About the Expert
Mia Ruchie, Communications Intern
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What’s it like to intern at Geronimo Power? As a Communications intern myself, I know my story, but I wanted to get the full picture. So, I spoke with recruiters, mentors, and fellow interns at the company to understand what makes this one of the most respected programs in the industry.
Spoiler alert: It comes down to meaningful work, supportive mentorship, and a truly *powerful* culture.
First Impressions Matter
What makes candidates stand out.
Ever wanted a truly honest perspective on how Geronimo Power approaches intern recruitment? You’re in luck. I sat down with Erin Heimkes (Lead Recruiter) and Gabby Smith (Human Resources Specialist), the duo that recruits for the program, attends career fairs, conducts interviews, and evaluates candidates for the program.
- Where They Recruit: Erin and Gabby visit schools like Baylor (an invite-only career fair) and Tennessee State, both near many of our project sites, and most colleges near the Bloomington office. Surprisingly, they don’t prioritize schools with strong environmental programs.
- Who They Want: They are looking for people who are curious, excited, and eager to learn. Since interns don’t usually come in with a full technical toolkit, soft skills matter most: humility, drive, and teachability.
- How They Decide: First impressions matter, but not always in the way candidates expect. “It’s not just what candidates say—it’s how they say it,” Erin explained. Body language, eye contact, and genuine curiosity make a big difference. They recognize that even walking up to the booth at a career fair takes courage. What stands out most are candidates who genuinely reflect the Geronimo Power values, not just list them.
- Pro Tip: Our recruiters used to attend only spring career fairs, but now they’re at both fall and spring. Why? “We notice that top talent gets scooped up early,” said Gabby. That means if you’re serious about landing an internship here, don’t wait for spring. Show up at that fall fair you spotted on Handshake.
Takeaway: Confidence is key, but only when paired with humility. Be yourself, even if you’re nervous. Ask genuine questions and let your values shine through naturally.
Why Geronimo?
What makes candidates say yes.
I spoke with interns from across the company to learn how they found Geronimo Power and how they knew the internship was the right fit.
Some heard about the program through a friend. Bella Butcher-Salazar (Origination Intern) shared: “I first heard about Geronimo through an alum from my college who interned here last year. In our conversations, he spoke highly of the company’s values and culture and encouraged me to apply during my job search. During the interview process, I got a sense of how sharp, grounded, and motivated the directors are at the company.”
What made her say yes to the offer?
“I chose Geronimo largely because of the authenticity of the directors I spoke with and the diligent communication of the HR team. Their curiosity about my background and clarity around their teams’ work made the whole process feel open and collaborative.”
Lainey Rowsell (Field Operations Intern) chose the program because she “resonated with the values of the company and was interested in the energy industry.” Similarly, Rohan Elvin (Business Intelligence Intern)’s decision to return speaks volumes: “This summer marks my second internship here, and returning was an easy decision.”
Takeaway: Interns choose Geronimo for its culture, values, and thoughtful hiring process.
We All Start Somewhere
Not every intern finds their way here through a career fair or online application. I didn’t.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in May 2024, I thought I had everything lined up—a full-time role in Minneapolis, apartment ready, start date on the calendar. Two days before I was set to begin, the company called. Due to an internal mix-up, they’d accidentally offered the job to two people, one of whom had a personal connection to the CEO.
Suddenly, I had no job. Through a temp agency, I landed a short-term role at the front desk for a company I’d never heard of—then called National Grid Renewables. From day one, the office felt different. People were friendly, the energy was great, and I found myself genuinely curious about the work.
One afternoon, a group of interns was sitting in the lobby next to me, laughing and clearly happy to be there. I asked one about the program and her face lit up: “It’s the best internship ever,” she said. The only problem? There were no open roles in Marketing and Communications.
Then came the coffee pod moment. A few days in, after proudly nailing the other tasks on the checklist, I made one very unglamorous mistake. I dumped a full bin of used pods in with the fresh ones. So there I was, elbow-deep sorting through Nespresso pods, when someone walked up behind me.
