In today’s dynamic work environment, the inclusion of interns is more than just a tradition—it’s a strategic advantage. As we celebrate the 100th year of our internship program, we reflect on the countless success stories and personal growth experiences of our interns. Take, for instance, Sarah, who joined us as an intern in the water plant and is now a full-time engineer, or John, whose innovative approach during his internship led to a significant process improvement in our power plant. These personalized experiences underscore the profound impact of our program. Interns bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn that can invigorate any organization.  

Testimonials from Former Interns:

• “My internship at Engie Iowa was a transformative experience. The hands-on learning and mentorship I received prepared me for my current role as a full-time engineer.”– Sarah, former intern.
• “The innovative projects I worked on during my internship not only enhanced my skills but also led to significant improvements in our processes.”– John, former intern.

“Engie Iowa’s internship program provided me with invaluable real-world experience and opened doors to numerous career opportunities.” – Emily, former intern.

Interns began working in the University of Iowa utility system as early as 1924-1925 when the first water plant opened. When Engie and the University of Iowa Energy Collaborative began on campus in 2020, they continued to embrace the tradition of creating real-time working environment for students at the University of Iowa. In fact, Engie takes pride in the fact that 5 interns have recently transitioned to full-time employees with Engie, to pursue their careers. The UI utilities internship program has supported over 500 interns in the past decade, with 70% of them securing full-time positions within the industry—a real success story on campus! Here are some key reasons why working and developing Interns at UI is so important:

1. Fresh Perspectives and Innovation

Interns often come from diverse educational backgrounds and bring new ideas and approaches to problem-solving. Their fresh perspectives can lead to innovative solutions and improvements in processes that might not have been considered by more seasoned employees. These types of solutions are invaluable to a utility and energy provider that is looking to create low and zero carbon solutions across a large college campus. 

2. Building a Talent Pipeline

Internships serve as a valuable recruitment tool. By providing interns with hands-on experience at Engie in our water plant, power plant or across our distribution network, we can nurture potential future employees. This helps in building a pipeline of talented individuals who are already familiar with the company’s culture and operations.

3. Enhancing Company Culture

Interns contribute to a vibrant and dynamic workplace culture. Their eagerness to learn and contribute can be contagious, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. This can boost overall employee morale and engagement.

4. Experiential Learning

One of the most significant benefits of having interns is the opportunity for experiential learning. Interns gain practical, hands-on experience that complements their academic knowledge. This real-world exposure is invaluable in preparing them for their future careers in water, energy and distribution roles.

5. Mentorship and Leadership Development

Having interns provides an opportunity for existing Engie employees to develop their mentorship and leadership skills. Guiding and supporting interns can be a rewarding experience that enhances the professional growth of both the mentor and the mentee.

6. Corporate Social Responsibility

Offering internships is a way for Engie and the University of Iowa Energy Collaborative to give back to the community by providing valuable learning opportunities for students and recent graduates of Iowa. Our commitment to support more than 20 students each year over the next 50 years, demonstrates a commitment to the social responsibility to educating the next generation of energy professionals. 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the interns who have been a part of the University of Iowa and Engie’s utility internship program over the past 100 years. Their contributions have been invaluable, and their success stories are a testament to the profound impact of experiential learning. As they embark on their professional journeys, we are confident that the skills, knowledge, and experiences gained during their internships will continue to propel them towards even greater achievements and will continue the spirit of education and innovation into the future.