Industrials and Systems Engineering Co-op Story: Alabama Power

Allye Buttram

Industrial and Systems Engineering

What company did you intern with and where are they located?

Alabama Power Company | Anniston ('23-24) and Talladega ('25), AL

How did you identify and apply for your internship? Are there any specific resources you used to find the opportunity (i.e. Handshake, career fairs, other recruitment events)?

I had some connections outside of Auburn, but I accepted this position going through the standard career fair process utilizing several of the CDCR resources.

What was the application process like?

The application process was fairly simple. I attended the career fair and signed up for an initial interview. I was selected for second round interviews where I later committed to the role that I am in now.

Tell us about your internship experience. What types of tasks and projects did you engage in? Was there a particular project or part of the experience you learned the most from?

I have been working in the Distribution Engineering Office my entire time at the company. Although, this summer I am in a different location. Each term I have been given more responsibilities. The first term was getting adjusted to the daily tasks of an engineer in my role. The second term was the same thing but taking part in several projects regarding statewide equipment issues within the company and our strategic underground planning project. This last term I am in a much smaller office and will be taking over my own territory. I learned most from my time working with the line crews. This opportunity was very educational about the equipment and labor that comes with the jobs I draw up and estimate.

In what ways did this internship help you prepare for your next destination after Auburn?

This experience has molded me into the engineer I am now. These opportunities have challenged me and made me a better engineer already. Work experience is such a huge asset coming out of college, and it has taught me a lot about what to expect in a professional setting as well as the daily life of several roles within the company. This was a dream company for me to end up at, so I am just grateful for what I have learned and eager to learn more.

In what ways did your coursework or other experiences at Auburn prepare you for your internships? Are there specific topics or skills you learned from classes that you put into practice on the job?

There are a few classes regarding systems and planning that have shaped the way I efficiently draw and plan the jobs I am in charge of. I am grateful for those classes because being an Industrial and Systems Engineer in a field full of Electrical or Civil Engineers, I have a benefit by having a completely different mindset and bringing new skills, thoughts, and ideas to the table.

Do you have any advice for other students looking for internships like yours?