Pi Beta Phi - University of Mississippi

The MS Beta Post PAGE 2 S orority life brings together young women from different backgrounds. This was one of the main reasons Nicole Cook '02, an out-of-state student seeking that home-away-from-home atmosphere, fit into Pi Phi so well. With many fellow out-of-state members, Nicole built connections while finding roles to support the sisterhood. "I was the Executive Officer of Interest Groups (I know that doesn't exist anymore!) when I was a junior at Pi Phi," Nicole shared. Between Executive Officer and T-Shirt Chair, Nicole appreciated opportunities to work with Mississippi Beta's Alumnae Advisory Committee while refining skills in organization, public speaking and more. From Oxford to New Orleans From Oxford to New Orleans While at Ole Miss, an alumnus named David Carroll introduced Nicole to the oil and gas industry. She compared working for ExxonMobil in New Orleans to relocating for school: "I was making a move to a new-to-me part of the country, and that offered excitement and appealed to me, as I knew I would continue to grow personally, not just professionally, in a new environment." Facing New Challenges Facing New Challenges Later in her career, Nicole became a Senior Technical Program Manager for Tesla. "[It] was a crazy time; I learned so much in such a short period," Nicole recalled. She understood pressure, but Tesla pressure felt different. Nicole was often faced with daunting new challenges, but her team was there for support. "I worked with extremely talented people who helped me become a sharper and more inquisitive program manager. If you can be clear on any constraints you are facing or may face, someone will step up to help solve the impending roadblock." A Pi Phi at Panasonic Energy A Pi Phi at Panasonic Energy Staying in energy, Nicole's career shifted to her current position as Chief of Staff to the President of Panasonic Energy of North America. Keeping a Tesla connection, Panasonic is the main U.S. supplier for lithium-ion battery cells that power Tesla Model 3 and Y vehicles. "My number one job is to connect people and remove roadblocks," Nicole said. Panasonic Energy is always growing, and it is Nicole's duty to communicate with local and state government officials and policy influencers as the company aims to expand. Looking Back Looking Back Nicole is grateful for the support she found through Pi Phi, and she urges undergraduates to stay balanced between their Mississippi Beta experience and finding an enjoyable career path. Living in Nevada, Nicole stays connected with some Mississippi Beta alumnae online and occasionally when traveling southeast. Nicole is grateful to have such a supportive husband in her life, and they are hard at work raising their young daughter, Colette. In their spare time, Nicole and her husband take turns picking a classic movie to watch every Sunday. Nicole Cook '02 and her husband celebrating Christmas with their daughter, Colette. Nicole Cook '02 Channeled Lessons Learned in Pi Phi Into Her Career Th e En erg y of Sisterhood Th e En erg y of Sisterhood You can connect with Nicole at nmcook1@gmail.com. Nicole's Advice Nicole's Advice to Collegians to Collegians "I strongly recommend finding internships or co-op opportunities within your desired career path. Connecting with alumnae at your desired future company or in an industry of interest is also a great way to connect—LinkedIn is a wonderful resource!"

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