- Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Company: Southern Company
- Graduation Year: May 2022
- E-mail: edrum@vols.utk.edu
Profile
Hickory, NC
I completed three co-op rotations with Southern Company’s Georgia Power Company in Distribution Engineering. I was located in Canton, Georgia, for all of my rotations. In Distribution Engineering, I was responsible for designing how power would be delivered to new buildings. This included residential, commercial, and industrial projects. I also worked on overall system improvement projects and participated in storm outage restoration. I worked during hurricane season as well, so I would travel to Savannah, Georgia, to assist with restoration after Hurricane Dorian. Project management was a key part of this position because I managed anywhere from 20-30 different projects at one time. I also completed an internship with Duke Energy doing very similar work to what I was doing in Georgia. I wanted to build on my previous utility experience.
I decided to co-op because I wanted more hands-on experience. I had not had a chance to gain much field experience with my previous positions. My co-op with Georgia Power gave me exactly the kind of hands-on experience I was looking for.
At the end of every rotations, co-ops are expected to give presentations about their co-op experience. I have always disliked public speaking. Being able to present in front of a large group of managers and supervisors, and also being successful at it was a huge accomplishment for me. My presentations improved with every rotation, and my dislike of public speaking decreased as well.
Participating in a co-op has allowed me to gain professional experience that I couldn't have gained in the classroom. I have also built a network of people that will help me in my career. I have also gotten better at managing many responsibilities at one time as a result of my co-op.
Once you are working in your co-op, you will forget all of the hesitations that you have about participating in a co-op. Graduating later really isn't that big of a deal, and you also graduate with a large amount of work experience. Deciding to co-op was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
When I am not at work or in school, I love to hang out with my friends and also see my family, who live in Knoxville. In the fall, I love cheering on the Vols at Saturday football games. In the winter, I love to snowboard in Gatlinburg, TN and Maggie Valley, NC with my boyfriend.
