Student Veteran Robert Pryor’s Journey as a Dominion Energy Intern

Robert Pryor, a Navy veteran and student veteran at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), is building a rewarding post-military career through his internship at Dominion Energy. As an electronics technician in the Navy from 2009 to 2015, he discovered his passion for helping others while working as a VA work-study student at his community college. Now, he's using the GI Bill to complete his undergraduate degree in political science and a master's in public administration while serving as vice president of VCU's Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter.

After working several years in manufacturing, Pryor decided to pursue a different path. He sought an internship that combined his technical skills with his passion for supporting veterans. With his family history in the energy industry-both his father and grandfather were linemen-he felt a natural connection to Dominion Energy's work. This personal link and his experience helping veterans with benefits made him an ideal fit for a role focused on military and veteran hiring.

At Dominion, Pryor is part of the Military Talent Engagement Team, where he works closely with other veterans. His projects include creating a newsletter for student veterans, connecting with SVA chapters across Dominion's territory, and highlighting the company's commitment to veterans, who make up almost 20% of new hires. Through interviews and profiles, he showcases the experiences of other veteran interns who transitioned to full-time roles, offering inspiration to other veterans considering a career in the energy sector.

Though the role isn't directly related to his studies, Pryor is gaining valuable communication and networking skills. "I wanted an internship that's like a junior varsity version of my dream job," he says. His background in technical writing from the Navy has proven helpful, and he's learned the importance of networking-a skill he initially found intimidating but now sees as essential in his field.

Pryor has been impressed by Dominion's veteran-friendly environment. As a Fortune 250 company, Dominion actively recruits veterans and provides housing stipends for interns living over 50 miles away. "Working here has shown me that the company genuinely values the experience and skills veterans bring," he shares. He appreciates the supportive work culture, noting that he works alongside Marine Corps and Air Force veterans and feels a shared sense of purpose with his team.

One highlight of his internship has been witnessing Dominion's offshore wind project in Virginia, where he saw massive turbines up close. This experience gave him new insight into the scale and impact of energy infrastructure projects. "Getting to see these operations firsthand was incredible-it reinforced my commitment to the industry," he reflects.

Pryor advises other veterans to approach internships thoughtfully. "Internships are more than a line on your resume; they're a chance to learn and see if a company aligns with your goals," he says. He encourages veterans to carefully research roles, assess the skills required, and leverage resources like VMock or career services to present their best selves.

For Pryor, this internship is more than a job; it's an opportunity to prove himself and build a foundation for his future. "Each day is like an interview," he notes. "It's a chance to learn, contribute, and move closer to a career that combines my background with my goals." His journey at Dominion shows how veterans can successfully navigate the transition to civilian careers, one intentional step at a time.