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Getting a ‘JumpStart’ into Entergy
08/21/2015
Everyone wins, thanks to Entergy’s intern and co-op program, JumpStart. For Entergy, it is a way to identify, recruit and develop skilled and motivated workers who will step in and help power life for our customers and communities. For college students, it is a way to receive on-the-job experience and help them hone their career skills.
JumpStart had its largest group of interns and co-ops this year, and Entergy Mississippi recently hosted almost 30 of them for a networking lunch. Students came from every business unit in Mississippi. While sharing their backgrounds — some came to the state from as far away as Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Florida — they also heard from leaders about opportunities within their business units.
“This is something that I’ve wanted us to have for a while,” Entergy Mississippi President and CEO Haley Fisackerly said. “We’re excited about the future of Entergy, and we’re getting ready for our workforce of the future. This lunch gave the interns and co-ops a chance to meet some of the functional leaders of Mississippi and learn about other opportunities within the company.”
“It’s about the quality of the people. Plus, pretty much any kind of work you want, you can find it at Entergy,” said Matt Briggs, senior manager, IT data network engineer.
Each leader spoke about their path in the company, showing that opportunity abounds within the company. Lea Turnipseed, director of finance for Entergy Mississippi, shared how her career with Entergy began with an internship. “It was the relationships I built at the time that made the difference,” she said.
“It’s a great time to be an intern and an even better time to be an employee,” added Jim Schott, vice president of transmission.
“JumpStart creates valuable experiences and relationships that will make Entergy the company of choice once they graduate and look for full-time work,” said HR Representative Anna Hughes.
JumpStart has been a successful program, with no signs of stopping.
“JumpStart has given me a good look at how the nuclear side works,” said Samuel Nauditt, an intern at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station. “They’re very welcoming and treat us as new hires, not interns.”
As for the lunch? “The lunch made me see how important even the interns are to the company,” Nauditt said. “The lunch was a great networking experience,” said William Patterson, another Grand Gulf intern.
