This summer, electrical engineering student Adam Lawrence is back at Constellation for his second internship. 

Adam shares his experience as a returning intern and offers advice to students searching for an internship. 

College of Engineering: What organization are you interning for this summer and what is your role?   

Adam Lawrence: I am interning for Constellation in the Digital Modernization team as their Engineering Intern. Constellation is the leading generator of nuclear power across the nation, and they pride themselves to make sure to give reliable energy throughout the entire year as well as having carbon-free emissions. 

This is my second summer at Constellation. Last year I was part of the Power Uprate team at Kennett Square. 

COE: What does your average workday look like? 

AL: Mostly documenting protection systems on my computer to ensure the digital modernization of replacing analog systems with newer digital systems for the main control room is always up to date for NRC approval. In short, all of the controls that power the plant have switches that are going to be fully replaced with touchscreens which is a big innovation for nuclear power plants. 

COE: What do you enjoy the most about your internship? 

AL: I enjoyed viewing the power plants at Limerick and Peach Bottom. You got to fully see how the full power plant is operated like seeing the reactor building which burns the uranium. Things like this are unique experiences which I found as my favorite experience this summer. 

COE: How did you learn about this internship opportunity and prepare for the application process? 

AL: Preparing for the application process, I learned the importance of networking and being authentic to the people that you are working with. Anything to make you stand out in a good way will always set you apart from your peers. 

COE: What courses do you feel most prepared you for your internship? 

AL: I believe that Circuits 2 using AC power and Power Sytems Engineering prepared me the most for the analysis that I had to look at. 

COE: How do you think you’ve grown as an engineer during your internship? 

AL: I’ve grown with the way that I communicate with engineers. Last year, I knew I struggled with communicating questions since everything was so new. Now that I have a year under my belt, I know how to articulate my words for others to understand how to help me. 

COE: What advice do you have for students trying to secure an internship or who may be starting an internship for the first time? 

AL: Always keep your resume updated, and again, be yourself so that you can stand out from your peers. A lot of people believe that they have to be by the book and not show any personality when it is exactly the opposite. Make yourself known that you are interested in what you are applying for and try to improve your soft skills. 

Also, always try to connect with the other interns that you work with. Those are going to be your future colleagues, and you never know what someone can do to help you down the road.