Tours and Talks Give MSU Engineering Students a Close-up of Entergy
November 14, 2012
Engineering students from Mississippi State University were given a chance to envision themselves as Entergy employees during recent facility tours and presentations.
“In light of the competition for engineering grads, we’re seeking new methods that go beyond simply joining other companies at career fairs to talk to graduating students,” said Tom Field, senior engineer, transmission headquarters, Jackson. “By building relationships with students from the time they enroll in college through graduation, we want to encourage and inspire them to choose a career in the utility industry as Entergy employees.”
On Nov. 5, a group of Entergy employees held a two-hour recruiting session on MSU’s campus with around 50 students nearing graduation. Participants enjoyed pizza while viewing videos about Entergy and presentations by Martin McGee from Entergy Mississippi, John Scott from energy delivery, Dillon Allen from nuclear, Paula Weaver from fossil and Claudia Maldonado from Entergy’s talent management group in New Orleans.
Later that day, Field delivered a presentation to more than 100 MSU freshmen engineering students about the power industry.
On Nov. 10, employees led a group of MSU students on tours of the McAdams transmission substation in Attala County and the Kosciusko substation. Students also enjoyed lunch with employees at the Kosciusko distribution office. After Field explained substation operation to students, they were led on facility tours by Richard Burkhalter, Kevin Leist, Kevin Norris and David Taylor.
Last spring, MSU engineering students toured the Attala combined-cycle generating station. Field said students will probably tour Baxter Wilson steam generating station next year.
Kevin Norris explains how electro-mechanical relays works at McAdams transmission substation.
Richard Burkhalter explains the operation of shunt reactors connected to the 500/230 KV autotransformer tertiary windings at McAdams transmission substation.
Kevin Norris explains the operation of a 500 kV switch at McAdams transmission substation.