Celebrate Natural Gas Utility Worker's Day: Nicor Gas' Jessica Sims follows in father's footsteps in the energy industry

On Friday, March 18, natural gas utility providers across the country will celebrate "Natural Gas Utility Worker's Day" to recognize the hard work and dedication of those who work in the industry. Nicor Gas serves 2.2 million customers daily delivering the clean, safe and reliable service that they expect and deserve.

March is also Women's History Month and to celebrate, we are proud to feature a few stories of the women who make Nicor Gas what it is today.

Jessica Sims has always been familiar with the energy industry. The Resource Management planner at Nicor Gas grew up in Chicago with a father who worked as a foreman during a 32-year career at ComEd.

"I grew up wanting to do the same work," she said.

While working as a bartender nearly a decade ago, one of Sims' regular customers encouraged her to look into job openings at Nicor Gas.

"You fear what you don't know," she said. "I grew up knowing about electricity, so I wasn't sure about natural gas."

Jessica took a leap into the industry and started with the company nine years ago as a meter reader in Glenwood, followed by roles as a leak survey specialist and as a dispatcher. She now works in Resource Management where she is responsible for ensuring the company stays within compliance and helps onboard new dispatchers.

Jessica says these roles have given her the opportunity to see what is done to provide service in the field, to talk to others and to get more insights into the company.

While being a woman working in a male-dominated field, she is grateful for the support of her female mentors and supervisors.

"It can be hard when you work around mostly men who have spent their entire career in the industry," she said. "I appreciate the support of the successful females who have gone before me."

When asked what her best advice was for a woman just starting out in the energy industry, she encourages them to shadow workers in the field.

"You can hear about what they do, but to actually see it and to see what it takes to provide service to our customers is critical to understanding the business," she said.

Her work in Resource Management at Nicor Gas is just the beginning for Jessica. She is committed to her growth in the company. In the next few years, she plans to finish her college degree and work in real estate during her free time.

Jessica currently lives in Country Club Hills and works out of Nicor Gas' Glen Ellyn office.