Basin Electric wraps up 2024 summer internship program

As the summer comes to an end, Basin Electric’s student interns head back to the classroom.

To reflect on their time at Basin Electric, we asked our interns to identify the most valuable aspects of their internship experience. Here’s what they said.

John Colton, Engineering Intern at Menoken TSM

“The most valuable aspect of my internship has been the learning opportunities. A large part of why I am studying engineering is because engineers engage in life-long learning as technology changes and new solutions are developed. I have learned so much at Basin by asking questions and trying new tasks that I would not have had the opportunity to attempt before coming here. None of this would have been possible without the great team I work with at Basin TSM. They are really the most valuable part of my internship.”

Kieran Eberle, Engineering Intern at Headquarters

“What I find most valuable about my internship is the exposure to the field. Coming here and gaining insight into how an engineering department operates, and the methodologies they use to problem solve has been extremely beneficial. Exposure to the power industry, understanding the lingo, and learning the inner workings of the industry have been very interesting and engaging aspects of my internship. My community of engineers are incredibly welcoming and helpful.”

Alison Kirsch, Communications Intern at Headquarters

“What I find most valuable about my internship at Basin Electric are the relationships I have made. The professionals I have worked with truly helped pave the way for my personal and professional development. The connections I have made during my time here will follow me for the rest of my career. It has been a pleasure to experience the unique culture at Basin Electric – one that fosters togetherness and constant improvement.”

Faith Koch, Human Resources Intern at Headquarters

“I have been with Basin for a year as an intern. I started at DGC in logistics, then got extended and moved to operations to help with administrative work. Then, I moved to Headquarters to start another internship in Human Resources.

I value that at DGC I was able to see so many different things happening and be an essential piece in various projects. This allowed me to gain an understanding of how DGC operates as well as realize the work it takes to get projects moving on the administrative side and out in the plant.

At headquarters, I value being able to see human resources in a new light. Being a part of projects from all different departments in human resources has been eye-opening for me to see which area I enjoy working in the most.”

Kennedi Lien, Chemistry Laboratory Intern at Dakota Gas

“I would have to say that the most valuable part of my internship is the insight into how I can use my degree after graduating college. In the chemistry lab, I have had the opportunity to run tests and use instruments that I would most likely never see at my university. In school, we learn so much information but rarely get to put it to use. When I return to classes, I’ll be able to use my experience from my internship and apply it to my studies and research projects. I have also been able to see how many different job opportunities there are in the chemistry field, and being here has made me think more about what I would like to do after graduation.”

Niko Mandravelis, Engineering Intern at Dakota Gas

“The most valuable part of my internship has been seeing what it is like to have a job in my field.”

Cade Olson, Mechanical Engineering Intern at Dry Fork Station

“I acquired many technical skills from this internship experience, such as redlining drawings, calculating efficiencies for various machines, and gaining a solid knowledge base on the mechanical systems throughout the plant.

This internship gave me the freedom to apply the theoretical knowledge I received in my coursework to real-world problems in the field. I had a great opportunity to meet many industry professionals at Basin Electric, both in and out of my field, and build connections with them. Basin Electric has helped me build the networking framework necessary for me to develop as an engineer.”

As our interns continue to pursue their education and professional careers, we thank them for lending their talent and hard work to Basin Electric.