Hands-on Power: HPC's 2026 Summer Interns

This summer, Hendricks Power welcomed two Purdue University freshmen, Aliou J. and Chase W., into our engineering department. From mastering industry terminology to drafting switching orders, these Boilermakers jumped headfirst into the cooperative way of life.

Each found their way to the co-op through different channels—Chase applied via Indeed, while Aliou spotted the job listing on Hendricks Power’s Facebook page—but both felt right at home during the hiring process.

"My interview was my first professional interview ever," Chase recalled. "Since I was still living in Lafayette, they offered me a virtual option. It was great to have that kind of flexibility." Aliou, who interviewed in person, agreed: "Sitting in a room with the hiring team felt intimidating at first, but they made me feel comfortable right away."

Still, transitioning from the classroom to the field comes with a learning curve. Electrical Distribution System Engineer, Cameron S., who started with the cooperative as an intern before joining full-time, played a key role in helping the new team adjust.

"The first week, before our software was set up, everyone was using terms we’d never even heard," Aliou said. "Now, we can sit in a meeting and understand everything being discussed. Having been in our shoes, Cameron made that transition so much smoother and was a huge help."

During their time here, Aliou and Chase gained hands-on experience with real-world distribution projects, including switching orders and utility battery analysis. Both expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that exploring electrical distribution engineering opened their eyes to future career paths in the industry.

Most of all, the interns felt backed by the entire co-op from day one. Whether they were talking strategy with distribution designers, touring substations, or picking up advice along the way, they felt like true team members. They especially appreciated team lunches with the engineering staff, connecting with the marketing team, and monthly company-wide pitch-ins.

As they head back to West Lafayette for their sophomore year, they leave behind some valuable advice for incoming interns: "Don’t get overwhelmed by what you don’t know at first. Everyone here is ready to help you figure it out. Trust yourself, but verify."

Hendricks Power extends a sincere thank you to Aliou and Chase for their hard work and dedication to serving our members this summer. We wish them all the best as they return to Purdue for their sophomore year—Boiler Up!