Inside the Intern Experience

Inside the Intern Experience

August 20, 2024

Interviewing The Interns of JDC Energy Services

At JDC Energy Services (JDC), we believe that the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas brought by our interns are invaluable to our company’s growth and success.  This summer, JDC Energy Services had the privilege of welcoming a talented group of interns who quickly become an integral part of the team.  From their first impressions to the projects they’ve tackled, our interns share their thoughts on the challenges and rewards of working in a dynamic energy environment.  They also provide valuable feedback on how their internships have shaped their career aspirations and what they’ve learned along the way.

Join us as we dive into their stories and discover what makes the intern experience at JDC Energy Services so unique and impactful.

 

🌟 Intern Highlight: Joe Sundermier🌟

Hello! I’m Joe, a 23-year-old from Delran, NJ. I love spreading laughter, getting out in nature, and binge-watching good television with my girlfriend. I’ve got a brain for engineering and a heart for animals.

🔸 Education: I’m currently a junior at Drexel University, studying Chemical Engineering. My journey started at the US Air Force Academy, followed by an Associate degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences from Rowan College at Burlington County. My love for chemistry, sparked in high school, and my knack for math and engineering led me to this field—a perfect blend of both worlds!

🔸 Why JDC Energy Services?: The internship at JDC was convenient due to its proximity, but it’s been an enlightening experience. While not directly aligned with chemical engineering, I’ve gained valuable insights into utility usage and operational costs.

🔸 Project Highlight: I contributed to developing an energy savings plan for Elmwood Park BOE. Working on complex spreadsheets and understanding the project’s intricacies was both challenging and rewarding.

🔸 Skills & Growth: My experience at JDC has sharpened my Excel skills—a vital tool in engineering. I’ve also learned the importance of client relations and teamwork, witnessing how collaboration drives project success.

🔸 Company Culture: JDC fosters a culture of open communication, making it easy to ask questions and learn. The friendly and efficient team atmosphere is something I aspire to emulate in my future leadership roles.

🔸 Advice for Future Interns: Make the most of your time here by engaging with the team. Whether you’re considering a career with JDC or just looking to learn, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance and support. They’ll help you develop and grow!

 

🌟 Intern Highlight: Jack Rhodes 🌟

I’m currently attending Rowan University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. My passion lies in innovating both new and old designs to make a positive impact on the world.

🔸 Why JDC Energy Services?: I chose an internship at JDC Energy Services because it offered me the chance to explore various paths within my field and broaden my engineering knowledge.

🔸 Project Highlight: One of the standout experiences was touring a job site at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. It was fascinating to see the diverse range of equipment being installed and understand the intricacies involved.

🔸 Company Culture: The culture at JDC is very supportive. My coworkers are always willing to answer questions and are great to converse with. It’s a friendly environment that encourages growth and learning.

🔸 Advice for Future Interns: Don’t hesitate to ask your coworkers questions and get to know them. Engaging with the team is a valuable part of the learning experience here at JDC.

 

🌟 Intern Highlight: Erin O’Neill 🌟

I live in Brick, NJ, and I’ve always had a love for nature! My journey into environmental studies began as a Junior Naturalist at an Ocean County Park, where I developed a deep appreciation for the environment.

🔸 Education: I’m currently enrolled at Stockton University, majoring in Sustainability with a concentration in Energy, and minoring in Business Management. My passion for sustainability was sparked in high school after taking AP Environmental Science and learning about climate change. I believe that conserving energy is one of the best ways to be sustainable, which led me to my current focus.

🔸 Why JDC Energy Services?: Initially considering an internship at Steven Winter Associates, I ultimately chose JDC Energy Services due to a serendipitous connection and the company’s local projects. JDC aligns perfectly with my career goals, particularly in decreasing buildings’ energy consumption and increasing comfort.

🔸 Project Highlight: Working on eQuest modeling was both the most challenging and rewarding task during my internship. I learned a lot about industry standards and gained hands-on experience with new software, expanding my knowledge in energy-efficient building practices.

🔸 Skills & Growth: My time at JDC has helped me embrace continuous learning. I’ve developed skills in Excel, eQuest, Visio, Teams, and Outlook, and have become more confident in adapting to new software and programs. I’ve also honed my detail-oriented approach and learned when to prioritize efficiency.

🔸 Company Culture: The opportunities to visit the Rutgers generation plant and Glassboro BOE site were invaluable. JDC values its employees and interns, creating a friendly and welcoming environment. It’s inspiring to see a company that genuinely cares about its team members.

🔸 Advice for Future Interns: Stay organized, keep notes, and observe. Everyone at JDC comes from different backgrounds and educational experiences, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow within the company.