This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only. The information is accurate as of the last page update.
For questions about page contents, contact the Communications Division.
Expecting to conduct his January interim externship at a small consulting firm, Andrew Dapkunas ’09 (Ardmore, Pa.) instead found big insight into a possible future career.
Dapkunas observed the inner workings of PJM Interconnection LLC, located in Norristown, Pa. PJM Interconnection is a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Hosted by mechanical engineering graduate David Anders ’83, manager of member services, Dapkunas attended a “lunch and learn” session about new standards and procedures the company is implementing and toured the control center for the power grid.
“The most interesting part was seeing how the flow of power is controlled through the Interconnection,” says Dapkunas, a mechanical engineering major. “One can’t simply see and track power in [distinct] quantities, so a lot of sophisticated techniques are used to track which power goes where.”
Anders recognizes that many college graduates don’t get the hands-on experience in their future working environments and believes offering internships with PLM Interconnection is a valuable opportunity for students interested in working in the field.
“It can be a confusing place, and they’ll have many changes and challenges happening all at the same time,” he says. “If we can help them understand a little of what they should expect, and what will be expected of them, they’ll have a leg up.”
Anders enjoys sharing his experiences with current students and helping them learn from his own successes and mistakes.
During alumni-hosted externships, students and their alumni hosts often connect on a personal level. Dapkunas benefited from gaining a mechanical engineer’s perspective on career paths and enjoyed discussing how the College has changed since Anders was a student.
The externship program also provides alumni with other benefits. Working closely with students allows them to gain insight into a student’s abilities as a budding professional. Anders was impressed with Dapkunas’ willingness to learn.
“Andrew was great,” he says. “He was prepared, and came with an open mind. He got a feel for how complex an organization can be. He’s an interesting guy, and I’m sure that he’s going to be successful.”
Dapkunas plans to pursue a master’s degree after graduation. He recommends the externship program to fellow undergraduates.
“My experience was great, and so were those of my friends,” he says. “If nothing else, it broadens your view of just what’s out there.”
Dapkunas is a tour guide for the admissions office and a member of the student chapter of American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.