Semir Vajzovic is the director of asset, investment and risk management at Ameren and an adjunct instructor in the UMSL/WashU Joint Engineering Program. (Photo by Derik Holtmann)

HOMETOWN: Zagreb, Croatia

CURRENT LOCATION: St. Louis

OCCUPATION: Director of asset, investment and risk management at Ameren

In December 2014, Semir Vajzovic was already managing a trucking and logistics company when he earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and Washington University in St. Louis. Still, he was eager to pivot into a career in engineering. Determined to stand out in a competitive job market, he enrolled in an MBA program and passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam months after graduating. His strategy paid off. By July 2015, he had joined Ameren, deepened his technical knowledge, earned his Professional Engineer license and took on increasing leadership responsibilities. Now, as director of asset, investment and risk management, he oversees planning and budgeting to keep the region’s electric and gas infrastructure safe and reliable. He’s also an adjunct instructor in the UMSL/WashU Joint Engineering Program and active alum, using every opportunity to invest in the next generation of engineers. –Erica Falgout

What do you enjoy most about working in the energy sector right now?

It’s one of the most exciting times the industry has seen in decades. With the focus on clean energy transition, I see endless opportunities to think creatively, be innovative and use engineering expertise to execute nontraditional solutions to make the grid more resilient while keeping it safe and reliable.

Why did you decide to become an adjunct instructor, and what do you hope students take from your classes?

Sharing knowledge and experiences has always been a personal passion. When I had the opportunity to support my alma mater, I couldn’t pass it up. I want students to understand that an engineering degree prepares a person for a lifetime of thinking and problem-solving. But that’s only the foundation – the best way to build on that is to keep a high level of engagement and to be determined.

What inspired you to maintain a strong connection with the university post-graduation?

I worked full-time during my undergraduate education, so it was important to have the flexibility of taking evening classes that UMSL provided. However, I realized that I barely scratched the surface of utilizing other available resources for students, and that was the main driver for wanting to contribute to the experience other students have at UMSL. My goal is to ensure everyone is aware of the resources and benefits available to them as students and post-graduation.

How has staying connected to UMSL through alumni networks impacted you?

Serving on the Alumni Association Governing Board and the Joint Engineering Program Alumni Network has been one of the most rewarding opportunities I’ve pursued, mainly due to the sheer volume of high-quality people I’ve met, interacted with and learned from. Most UMSL graduates stay in the area, opening up a tremendous network of people. It has helped me learn more ways to give  back, deepen my understanding of the industry and stay up-to-date on  all the exciting things engineers do.

What advice would you offer current engineering students or new graduates?

Determination, confidence and the ability to effectively communicate with people from various backgrounds are very important in developing your career. The path is not straight, but it will eventually lead you to your goals if you persevere. Surround yourself with positive people, leverage mentors and be reliable in your work. The rewards will follow shortly.

What skills or mindsets should future engineers cultivate to stay relevant in the evolving engineering field?

I’m confident that the engineering field will remain in premium demand. Focusing on a strong foundation of technical skills combined with an understanding of IT will set up engineers for success in the future, but I don’t want to omit the importance of soft skills. Being able to absorb or share knowledge with others and being excellent in communication often plays a more important role than having a technical skillset.

What excites you most about the UMSL’s future and its impact on the community?

I’m excited to see UMSL’s growth through construction projects and the building of additional leaders and businesses in the community. I think it brings multiple significant benefits to students, alumni, the university and the professional community in the area. I’m looking forward to a stronger UMSL network and additional UMSL alumni businesses across the region.

This story was originally published in the spring 2025 issue of UMSL Magazine. If you have a story idea for UMSL Magazine, email magazine@umsl.edu.