He asked how I liked temping so far and we started chatting. I told him the truth: I loved it! I told him I liked how the company’s values were everywhere, how much I appreciated the energy of the office, and how I’d love the chance to apply there.
He chuckled, because as it turns out, he was the CEO, Blake Nixon.
Without overthinking it, I made my pitch. It wasn’t polished, but it was real. I told him about my background and asked if the marketing team needed extra help. He told me they could always use an extra set of hands and encouraged me to reach out.
That same day, Brooklynn helped me get in touch with the right people. I sent an email to the team introducing myself and went through the full interview process—first with Gabby, then with the team. And now… here I am.
Takeaway: Everyone’s path looks different. Mine included a lost job, a temp agency, a pod mishap, and a conversation I almost didn’t have. As our founder Noel Rahn said, “The world belongs to the optimist.”
The People Make the Place
Culture isn’t just a buzzword here.
At Geronimo Power, the people are the heartbeat of it all. That culture comes to life in the summer, when interns bring fresh energy and curiosity to the workplace. As someone who started at the end of last summer, this year’s cohort even made me feel like the new kid again.
When asked about the highlight of their internship, one person summed it up simply: “The people. Everyone’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious.”
Dylan Felth (Investments and Portfolio Management Intern) agreed: “Everyone is passionate about what they do, and it’s a breath of fresh air to come in every day and feel excited to contribute.” Lainey (Field Operations Intern) shared,
“I love the fast-paced environment and the focus on efficiency, safety, and problem-solving.”
Bella (Origination Intern) recalled one of her favorite moments—a private art tour at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, led by her director’s wife. “The art was incredible, and it was such a fun way to spend time with coworkers outside the office on a Sunday,” she said. Experiences like that, she added, are part of what makes the culture here so personal. “The level of involvement—volunteering, the retreat, even happy hours—really stands out compared to friends working in similar or totally different industries.”
In short, the culture here is built on connection—genuine, unforced, and everywhere you look.
Takeaway: The culture thrives on people who care about one another.
A Program with Purpose
Site visits, lessons, and socials that round out the experience.
The success of the program is no accident—it’s the result of thoughtful planning and a genuine investment in the personal and professional growth of young professionals. Gabby runs the summer program alongside Brooklynn Holtz (Human Resources Specialist), who began her own career as an intern here. Together, they design an intentional experience that blends learning with community.
That starts on day one. When interns arrive at their desk on their first day, they’re greeted with a green or blue balloon with their name—a small but celebratory detail that says, We’re excited you’re here.
From there, the summer is filled with opportunities that extend far beyond the day-to-day work:
- Onboarding: Orientation sessions feature past interns and subject matter experts from across the company.
- Industry Exposure: Interns attend transmission lessons and tour one of our solar sites in Minnesota.
- Professional Development: A résumé and interview workshop equips them with tools they’ll use long after the program ends.
- Social Connection: From ice cream socials to afternoons at the park, HR plans activities that allow interns to build relationships outside of their immediate teams.
- Leadership Access: Two small-group lunches with CEO Blake Nixon offer the rare chance to ask questions, share stories, and gain perspective directly from leadership.
Gabby and Brooklynn also gather feedback through mid- and end-of-program surveys, ensuring the experience continues to evolve based on what interns value most.
Takeaway: This internship is more than a summer job. It’s a program built with intention.
Built-In Community
Whether it’s lunch breaks or office banter, the intern cohort quickly becomes its own support system.
One of the most underrated parts of the internship experience? The community. At Geronimo Power, interns aren’t siloed or scattered, but a team in their own right.
There’s something comforting about having a group of people in the same stage of life—navigating the same questions about careers, post-grad plans, and what comes next. Whether it’s trading lunch recommendations, chatting about college, or laughing over an oddly specific Excel error, those shared moments turn a group of interns into a team of friends. As Bella shared,
“It’s been fun getting to know other young professionals with similar interests—it definitely makes the office more social and energizing.”
