How to Inspire the Next Generation Through Utility Internships
You never expect one moment to change everything…
Until it does.
In 2017, I boarded a plane for Washington, D.C., as part of the NRECA’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour—expecting a fun trip… not a career-defining experience. However, that one week of learning, connecting, and being immersed in the world of cooperatives lit a spark in me. I didn’t know it then, but that experience ignited a fire that’s been fueling my career ever since.
That spark led me to a summer internship at my local utility, Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, during college. There, I saw firsthand how co-ops serve their communities—not just with power, but with purpose. I got a glimpse into the utility world’s heart, and it only made me want to stay.
Later, I interned with our partners at Pioneer Utility Resources, where I learned how storytelling plays a role in connecting co-ops with their members. Those experiences shaped my path, built my confidence, and ultimately brought me to Powerful, where I now help utilities create intuitive websites that make an impact.
Each stop along the way gave me a deeper appreciation for co-ops, a stronger sense of direction, and a clearer picture of the kind of work that fulfills me. Internships weren’t just a stepping stone. They were the launchpad.
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for those opportunities.
Now, with summer just around the corner, local utilities have a chance to offer students their own “you never know” moment. Here’s how Powerful can help you make those connections and encourage the next generation to apply for internships.
Make the Deadline Impossible to Miss
Don’t let a great opportunity get lost in the shuffle. With Powerful’s Calendar and Events app, utilities can clearly post internship application deadlines in a way that’s easy to see and hard to ignore. Make the timeline clear. Create a sense of urgency. A well-placed deadline can be the difference between a missed opportunity and a future hire.
Capture Interest With a Clear Job Posting
Once students are aware of the opportunity, they want to know what they’re signing up for. What will they be doing? Who’s eligible? What makes this experience different from any other summer job?
This is where utilities can really stand out. Co-op internships offer more than just work experience— they offer purpose. From riding along with linemen and exploring renewable energy, to sitting in on board meetings or helping tell the co-op’s story, there’s no shortage of meaningful, hands-on opportunities to highlight.
Powerful’s Jobs app gives utilities the tools to lay it all out in a way that’s clear, compelling, and easy to navigate. They can list eligibility requirements, outline the day-to-day responsibilities, and showcase standout experiences that make the internship unforgettable.
When students see what they’ll gain (and how cool working for a co-op can be) they’re more likely to take the next step.
Make Applying Simple, Seamless, & Stress-Free
Once a student decides to go for it, the last thing they need is a complicated application process. Sending them off to a third-party site or asking them to download, print or mail paperwork can stop the momentum in its tracks.
That’s why Powerful’s Forms app is designed to keep things simple, smooth, and all in one place. Students can complete their application directly through the utility’s website—no extra tabs, downloads, or delays.
Utilities can tailor the form to collect exactly what they need: transcripts, letters of recommendation, short answers, essay responses, or anything else the process requires. The form can also route entries to the right department automatically, helping staff stay organized while giving applicants confidence that their information is in the right hands.
A smooth, secure, and mobile-friendly application experience sends a strong message: this is a utility that’s modern, welcoming, and ready to invest in the next generation.
Celebrate Interns & Share Their Impact
What’s better than a student landing an internship? Seeing their growth and accomplishments celebrated every step of the way.
Interns bring fresh energy to your team—so why not show them off? With Powerful’s News app, utilities can highlight those moments as they happen. Whether it’s welcoming new interns, spotlighting milestones, or sharing reflections at the end of the summer, each post helps build connection and pride.
These stories do more than honor the current interns—they set the stage for the next wave of applicants. When students see how others are learning, growing, and being recognized, they’re more likely to see themselves in that same role. It creates momentum, builds trust, and shows that the co-op cares about developing future leaders.
Energize the Next Generation
Every career has a beginning. Sometimes, all it takes is one person to believe in a student—and one experience to set everything in motion.
I didn’t know that Youth Tour would lead to an internship. I didn’t know that internship would lead to another—and I definitely didn’t know it would lead to a career I’m passionate about, helping cooperatives tell their stories and connect with their communities in meaningful ways.
That’s the power of opportunity. The power of being seen. The power of someone at a local co-op taking a chance on a student who was still figuring it all out.
Internships changed the course of my life. Right now, local utilities have the chance to offer that same spark to the next generation.
Whether it’s through clear deadlines, compelling job postings, seamless applications, or celebration-worthy spotlights, Powerful gives utilities the tools to make those moments possible—and memorable.
All it takes is one summer to change everything. Let’s help students get there.
