Integrys Energy Group

Ali - Associate Gas Engineer

Graduated From: Michigan Technological University
Graduated In: 2008
Degree: Mechanical Engineering
Title: Associate Gas Engineer

Were you assigned meaningful projects that helped you gain experience right out of school?

As a Mechanical Engineering Major, I wasn't exactly sure of the things I would be doing as a Project Management Intern. But after I met with my leader on the first day, I was given a list of projects I'd be working on that summer. All of the projects were meaningful and had an actual impact on the company. The most exciting experience I had was the opportunity to work on a multimillion dollar gas pipeline project called Guardian II that would continue for the next few years. The Project Manager for the Guardian II Project became my mentor. He assigned me tasks and became a great second resource for any questions I had. The first summer I experienced how interesting yet difficult it is to plan a project at such a large scale. Through this experience, I was taught how to manage projects effectively and how everything related to my major. I used the knowledge I had obtained from the past 3 years of school to learn about and understand gas pipelines. The next summer, I gladly returned as an intern and was able to experience the project in the construction phase. It was great to watch all the planning really pay off. By the end of the summer, I realized just how valuable all of my experience really was. I was fortunate enough to be offered a full-time job in the Gas Engineering Department where I have been working for the past month. Although I have much to learn, I am thankful for all the knowledge and professional experience I have gained because of my internship.

What is it like to work at Integrys?

I was a little nervous to start my first internship ever at a utility company. As a female engineer, I am familiar with how some women are treated once they get out of the classroom and into the real world. Since I've been at Integrys, every employee I've come in contact with, whether I was an intern or full-time, has been nothing but polite and respectful, even the CEO! I was never called "just an intern" and I never once felt like I couldn't do something or was treated differently because I was a girl. Every employee has been so encouraging and nice, it almost seems too good to be true! This shows how as an employee of Integrys, it doesn't matter where we come from or what we do, all of us are part of a team working together to achieve the same goals.

Name one reason you decided to work for Integrys

Being from the area, I have grown up familiar with Wisconsin Public Service, a subsidiary of Integrys. This has always been a well-respected company, and not just locally. The entire Integrys company and also individual projects are nationally recognized every year for the great service that is provided to our customers and to the utility industry. I spoke with a few employees about their experiences, and I felt that Integrys would be a great fit for me. After working here for 2 summers, I realized just how much Integrys really does live up to its reputation and I had no doubt in my mind that this is where I wanted to begin my full-time career.

Do you have any advice for soon to be graduates and prospective employees?

My advice for graduates and prospective employees would be to never stop learning. And one of the best way to learn is to extend your knowledge from the classroom into the real world through co-ops and internships before you graduate. To help make the most of your internship or full time position, ask as many questions as you can. At first I was afraid people would be annoyed if I didn't know what I was doing. It turns out, people enjoy helping others and are always willing to share what they have learned in the past. When you continue your willingness to learn, you will be able to reach your full potential and be proud of your job and of yourself.

What is your take on the company culture?

Integrys has a great working atmosphere that is very positive and comfortable. A lot of the people I have worked with are very laid back but still serious about getting quality work done on time. The culture of this company matches my working personality very well. I really enjoy what I do, and it's obvious that the people around me do too. It's strange to think of work as fun, but I think the only bad thing about waking up and going to work is the waking up part! Another thing that is very admirable about the company culture at Integrys is the sense of respect and caring for the employees. Working for Integrys is kind of like working with a family. Everyone genuinely cares for one another and it shows.

Is the work challenging and rewarding?

The work I did at Integrys was both challenging and rewarding. At times, I was given projects and wouldn't even know where to begin. But by asking questions to my mentor and leader, I took it one step at a time and eventually figured things out. Seeing a project be completed successfully or being able to answer a question for someone else makes me proud of my accomplishments. In the beginning of my second summer as an intern I was asked to give a presentation on utilities with the Vice President of my department. I was a little nervous, but as we planned what we were going to do I was shocked to realize how much I had learned in just one summer! Even though obtaining all that knowledge was difficult at times, being able to stand up in front of 50 of my peers and teach them about natural gas was extremely rewarding.

Did you learn any new marketable skills?

The skills I learned working for Integrys go far beyond what relates to my degree. Being exposed to a company as well-respected as Integrys has shown me what kind of employee I would like to become. As an intern, I was able to take leadership roles on all of my small projects. I coordinated teams, met with contractors, and presented my ideas to upper management. I used to be a very shy person, but after working in such an encouraging environment, I was able to overcome that. Another skill I have developed by working at Integrys is a sense of professionalism. I learned what is and isn't appropriate for work and the different messages people send by the way they act. These manners are something we are not used to after being in college for 4 years. Learning how to be professional is something I will carry throughout my entire career.

Did you work alone or on a team?

Most of my work at Integrys involved being on a team. Sometimes I was the leader on a team and sometimes I attended meetings and had no idea what people were talking about. Either way, every time I did work I learned something new. I particularly enjoyed working on a team as an intern because I had people available to answer questions who were familiar with my projects. On the other hand, I was also given things to do individually for my team. This gave me a sense of responsibility and pride in the work I had completed all by myself.