You’ll often find interns gathered in the break room during lunch, swinging by each other’s desks to check in, or swapping advice about projects, office tools, or even what snacks are stocked that day. The support is informal but impactful—people celebrate each other’s wins, offer tips when someone’s stuck, and keep things light with group chats, inside jokes, and the occasional spontaneous Caribou run. One intern wrote in the mid-summer survey, “I have loved making new friends and learning about the corporate environment.”
This summer, I’ve felt like a big sister—sharing advice, answering questions I once had, and watching others find their footing. By the end of the program, it’s not just about completing a great internship, it’s about having done it together. That sense of camaraderie makes the whole experience more fun and a lot less intimidating.
Takeaway: Having a community means you’re not figuring it out alone.
Mentors Who Make a Difference
The impact of guidance and support from others.
A few years ago, Andrew Larson (Principal Energy Storage Engineer) launched a mentorship program just for interns—an informal Friday afternoon meeting in the summer, outside HR or departmental structures, dedicated to honest conversations and guidance. Since then, Jonathan Dooley (Senior Software Developer), Nicole Lovold-Egar (Senior Business Intelligence Analyst), and Amanda Goddin (Lead EMS Manager) have carried it forward.
“It creates a collaborative space where everyone can share what’s on their mind, step outside their day-to-day, and gain a broader perspective of the business,” Jonathan explained.
The format changes week to week—sometimes a structured lesson, other times an open Q&A. “It doesn’t matter if you intern in Development, Real Estate, Permitting, or Asset Management—you’re given the opportunity to ask questions about anything, which is a really great opportunity.”
Nicole explained why that openness matters: “Having people to ask questions of when there isn’t a power dynamic at play, like being their supervisor or senior leadership, can really open up the opportunity to ask questions that feel vulnerable or ‘stupid’. When you’re getting going in your internship you’re learning the company, your role, your team’s work, relationships within the company – it can be overwhelming to get your feet under you. Having a space that’s dedicated to addressing basic questions or discuss company culture nuances takes the pressure off from that feeling of ‘I’m asking too many questions,’ or ‘I feel like I should know this.’”
One of the most popular sessions? Retirement planning and personal finance. “So many people regret not taking advantage of their 401k, HSA, or other benefits earlier,” Jonathan said. “I find it incredibly rewarding to help share what I know to help people make smart choices as they start their career. This session has become a hit!”
Mentorship is also about paying it forward. CEO Blake Nixon often shares how his mentor, company founder Noel Rahn, shaped his career. Jonathan echoed that: “A lot of people have been and continue to be mentors to me in my career, and I am incredibly grateful for that. The best way I can show my appreciation for them is to pass the favor on and share my experience with others.” Nicole encourages more colleagues to join in: “Being a part of someone’s first intro to the company is a fun opportunity—I’d encourage folks to check it out next year if they’re interested in being a mentor!”
Beyond the formal program, interns often find mentorship woven into their daily work. “My manager, Erik Gage, has been wonderful—he offers guidance when needed but also trusts me to figure things out,” said Bella. “Saxon, a director on my team, has been equally valuable for his industry insight and ability to break things down clearly.”
That balance of support and independence stood out across teams.
“My team makes me feel welcome, values my ideas, and supports me while encouraging me to solve problems on my own,” said Rohan.
Mentorship extends beyond the office too. For Lainey, fieldwork made a lasting impression: “I have had the privilege of learning from on-site personnel… their perspective and knowledge is truly priceless and has given me insight that I couldn’t have gotten in the classroom or office.”
For some, mentorship has shaped their career path entirely. Now a Strategy Development Analyst, former intern Anna Curtler credits her managers for aligning projects with her goals: “Both of my managers during my internships—Robert Harding and Sashwat Roy—played a key role in my growth and development. In my first experience in the energy industry, Robert acted almost like a private tutor, sharing materials on energy risk and hedging concepts and providing sample problems for me to work through. His guidance accelerated my learning and laid the foundation for the work that followed.”
Takeaway: From structured sessions to quiet encouragement and one-on-one coaching, interns are guided by people who genuinely want to see them grow.
Work That Matters
Where interns are more than interns.
