Turning Complex Into Clear: Marsha Sanchez’s Job Search Success Story

Meet Marsha Sanchez, the Community Energy Programs Communications Project Coordinator at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. In her work, Marsha connects people with the tools and information they need to better understand energy and its impact on their lives. She’s passionate about making complex topics easier to grasp — and helping others find their own path, just like she did.

What do you do for a career? Who do you work for?

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, or NREL. One of the 17 U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratories that tackles the critical scientific challenges of our time.

What do you like best about your career? 

Everything. I have always been drawn to people. I want to get to know them, who they are, what motivates them, and value the lens through which they shape discussions. I have the privilege of getting to do that at a much larger scale ーencompassing everyday people, subject matter experts in their field, and thought leaders, all while pursuing my passion for helping everyday people access and understand complex information they’re entitled to — so they can make sense of it and express it in their own words. I get to introduce them to a piece of the world they are a part of — one they can explore and engage with more fully. That’s incredibly rewarding.

What resources have helped you in your career and your job searches? Are there specific tools or tactics that have contributed to your success? 

The most important thing to remember during a job search is to be kind to yourself and extend yourself grace. It’s a journey that can be both mentally and physically exhausting, and self-compassion is important for staying positive. Next, use every tool you have in your toolbox to develop a solid resume, from taking advantage of your alma mater’s career center to connecting with professionals in the industry — it’s important to gain perspective and get feedback. 

Then I would lead a job search with intention. Apply to jobs that align with your long-term career goals — positions that are both challenging and focused on growth. Finally, lean into being outside of your comfort zone. Reach out to a hiring manager with a cold email, attend a networking event or webinar, join an industry organization like PRSA or the LAGRANT Foundation, or grab coffee with a new or former colleague. Be an active participant in your job search, outside of just submitting your resume and crafting a witty and strategic cover letter. 

Throughout your career, what obstacles have you encountered when doing a job search, and how did you overcome them? 

While pursuing my master’s degree, I chose not to take on an internship due to personal financial responsibilities that required me to maintain employment outside my desired field. As a result, I entered the industry with less direct experience than some of my peers at the same level. I decided to gain that experience through contract and volunteer roles, as well as other professional development opportunities. Through those opportunities, I not only gained the experience I had previously lacked but also built meaningful connections with industry peers and expanded my professional network.

What piece of advice would you give to job seekers or professionals trying to advance in their careers? 

I had to work twice as hard, achieve twice as much, and push myself further just to reach the same level of success as my peers. This added an extra layer of difficulty to an already demanding job search. I strongly encourage job seekers to take the process in stride. It’s important to recognize when to pause and prioritize your well-being — after all, this is a journey, and protecting your mental health is just as vital as finding the right opportunity. Ultimately, you have to do what’s best for you. It’s okay to take a break — just remember to get back up and keep moving forward. 

Everyone’s job search story is different, but each individual story can inspire and empower others who are on their own unique path. We love to hear how our readers have found rewarding careers in Portland, and we want to share these stories with you to inspire you in your job search and to help us all better understand the local job market.