At Xcel Energy, our employees are the driving force behind our success. That includes our exceptional team of interns, who bring fresh perspectives, energy and purpose to work that truly matters. From supporting engineering teams, to analyzing data or engaging with our communities, our interns are doing more than learning — they’re creating a real impact.
To celebrate National Intern Day — recognized on July 31 — we spoke with several interns about how their opportunities to grow are preparing them to be the next leaders in the clean energy transition.
Risk, reports and real results
Brad Fortino is a senior financial performance and reporting intern based in Colorado. He works with the Operations and Maintenance and Capital Investments team to run monthly reports that measure financial accuracy and performance. He also analyzes the company’s financial outcomes to identify risks and opportunities.
“The team environment has been one of my favorite aspects of working for Xcel [Energy],” Brad said. “You are given a high amount of trust and creative freedom to work but also shown support when needed. The most rewarding aspect of my internship has been seeing my work actually used in impactful reports and meetings.”
High voltage, big impacts
Senior engineering interns AJ Lucero and Samantha Lemke are both contributing to the Substation Engineering and Design team in Texas, where they’ve taken on roles in substation projects and system improvements.
AJ has focused on facility ratings and physical materials, gaining valuable hands-on experience. “The most rewarding part of my internship has been the exposure to high-voltage systems and understanding how my role contributes to real-world projects,” he said. “That exposure has made a world of difference in my learning and career.”
Samantha has been an integral member of multiple substation projects and helped develop a standardized approach for under voltage load shed (UVLS). UVLS is a system that helps prevent blackouts by automatically reducing electricity demand when voltage drops too low. “The most meaningful part of this internship has been the hands-on design work,” she said. “Highlights include shaping standards for under-voltage projects, completing several substation designs and mentoring newer interns. It’s incredibly motivating to be part of a team that values collaboration and continuous learning.”
Out on the river
Environmental Science interns Sidney Bartels, CJ Walsh and Lauren Groff are part of the Water department at the Prairie Island Nuclear Plant in Minnesota. They support environmental compliance through field work and lab-based research.
“The nature of our work goes beyond serving our company and our customers; it's about conserving and protecting the ecosystem around us. Every day, our team is committed to following best practices, not only to meet our permitting obligations, but to be an excellent neighbor to our surrounding communities,” they shared. “Whether it means getting covered in fish slime or counting zebra mussels, we're always excited to get in the ecology lab or out on the river.”
Our college interns gain valuable exposure to various areas of Xcel Energy’s operations, offering insight into different departments and the opportunity to explore future careers in the energy industry. Xcel Energy also offers internship opportunities to high school students. The high school internship program provides students with hands-on experience in a professional setting while working alongside supportive mentors. We partner with three internship organizations: Right Track in Minneapolis, Step Up in St. Paul and Denver Public Schools in Denver.
Across all levels, our interns bring fresh ideas, curiosity and hard work that make an impact. Their work contributes to the communities we serve and the future we're building. Many go on to become full-time employees, while others take what they've learned to grow in new directions. Wherever they go, we're proud to be part of their journey and grateful for the contributions they bring to Xcel Energy.
