The Intern Experience

• Posted by Pam Hoddinott
• On Mon Aug 19

This summer, Chateau Energy Solutions welcomed two interns: Hugh, a rising junior at Georgia Tech, and Craig, a rising freshman at University of North Georgia. For both Hugh and Craig, this was their first internship experience, so they were eager to learn and be exposed to a professional setting. Supervised by Kristie Teoh, the interns contributed in researching client and partner opportunities, while simultaneously creating and analyzing databases. They learned about the different market verticals that Chateau Energy Solutions serves and how energy efficiency projects vary from industry to industry. Read more about their experience below:

What did you hope to get from your internship?

Hugh: This summer I hoped to get a feel for an office setting and apply the skills I have learned while in school to such a setting.

Craig: I was hoping to get more insight and experience to help me decide my college major as well as a possible career path.

Was the internship what you expected?

Hugh: Honestly, I didn’t have any expectations going into this internship because I didn’t know what to expect.  However, I was so surprised with my experience in the best of ways.

Craig: At the start of summer, I was leaning towards majoring in statistics followed by a desk job in an office, but from interning, I realized that I enjoy building relationships and connecting with people.

What is the single most important thing you have learned while interning?

Hugh: The most important thing I have learned is the value of communication.  It is imperative that there is no confusion between team members about goals and objectives of a project or task. The margin of error shrinks tremendously when you make it a point to communicate with your coworkers consistently. It shows that you care about doing a good job.

Craig: Over the course of this summer, I realized how crucial typing skills are to be effective in today’s workforce.  Going into this internship my typing was very subpar, but through Kristie’s help and lots of hard work, I was able to double my typing speed by the end of summer. I also realized how crucial it is to establish meaningful relationships with your coworkers. I deeply enjoyed getting to know everyone in the office, and I hope to take the positive aspects I have seen from Chateau’s culture and implement them in the future.

What was the best part of your internship (and why)?

Hugh: The best part of my internship was the relationships I created with my coworkers.  Craig and I had an amazing time working together as well as working for Kristie, who is the best intern boss of all time.  She was so willing to help us whether it be for Excel skills, research skills, communication skills, etc.  Learning from her has been the most valuable part of the internship.

Craig: I really enjoyed working with and learning from both Hugh and Kristie. I think the bonds we have created will last long past this summer, which is what really has made this internship special. Both give great advice, and I am grateful for my time with them.

Any advice for the next set of interns?

Hugh: My advice for the next interns would be to stop by Kristie’s office as much as possible, enjoy your time with your fellow interns as much as you can, and be sure to communicate clearly with your coworkers on what you’re working on and how you plan on accomplishing it.

Craig: Get to know the people around the office – everyone here is so warm and welcoming. They are always eager to help you out in any way possible, so take advantage of that and don’t be afraid to ask questions.