Erin said it best: “Interns at Geronimo don’t spend their days getting coffee or shredding paper.” Instead, we’re given meaningful work and the chance to make an actual impact. It’s what makes this internship feel more like a career launchpad than a summer paycheck.
Lindsay Smith (Vice President of External Affairs and Communications) explained, “For an intern program to be successful, both the company and the intern need to gain something. Geronimo Power interns work on real projects and solve real problems. This approach gives interns hands-on experience and creates value that lasts well beyond the summer.”
In my case, I stepped into associate-level communications work from day one. One of my biggest projects was leading the communications side of our company-wide rebrand—running meetings, coordinating with teams across the business, and shaping the materials that introduced our new identity to the world. I also researched and presented new brand name options, planned campaigns for company events, and reimagined parts of our intranet. The variety—drafting content, managing vendors, collaborating with colleagues in the field—has kept me learning and growing every day.
And I’m not the only one taking on meaningful work. Across departments, interns are driving projects that shape the company’s future. Rohan explored AI this summer and ended up building a legal document comparison tool for the Real Estate team:
“It’s exciting that my internship work matters to both my future and the company’s progress,” he shared. “The hands-on opportunities to work on real, exciting projects have helped me grow my skills and develop my career.”
Bella conducted competitive analysis for 15+ projects expected to reach COD by 2028. “It’s given me a solid look at how contracts can be strategically adjusted to better align revenue and costs,” she said—especially valuable insight as the market continues to shift.
For Dylan, ownership meant leading the asset performance review for the operating portfolio. “This experience has given me a lot more hands-on experience with projects and has felt like more ‘important’ work than other internship experiences would offer,” he explained.
Even interns brand-new to the energy industry quickly found themselves immersed. “Getting to do a site visit during a safety audit really gave me insight on how what we do in the office translates to our field work,” one intern shared in our mid-summer survey. Another added simply: “It’s fun feeling like I’m actually contributing.”
Anna is proof of the program’s long-term impact. “During my first internship, I helped pilot an energy risk management and modeling software that the company ultimately adopted,” she said. “It grew my confidence as I became one of the internal experts on the new tool.” Her second internship brought even more opportunity: supporting early concept development for project colocation. “It was an exciting opportunity to be part of a new business area, learning alongside the team and contributing to those initial efforts.”
Takeaway: This isn’t an internship where you’re just learning from the sidelines. At Geronimo, you’re in the game from day one.
The End (and the Beginning)
Lasting takeaways.
This internship isn’t just about the work—it’s about the people, the culture, and the feeling of being part of something bigger. While intern season is arguably the best time of year at Geronimo, that energy culminates in our final presentations—a chance to reflect on the projects we’ve led, the lessons we’ve learned, and the impact we’ve made. But what we take with us goes far beyond a PowerPoint.
Looking back, what sets this program apart isn’t just the opportunities, it’s the people who make them possible. The directors who take time to answer your questions. The coworkers who invite you to lunch. The CEO who chats with you while you’re sorting Nespresso pods.
At Geronimo, interns aren’t just brought in to observe—we’re brought in to contribute. The company plans an exceptionally thorough program that paves the way for interns’ futures. And that makes all the difference. As one put it:
“I think I speak for all of the interns when I say that we appreciate the opportunities in front of us and how hard Geronimo works to hire welcoming people and the overall quality of the office environment!”
For many interns, the experience revealed new insights about their strengths and future direction. Abbey Pearson (Community Engagement Intern) discovered more about her personal work style: “I’ve learned a lot about my work style during my internship experience. Our team did a training called ‘Six Working Genius’ that shed light on which aspects of the workflow process I am most naturally drawn to.”
For others, it clarified their long-term goals. As Lainey shared: “This internship has definitely convinced me that I want to work in the energy industry… I want to be a part of the behind-the-scenes operations that keep our lights on!”
And even for those who don’t return full-time, the connection doesn’t end with the summer. Many former interns stay in touch with their teams and often cross paths with Erin and Gabby again at career fairs down the road.
Takeaway: When you intern here, you don’t just join a company. You become part of a community that sticks with you long after summer ends.
