigger picture rather than focusing on just one piece of the puzzle.”

Outside work, Neil enjoys watching sporting events, with a particular fondness for the Indiana Pacers. He also likes trying out new restaurants with his girlfriend and has recently moved to Whitestown, Indiana. An avid TV show enthusiast, Neil also enjoys roller coasters and amusement parks, an interest he attributes to annual visits to Kings Island with his dad when growing up.

When asked about his future ambitions, Neil expressed a desire to delve deeper into automation and coding, noting how efficiency improvements could benefit his work. His dream role would involve wind farm planning, harking back to a class that piqued his interest in the industry.

Neil’s advice for ACES employees is simple yet powerful: “Don’t be nervous to ask questions. Everyone here is incredibly helpful and wants to see you grow. Don’t hesitate to sit next to someone and ask how something works—it’s the best way to learn.” His openness to learning and adaptability have already made him a key part of the ACES family, and his future in the energy industry looks just as bright as the lights he helps keep running.