From Intern to Employee: My Journey with Exelon
Culture
Learn how early career opportunites for interns are created at Exelon
Each summer, Exelon hosts an internship program for college students from across the country in all areas of study. The students gain hands-on professional experience and development, which can be translated to full-time roles. This year, Sophia Foohey, a former Exelon intern for two summers, who now works as an associate communications specialist for the company, shared her experiences while in the internship program.
What is your background and what led you to pursue an internship at Exelon?
I studied Marketing and Management in college and saw that Baltimore Gas and Electric had an internship program. I applied and got matched with Quality Control. I received an offer to return the following summer to intern with the Marketing department and accepted.
What were some things you experienced during your internships?
The first summer I was able to make a lot of great connections with members of various departments, as well as lead my own presentation and enter data to ensure that web sites were constructed to standards. When I interned with the marketing department, I got to try my hand at social media marketing, see marketing campaigns in various stages, watch the approval process for different ads and I even got to spend the afternoon meeting with one of the ad agencies.
How did the internship program help develop you professionally and personally?
We had so many events, whether it was panels with leaders, resume and networking sessions, or meeting former interns who are now working full-time. These experiences combined helped me gain professional skills and have a better understanding of how Exelon operates.
What aspects of the work culture have been most supportive of your professional growth?
There is a huge emphasis on supporting each other and helping others, which enabled me to grow. Everyone was so kind and made sure that whatever areas of the company I was interested in, I got an opportunity to gain experiences in them. Whether it was my managers or even the executive leadership team, I knew that people were there to help me develop skills to pursue the career I wanted after I graduated.
What’s your advice for future interns in the program?
Say yes to as many opportunities that come your way – even if they seem daunting at first. I learned through my internships that the best experience is experience. Try to take advantage of any opportunity. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes. You’re there to learn and grow. Use any mistakes as a learning opportunity.
How did your internship experiences prepare you for full-time work?
I felt prepared for full-time work because I saw that I was capable and had a chance to develop my skills outside of the classroom. When I received the return offer to be a full-time employee at Exelon, I accepted it without hesitation because I was confident that everything I learned would help me succeed.
Want to learn more about the college internship program and early career opportunities? Click here to energize your future with Exelon!